Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $103

Budget/Beginner

$119

$200+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "EMG PA Bass Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Transform your bass guitar's soundscape with the EMG PA Bass Pickup, a staple in the world of bass pickups since 1979. This active pickup is designed for players seeking a wide sonic palette, offering both classic and modern tones with exceptional clarity. The EMG PA combines ceramic magnets with short, squat coils, providing a brilliant high-end articulation, warm mids, and a punchy low end that cuts through any mix. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or rocking the stage, the EMG PA delivers a dynamic presence and superior definition across all genres. The inclusion of EMG's innovative solderless wiring makes installation a breeze, ensuring you spend less time setting up and more time playing.

Key Features:

  • Active pickup design for enhanced tonal clarity and punch
  • Ceramic magnets for high-end articulation and low-end depth
  • Short coil structure for superior tonal response
  • Solderless wiring for easy installation
  • Includes pre-wired 25K volume and tone pots
  • Comes with a stereo output jack, battery bus, and mounting hardware
  • Quik-connect cable for user-friendly setup

This pickup is perfect for musicians who demand versatility and precision from their bass guitar, providing a seamless blend of vintage warmth and modern edge that suits any musical style.

Product specs

Type Single-coil
Format P-style
Active/Passive Active
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Strings 4
Position Middle
DC Resistance 3K
Number of Conductors 4 wire plus battery
Features Solderless, Split-coil

FAQs

What is the sound characteristic of the EMG PA Bass Pickup?

The EMG PA Bass Pickup is known for its clear, punchy sound with a strong mid-range presence, ideal for cutting through a mix. Its active design provides low noise and high output, making it suitable for various music styles.

Is the EMG PA Bass Pickup suitable for a 4-string bass?

Yes, the EMG PA Bass Pickup is specifically designed for 4-string bass guitars, providing optimal performance and tonal clarity for this configuration.

Does the EMG PA Bass Pickup require a battery?

Yes, as an active pickup, the EMG PA Bass Pickup requires a battery to operate, which is included in the solderless installation system for easy setup.

How easy is it to install the EMG PA Bass Pickup?

The EMG PA Bass Pickup features a solderless installation system, making it straightforward to install without the need for soldering, simplifying the process for users.

What type of magnet is used in the EMG PA Bass Pickup?

The EMG PA Bass Pickup utilizes ceramic magnets, which contribute to its strong output and clear, defined sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The EMG Geezer Butler passive set is contrasted with the P4X and TWX models for tonal variety and versatility.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the tonal clarity and neutrality of EMG pickups over Seymour Duncan’s 1/4#ers, especially for a modern bass sound.

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Features and functionality

  • EMG P pickups deliver a midrange growl, ideal for aggressive styles, and pair well with dirty preamps for added depth.

    Source
  • The EMG PA Bass Pickup plug-and-play system eliminates the need for soldering, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of damage during setup.

    Source
  • The EMG MMTW humbucker allows for coil splitting using a push/pull volume knob, providing flexibility in sound configuration.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested to pair the EMG Geezer Butler in the neck with an EMG HZ in the bridge for a versatile tone blend.

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  • Users found that taping wires to the EMG pickups during installation prevents accidental unplugging, ensuring a more stable setup.

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  • A combination of a P pickup with a soapbar in the bridge, specifically the PAX model, is recommended for achieving natural P tone with active clarity.

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Use cases and applications

  • Users note that EMG P pickups in the neck position excel, but the bridge position might not be optimal for everyone.

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  • EMG pickups, particularly the passive Geezer Butler set, are favored for their clean, noise-free signal, making them ideal for live performances.

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  • Nylon tapers are used by some bass players on jazz basses to eliminate high-end frequencies for a deeper bass tone.

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User experience

  • The EMG HZ pickups have been criticized as the least favorable option, while the P4X and TWX offer significant improvements.

    Source
  • The EMG PJ set's J pickup can be quieter than the P, leading some users to raise its height for better balance.

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  • Owners favor a P and soapbar setup over traditional PJ setups for a more balanced tone, especially for deep-voiced bass sounds.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bryan Richie uses EMG PA Bass Pickup

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."

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 PA Bass Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

EMG J Set Pickups
EMG J Set Pickups Bass Guitar Pickups
1

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