Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $183
Standard/Professional
$119
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "EMG J Set Pickups". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience a new level of tonal clarity and harmonic overtones with the EMG J Set Pickups. Designed to add greater dynamics to your bass playing, these active bass pickups deliver a full-bodied sound that retains the traditional tone you love. Whether you're a fretted or fretless bass player, you'll appreciate the balanced output across the strings and the linear attack from note to note.
Unlike standard side-by-side pole pieces, the EMG J Set utilizes a unique single-pole crescent-shaped magnetic field that perfectly complements the radiused fingerboard. This not only ensures a consistent, balanced output across the strings, but also enhances the low-frequency response while maintaining the narrow aperture for the signature Jazz Bass tone.
Each package comes complete with a prewired harness, including dual volume controls, master tone control, output jack, battery clip, and pickup adjustment screws for easy installation. The pickups are designed for maximum string width of 2-3/4" (70 mm), making it a versatile choice for both 4- and 5-string bass guitars.
Key Features:
- Active bass pickups with full-bodied sound
- Unique single-pole crescent-shaped magnetic field for balanced output
- Enhances low-frequency response while maintaining signature Jazz Bass tone
- Prewired harness includes dual volume controls, master tone control, output jack, and battery clip
- Suitable for both 4- and 5-string bass guitars
- Comes complete with pickup adjustment screws for easy installation
- Maximum overall string width: 2-3/4" (70 mm)
Product specs
| Type | Set: Single-coil |
| Format | J-style |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Magnet Material | Ceramic |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| DC Resistance | 10K |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire plus battery |
| Features | Solderless |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the EMG J Set Pickups?
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The EMG J Set Pickups provide a clear and punchy sound with a strong low-end response, thanks to their active design and ceramic magnets. They are ideal for players seeking a modern, articulate tone with enhanced clarity.
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Are the EMG J Set Pickups suitable for all bass guitars?
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The EMG J Set is designed for 4-string Jazz-style bass guitars. They are compatible with most basses that have standard J-style pickup routes.
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Do the EMG J Set Pickups require a battery?
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Yes, the EMG J Set Pickups are active pickups and require a 9V battery to power their preamp for optimal performance.
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How easy is it to install the EMG J Set Pickups?
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The EMG J Set features a solderless installation system, making it relatively easy to install without needing advanced wiring skills or soldering equipment.
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What makes the EMG J Set Pickups different from passive pickups?
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The EMG J Set Pickups are active, using a built-in preamp powered by a battery, which provides a higher output and more consistent tone compared to passive pickups, which rely solely on the magnetic field.
Videos
Goldmusicsrl
EMG J SET
EMG J SET
Goldmusicsrl
Fender Original 1975 pickups VS EMG J Set
Béla Jámbor
EMG 4 String Jazz Bass® Pickup Set: What’s In The Box (A Close-Up Look)
Fat Bass Tone
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG J Set Pickups.
Use cases and applications
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EMG pickups are noted for their ability to be adapted to various styles by adjusting a three-band EQ and blending pickups for a defined sound.
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EMG P and J pickups are favored for replicating the tone of bands like Ghost, particularly in D standard and dropped C tunings.
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EMG pickups are praised for their ability to deliver a clean, noiseless signal suitable for live performances and various musical styles.
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Mods and upgrades
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It's suggested that switching from EMG HZ to any higher-end EMG model results in a noticeable tonal improvement, especially for metal and hard rock genres.
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An 18v mod is suggested to prevent distortion/clipping, enhancing the bass preamp's headroom; this is recommended in the EMG manual.
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Owners retrofitted the Geezer P/J set into basses like the Harley Benton and Ibanez, finding significant tonal improvements and satisfaction with the passive design.
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Comparisons
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EMG HZ pickups are criticized for sounding empty compared to active EMG models, which offer a more robust and satisfying tone.
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The EMG P/J setup is preferred by some for variety, while the JJ setup is noted for providing more bite, especially in metal genres.
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EMG pickups are described as having a muddy, low-mid heavy sound around 60Hz to 200Hz, unlike the cleaner tone of a Fender PJ bass.
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Users find EMG pickups, especially active ones, to lack the distinct tonal character of passive alternatives like Seymour Duncan or Nordstrand, often compressing dynamics.
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Features and functionality
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Users appreciate the solderless connection system of EMG pickups for its convenience and ease of installation without soldering issues.
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It's highlighted that active basses with EMG pickups typically lack a tone knob, contrasting with passive setups.
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The Geezer Butler passive P/J set offers a distinct tone with a bass boost when using the P pickup alongside the J pickup for enhanced sound options.
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User experience
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Some owners find EMG-HZ pickups to produce an aggressive sound but note that replacing the preamp with an EMG BQC results in a more balanced tone.
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Some users experienced low output with EMG pickups when using flatwound strings and noted that wiring issues might also affect performance, suggesting a wiring review.
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Setup and maintenance
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The solderless plug system simplifies installation, preventing soldering errors and damage to components like volume pots.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
126
Artist usage
Add artist
Flea is confirmed to have used EMG J Set Pickups during the "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan" and "Mother's Milk" eras (1987-1991) of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is evidenced by his use of a Spector NS-2J bass, equipped with these pickups, in performances such as Pinkpop 1988 and Higher Ground at the Arsenio Hall Show. The official music video for "Knock Me Down," available on RedHotChiliPeppeVEVO's YouTube channel, further supports this information.
on the emg website, it states that robert uses these pickups
John Paul Jones is confirmed to use the EMG J Set Pickups, as indicated on the EMG page.
According to the EMG webpage, Victor Wooten uses EMG J Set Pickups in his basses, as evidenced by the image on Equipboard.
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Peter Steele is known to use EMG J Set Pickups on some of his custom basses, primarily utilizing the bridge pickup, as evidenced by the image.
Jack Bruce is confirmed to use EMG J Set Pickups on his Warwicks, as evidenced by a promotional image from 1990.
D'arcy Wretzky is confirmed to use EMG J Set Pickups on her Jazz Basses during the 1990s, as evidenced by the visible silver EMG logo on the pickups in available photographs.
Robert DeLeo used EMG J Set Pickups in the early and mid-1990s with his Jazz Basses, as evidenced by a photograph from that era. Later, he transitioned to using a PJ bass equipped with the EMG PJ set in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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Guy explains in the interview at 2:10 that he was complaining about the stock pickups on his main 1969 jazz bass. The next day, there were EMGs in it.
Bassist Traa Daniels is confirmed to use EMG J Set Pickups on his Warwick Dolphin basses, specifically employing a combination of EMG 40DC on the bridge and an EMG J on the neck, as evidenced by the image of his performance in Somerset, Wisconsin on May 14, 2016.
Jennifer Finch used EMG J Set Pickups on her Jazz Bass in the 1990s, as evidenced by the visible EMG logo on her bass in close-up images.
During his tenure with Dinosaur Jr., bassist Mike Johnson used EMG J Set Pickups on his Jazz Bass. This is confirmed by a live performance video from 1997, where the EMG logo is clearly visible on his bass, as noted by the Instagram account grunge_bible.
Album Usage
The EMG J Set Pickups has been featured on the following albums:
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 J Set Pickups, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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