Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$189.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$189.00
Amazon
4.8 (62)
$189.00
Reverb
$199.00 1 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (12)
$189.00
Thomann
4.7 (95)
$141.00 $139.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $183

Standard/Professional

$119

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 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

What type of sound can I expect from the EMG J Set Pickups?

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.

Are the EMG J Set Pickups suitable for all bass guitars?

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.

Do the EMG J Set Pickups require a battery?

Yes, the EMG J Set Pickups are active pickups and require a 9V battery to power their preamp for optimal performance.

How easy is it to install the EMG J Set Pickups?

The EMG J Set features a solderless installation system, making it relatively easy to install without needing advanced wiring skills or soldering equipment.

What makes the EMG J Set Pickups different from passive pickups?

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.

Goldmusicsrl

Goldmusicsrl

EMG J SET

Video thumbnail for EMG J SET by Goldmusicsrl

EMG J SET

Goldmusicsrl

Goldmusicsrl

Video thumbnail for Fender Original 1975 pickups VS EMG J Set by Béla Jámbor

Fender Original 1975 pickups VS EMG J Set

Béla Jámbor

Béla Jámbor

Video thumbnail for EMG 4 String Jazz Bass® Pickup Set: What’s In The Box (A Close-Up Look) by Fat Bass Tone

EMG 4 String Jazz Bass® Pickup Set: What’s In The Box (A Close-Up Look)

Fat Bass Tone

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

  • 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.

    Source
  • EMG P and J pickups are favored for replicating the tone of bands like Ghost, particularly in D standard and dropped C tunings.

    Source
  • EMG pickups are praised for their ability to deliver a clean, noiseless signal suitable for live performances and various musical styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The solderless plug system simplifies installation, preventing soldering errors and damage to components like volume pots.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Geezer Butler set comes with pots included, offering a budget-friendly upgrade for cheaper basses lacking soldering skills.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
marcelo_yakko

grateat mics: clear , definition on sound treble an lows in a perfect balance!

grateat mics: clear , definition on sound treble an lows in a perfect balance!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Johnson uses EMG J Set Pickups

Mike Johnson

Bassist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Instagram

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.

See how Bryan Richie uses EMG J Set Pickups

Bryan Richie

Bassist

The Sword

...
Verified via Emgpickups

"Currently on the road in the U.S. supporting this behemoth of a allencompassing rock and metal album, guitarist Bryan Richie has loaded his basses with the EMG Jazz Set and EMG-PA pickups."

See how John Norwood Fisher uses EMG J Set Pickups

John Norwood Fisher

Bassist

Fishbone

...
Verified via Photo

In this screenshot of a photo of Norwood from around the “Reality of my Surroundings” era, a pair of EMG pickups can be seen in his Warwick Thumb 5 string

See how Nick Seymour uses EMG J Set Pickups

Nick Seymour

Bassist

Crowded House

...
Verified via Photo

In the 1980s, Nick Seymour used EMG J Set Pickups on one of his JJ Spectors, as these were the stock pickups at the time, as evidenced by a 1987 Getty Images photograph.

See how Bruce Hall uses EMG J Set Pickups

Bruce Hall

Singer, Bassist

REO Speedwagon

...
Verified via Emgpickups

As mentioned on EMG's official website.

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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