Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $110

Budget/Beginner

$119

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your bass game with the EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup, a perfect blend of power and precision for any J-style 5-string electric bass. Crafted to enhance every strum, this pickup infuses your sound with a classic jazz bass essence, while extending the tonal frequency range for added depth and clarity. Whether you're playing smooth jazz or heavy rock, the 40J's design ensures vibrant, harmonic overtones with a punch that cuts through the mix.

The pickup's radiused ceramic magnet maintains a tight midrange and dynamic highs, providing a well-balanced sound across all strings. Its extended housing accommodates the coil in the rear part, closer to the bridge, magnifying lively overtones that are rich and resonant. The very low resistance-to-inductance ratio is engineered to enhance the low-frequency response, delivering a fuller bass presence.

Installation is a breeze with EMG's exclusive solderless system, making it ideal for musicians who want to spend less time tinkering and more time playing. Included are essential components such as a 25k volume pot, tone pot, and a stereo output jack, all designed to seamlessly integrate into your setup.

Key Features:

  • For J-Style 5-string electric basses
  • Suitable for all positions
  • Radiused ceramic magnet for tight midrange and dynamic highs
  • Very low resistance-to-inductance ratio for improved low-frequency response
  • Solderless installation system for easy setup
  • Includes 25k volume & tone pots, stereo output jack, and necessary cables
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Available since July 2024
Active Pickup System Yes
Wiring Solderfree
Colour Black
Position Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What type of music is the EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup best suited for?

The EMG 40J is ideal for genres requiring clear, articulate tones such as jazz, funk, and rock, thanks to its active pickup system that provides a high output and enhanced clarity.

Can the EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup be used for both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the EMG 40J is designed for use in both neck and bridge positions, offering versatility in tone and application for 5-string bass guitars.

Does the EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup require any special wiring?

The EMG 40J features a solder-free wiring system, making it straightforward to install without the need for soldering tools, simplifying the setup process for users.

How does the active system in the EMG 40J affect its performance?

The active system in the EMG 40J boosts the pickup's output, providing a clearer and more dynamic sound with increased headroom, which is particularly beneficial for slap and pop techniques.

What is the expected battery life for the EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup?

The EMG 40J typically offers around 3000 hours of battery life with a single 9-volt battery, ensuring long-lasting performance without frequent battery changes.

kyral210

kyral210

EMG (40P5 + 40J) Vs Seymour Duncan (SSB-5 Set)

Video thumbnail for EMG (40P5 + 40J) Vs Seymour Duncan (SSB-5 Set) by kyral210

EMG (40P5 + 40J) Vs Seymour Duncan (SSB-5 Set)

kyral210

kyral210

Video thumbnail for Dingwall EMG 40J pickup test + quick interface bass recording tip 🎛 by Rufus Mann

Dingwall EMG 40J pickup test + quick interface bass recording tip 🎛

Rufus Mann

Rufus Mann

Video thumbnail for EMG 40J - Mensinger Joker B 5a 32" hollowbody by Public Peace

EMG 40J - Mensinger Joker B 5a 32" hollowbody

Public Peace

Public Peace

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup.

Mods and upgrades

  • Combining an EMG 40P5 with a 40J pickup is recommended for a balanced and versatile tone in metal and psychedelic rock genres.

    Source
  • Converting to a different pickup type, such as from soapbar to single coil, may require significant modifications to the bass body.

    Source
  • Users recommend pairing the EMG 40J with an EMG 40P5 for a versatile tone, particularly suitable for metal and rock genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP LTD D5 bass fits M5 (EMG 45) sized pickups, which are compatible with various brands like Lace Alumitones and Nordstrand Big Singles for different tonal options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EMG pickups are favored for their quiet operation and lack of hum, making them ideal for recording and live performance settings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EMG 40J pickup is praised for its quiet operation, ideal for recording and live settings due to no hum or noise interference.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners highlight the importance of ensuring proper battery management due to the active nature of the EMG 40J, which won't function with a dead battery.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players report a preference for the tonal clarity and balance provided by the EMG 40J when combined with their existing gear.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
chrisdesign

Power!

Combined with the 40p5 in the neck, this j pickup is incredible! Simple, it just sounds great!

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
B

Byron Stroud

Bassist

Strapping Young Lad

...
Verified

The EMG website lists Byron Stroud as a 40J user in his bass setups

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for EMG 40J 5 String Active Bass Pickup, curated by the Equipboard community.

EMG 35J Active Bass Pickup
similar sound

It’s the same pickup, but for a four string bass. Simple.

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