12 best bass pickups
Bass pickups are essential components of a bass guitar's electronic system. They are responsible for capturing the vibrations of the strings and converting them into electrical signals, which are then sent to an amplifier or sound system. There are several types of bass pickups, each offering unique tonal characteristics and applications:
**1. Types of Bass Pickups:
- Single-Coil Pickups: Single-coil pickups produce a bright and clear tone. They are known for their sharp attack and are often used in jazz and funk music.
- Split-Coil Pickups: Split-coil pickups are essentially two single-coil pickups positioned side by side. They produce a balanced tone with reduced interference and are commonly found in precision bass guitars.
- Humbucking Pickups: Humbucking pickups use two coils wound in opposite directions, canceling out hum and interference. They provide a warm, noise-free tone and are popular in rock and metal genres.
- Soapbar Pickups: Soapbar pickups are wider and flatter than standard pickups, providing a broader magnetic field. They are often used in active bass guitars and produce a powerful, punchy sound.
- Active Pickups: Active pickups require a power source (usually a 9-volt battery) and include built-in preamps. They offer higher output, extended frequency response, and greater tonal flexibility. Active pickups are popular in various genres, especially in situations where a clean and powerful signal is essential.
- Piezo Pickups: Piezo pickups are mounted under the bridge or in the bridge saddles and capture the acoustic vibrations of the strings. They produce a natural, acoustic-like tone and are commonly used in acoustic-electric bass guitars.
2. Pickup Placement:
- Neck Pickup: Positioned near the neck, these pickups produce a warm, round tone and are often favored for melodic playing and soloing.
- Bridge Pickup: Located near the bridge, these pickups deliver a bright, sharp tone with enhanced clarity and are suitable for aggressive playing styles and cutting through the mix.
- Middle Pickup: Some bass guitars feature a middle pickup, which provides a balanced tone between the neck and bridge pickups.
3. Pickup Covers:
- Pickup covers, typically made of plastic or metal, are used to protect pickups and influence their tonal characteristics. Covered pickups produce a slightly warmer tone compared to uncovered pickups.
When choosing bass pickups, musicians consider their playing style, musical genre, and tonal preferences.Upgrading pickups can significantly impact the overall sound of a bass guitar, allowing players to tailor their tone to match specific musical contexts.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bass pickups on the market
Fender Precision Bass Pickups - Original Vintage Design
Fender
Product description
As Heard on Fender American Vintage Precision Bass guitars An accurate reproduction of the 1962 Precision Bass pickup, this split-coil humbucking pickup delivers powerful bass and clear high-end.
- Enamel-coated magnet wire for warm vintage tone
- Flush-mount pole pieces for even string response
- Alnico 5 magnets for more focus and enhanced dynamics
- Period-correct cloth output wire and fiber bobbin
- Installation hardware included
- 1 year Warranty Included
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will these fit my 1974 P-bass |
| Answer: | They should. They fit the standard p bass route. |
| Question: | Can someone describe the difference in sound of the four pickup options here? (ie more/less thump, low-mids, hi-mids, etc) Thanks |
| Answer: | low-mids |
| Question: | are the original vintage ones made in the U.S? i am really scared of buying these and the end up being the same ones on my mim p bass |
| Answer: | Made in the USA! |
| Question: | Can some one showme in a youtube video or audio the sound of these pickups? Thanks |
| Answer: | Hi,Here you go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMuBGw-B4mU |
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-J Set Electric Guitar Electronics
Product description
Together these Quarter Pound bass pickups provide a sonically full voice with a hold on to your hats high-output punch. Each strike of the string provides a full low end bite with plenty of sustain. They've provided their unique punch for bass players from Blink 182, Alient Ant Farm, Rise Against, Bad Religion and Smashing Pumpkins. Players who have a P-J bass will now be able to get the rich tone of the Quarter Pound pickups with our P-J 4-String Bass Set The Quarter Pound for Jazz Bass was designed to deliver hot output, great attack, and massive attitude. The diameter poles and intense coil winding delivers a full, even response, with great sustain and sonic richness.
