Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $108

Budget/Beginner

$119

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG 45DC". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

The EMG 45DC pickup is a powerhouse designed to elevate your 6-string electric bass's performance with its dynamic and modern sound. Perfectly fitting into any genre, it delivers the articulate clarity and expansive tonal range that professional bassists crave. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, this pickup offers the versatility and punch needed to cut through any mix.

Crafted in the USA, the EMG 45DC is engineered for reliability and precision. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the included solderless wiring kit and pots make installation a breeze, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your music. With a maximum string spacing of 95.25 mm, it accommodates a wide range of basses, providing even string response and balance.

Sleek and understated, this pickup's design is all about performance without the frills. Upgrade your bass with the EMG 45DC and experience a new dimension of sound that inspires creativity and elevates your playing to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Designed for 6-string electric bass
  • Powerful and modern sound
  • Maximum string spacing: 95.25 mm
  • Includes solderless wiring kit and pots
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Available since October 2002
Active Pickup System Yes
Wiring 3-Conductor
Colour Black
Position Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What type of bass guitar is the EMG 45DC pickup suitable for?

The EMG 45DC is designed for 6-string bass guitars, providing a powerful and clear tone suitable for various musical styles.

Does the EMG 45DC pickup require a battery?

Yes, the EMG 45DC is an active pickup, which means it requires a 9V battery to operate.

Can the EMG 45DC be used in both the bridge and neck positions?

Yes, the EMG 45DC is versatile and can be installed in both the bridge and neck positions of a bass guitar.

What kind of tone can I expect from the EMG 45DC pickup?

The EMG 45DC provides a clear, punchy tone with a broad frequency response, making it ideal for genres requiring articulate bass lines.

What kind of wiring does the EMG 45DC use?

The EMG 45DC utilizes a 3-conductor wiring system, which allows for flexible installation options and configurations.

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Video thumbnail for Wilson Prateado | Aguilar OBP3 | EMG 45DC | Contrabaixo Eliezer Lara Exotic 6 Cordas by Eliezer Lara Guitars

Wilson Prateado | Aguilar OBP3 | EMG 45DC | Contrabaixo Eliezer Lara Exotic 6 Cordas

Eliezer Lara Guitars

Eliezer Lara Guitars

Video thumbnail for Timbrão do Emg 45Dc com circuito @tbtechpreampsbrasil "Bravo" e com cordas velhas!!Do c@r@mb@ by Amilton Félix 'Bolla Bass"

Timbrão do Emg 45Dc com circuito @tbtechpreampsbrasil "Bravo" e com cordas velhas!!Do c@r@mb@

Amilton Félix 'Bolla Bass"

Amilton Félix 'Bolla Bass"

Video thumbnail for EMG 45DC, BQC SYSTEM. Slap and Pop. by LA VOZ DE UNO.

EMG 45DC, BQC SYSTEM. Slap and Pop.

LA VOZ DE UNO.

LA VOZ DE UNO.

Video thumbnail for EMG 45DC Bass Pickup: What’s In The Box? (A Close-Up Look) by Fat Bass Tone

EMG 45DC Bass Pickup: What’s In The Box? (A Close-Up Look)

Fat Bass Tone

Fat Bass Tone

Reviews

PROS

  • Installation is straightforward with a user-friendly, solderless kit

  • Delivers a clean, balanced sound across the entire spectrum

  • Excellent for producing deep, clean sub-bass frequencies

  • No parasitic noise, offering an extremely clean sound

  • Sound quality is consistent with the price point

  • Versatile sound, adaptable to various musical styles

  • Excellently packaged with all components neatly organized

CONS

  • Some users experience low output and muffled sound

  • Tends to lose character at very low tone settings

  • Quality control issues reported with faulty units

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 45DC.

Features and functionality

  • The EMG 45DC and 45DCx pickups can be wired with two volume controls and both passive and active tone controls, though this setup isn't standard.

    Source
  • EMG offers detailed wiring diagrams for their pickups, which are highly regarded for clarity and thoroughness.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience unusual volume behavior, with one volume knob controlling the overall output and the second only slightly adjusting volume when the first is active.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest drawing or photographing existing wiring configurations before making changes to avoid confusion and ensure accurate reassembly.

    Source
  • The EMG 45DC pickups require routing modifications for installation in the Ibanez SRMS805 due to different cavity sizes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's possible to wire a bass with both passive and active tone controls, although this may require custom configurations not covered by standard EMG diagrams.

    Source
  • Nordstrand Zen Blades and Big Blades are recommended for fitting existing Bartolini P4 cavities without modification on the SRMS805.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Aguilar DCB pickups, featuring blade designs, are noted for improved clarity over stock Bartolini BH2s in SRMS models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Players seeking bright tones for metal music find Bartolini pickups muddy and prefer alternatives like Nordstrand for better mix penetration.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Tucker uses EMG 45DC

Steve Tucker

Singer, Bassist

Morbid Angel

...
Verified via blakhartguitars

Steve Tucker uses the EMG 45DC bass pickup, as mentioned in the product description of his signature model, the KRONOS ST4 Bass, on the Blakhart Guitars website.

Genre Usage

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