I am trying to upgrade one of my 5 string bass and get better sound. The only dealer in my area handles EMG pickups only. What type of pickup would you recommend EMG wise. Just want clarity and punch.
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Question about EMG pickups?
- Thread starter Bassworship1
- Start date
They have several models but even the standard EMG J's sound really good. In fact I'm about to put a set in my Lakland. I already have a set in a custom Jazz I own. Bear in mind, most models are active except the HZ's and will require a battery. The pickups come with the entire setup including pots, knobs and battery clip. If you desire, you can add a Bass and Treble control (BTC) or Bass, Mid & Treble control (BQC) if you have the room for the extra pots.
What type of bass do you have? I'm gonna assume one with soapbars that fit the EMG 40 size (1.5" x 4.0")?...Maybe a EMG 40P5 in neck and EMG DC in bridge? I hear thats a popular combo. I have two DC's I love it.
Here is the bass I have. I play christian praise and worship and these pickups is not clear or punchy enough for me. I have a Stingray with 2 humbuckers and love that sound. Any help on what to use would;d be greatly appreciated.
I don't think EMG makes pickups in that size. You may want to try a preamp upgrade and see if that helps. What brand of bass is that?
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Thats a 6 string bass. You said your interested in upgrading a 5 string bass. If you want to sound like a Stingray those are REALLY different pickups and you are looking at major modifications. Suggest you sell this 5/6 string bass and get something more to your liking.
That's the same bass I have exactly except mine is 5 string. It's a Raven West bass. It has PICK-UPS BY G+B BD-4 DOUBLE COIL. What does EMG make that would sound good and fit without modifying the bass
I don't believe EMG makes a pickup that size. You don't need to limit yourself to what's sold locally, though. Any online retailer should have something that will fit. I've gotten most of my pickups from bestbassgear.com and an email or two should get you the right replacement within a few days.
Edit... I think that's the same pickup size as Bartolini's X4...
Edit... I think that's the same pickup size as Bartolini's X4...
Can you order online? Bestbassgear.com would have something that would work or you could have someone make custom replacements. I've had good luck with Christoph Dolph at
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*edit* Tigeraintrance beat me to it.
Invalid Link Removed
*edit* Tigeraintrance beat me to it.
I just like to have a clear punchy tone. The pickups that came on it are very powerful but they are muffled and sound like your in a hole. I will measure the pickups tonight and see what dimensions they are because I don't want to cut or modify the bass. Question I have is will the Pickups make the difference solely or will I have to change more than that?
4.5x1.5.
Has anyone heard of G&B BD-4 pickups before? They are extremely hot but the sound just isn't clear.
I think you're wrong about the pickup size. 4.5"x1.5" are EMG 45 like dimensions and your pickups don't look like they do. I don't think they are 1.5" high. Can you post an actual pic of your bass??
http://www.bestbassgear.com/emg-pickups-45p.htm
Ok, this bass is different from the one posted above. You said they were the same. Anyway, it looks like you have EMG 45 sized pickups in there. Should be an easy install. By the way the 45 indicates width size (4.5").
Well, All EMG's sound pretty good. Very clean and clear. Won't sound like you're behind a wall anymore. If you like the sound of Jazz basses, they have a single coil model (45J). They have an offset model that is like a P-Bass pickup inside (45P). Here's a link with all the models and descriptions. http://www.bestbassgear.com/emg-pickups-45-shape.htm
You can go on youtube and search for EMG and add the pickup type and listen to demos.
Bear in mind, these pickups are active and will most likely require EMG preamp setup as well. EMG does make a HZ (passive model) that will work with your current preamp. Invalid Link Removed
EMG (active) pickups will likely work with your preamp-just need 25k pots. If they're 25k or 50k already, then you're good to go.
Passive pickups require 250k or 500k pots.
Active EMG DC's (and maybe other models also) do not require a separate preamp and can be used with a volume and tone pot.
Are the G+B dual coils active with 25k pots?
Passive pickups require 250k or 500k pots.
Active EMG DC's (and maybe other models also) do not require a separate preamp and can be used with a volume and tone pot.
Are the G+B dual coils active with 25k pots?
I don't know about that but it is active and has Bass,mids, and highs control.