- Massive attitude from the Jazz bass neck pickup together with fat full punchy P-bass. Quarter Pounders rule
- The magnets on the P-bass expand the magnetic field and extend the frequency ranges for fat, full, punchy sound with tremendous mid-range presence and maximum output
- For more versatility you can add a 2 or 3 band tone circuit.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do i need to change the pots, wiring or make any modifications to install these pick-ups and get the best sound possible in a fender squier p-bass |
| Answer: | Ha ha. It must be. I've had it year and the dogs have yet to pee on it - which is why I got it. Wanted them to concentrate their urine to one spot in the yard in the winter. |
| Question: | I have an active pickup set on my squier vm jaguar bass if i upgrade to these pickups will it make my bass passive and will no longer need the battery |
| Answer: | The bottom is sealed so you can put sand or rocks in it to keep it upright. The bottom is a solid five and a half inches across. I would cut a hole in the bottom just a little larger than you pipe, slip it over your pipe and add just a little sand to steady it up. If your pipe is over 20 inches tall your lid won't fit on and stay. |
| Question: | Will these fit in a jaguar short scale |
| Answer: | I would have to answer YES, it does rust. I purchased this hydrant in May 2019 and did leave it outside my home in Georgia. By November 2019 it had rusted all around the bottom straight thru in spots |
| Question: | Are these dual-coil pickups |
| Answer: | The chain is not designed to be removed easily, as it is welded. I'm sure it can be done but not with any guarantee that it will not damage the product. Breaking the links will leave a stubby base with some of the chain still attached. |
Fender Custom Shop '60s Jazz Bass Pickups
Product description
As Heard on
Fender American Standard Jazz Bass guitars
Fender Custom Shop Custom '60s Jazz Bass pickups are over-wound for high output, delivering balanced midrange and low end, and classic Jazz Bass clarity with snarl.
- Custom '60s jazz bass& pickups are patterned after vintage pickups but are overwound for more punch, midrange, bass, and output.
- Uses alnico 5 magnets and formvar magnet wire.
- Sold in pairs only and includes all mounting hardware.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this item shipped to Brazil? Free of charges |
| Answer: | CONSISTENCY is the KEY to proper training with SPROT DOG - make sure Thumb Wheel on V/T - 1st give command, FIDO COME, if no response "TONE" round button on side, again FIDO COME, if no response "VIBRATE" either two buttons on front >>again FIDO COME louder, if still no response, take it off safety by rotating off the ( V/T -- VIBRATE / TONE) to #4 and SHOCK - either button on front - 1 time about 3 seconds, you should have instant obedience (make sure you the 2 correct length screw on sensor posts for your dog's coat thickness)strap receiver on your upper arm & practice all with a #1 shock so you experience your doing - BEFORE FIDO GETS IT |
| Question: | Hello, those pickups are from jazz bass, right? im asking because in the header appears as "statocaster" but in the pictures are jazz bass pickups |
| Answer: | I can check tomorrow but thinking it is 250lbs. |
| Question: | Do you sell these seperately or in a pj style |
| Answer: | If you Cut them off. Should be very easy. But depending on your usage of the hydrant im assuming the dogs wont pay the chains any mind . My dog pees onor near it and keeps it mo ing. |
| Question: | Will this fit on a Squier Vintage modified Jazz bass |
| Answer: | No, but it is cute all the same. |
Fender Yosemite Jazz Bass Electric Bass Guitar Pickup Set
Product description
A new generation of tone, Yosemite J Bass pickups are designed for rich, articulate sound in every combination. These single-coil Jazz Bass pickups offer authentic Fender tone—growling lows with open highs. Alnico 5 magnets and Formvar-coated wiring create an expressive, well-defined voice that’s highly musical and dynamic—it fits in the mix with ease—while shellac coating controls potentially runaway feedback without compromising response.
- Handcrafted in Corona California
- Specifically Voiced for Each Position
- Extreme Versatile Tone
Seymour Duncan SSB5S Phase II Passive Soapbar 5 String Bass Pickup Set
Product description
Face it. Not everybody likes active pickups. That?s why the engineers at Basslines, Seymour Duncan?s all-bass division, just released the Phase II Passive Soapbars. These replacement pickups offer a passive alternative to battery-powered pickups. The tone is simple and organic, with the added warmth and punch you expect from a great passive pickup. Bassists can use the Phase II Passives with passive volume and tone controls. Or, for maximum control, they can be matched with Basslines? STC-2p or STC-3p Tone Circuit (sold separately), which offers either two or three bands of active EQ together with a proprietary slap contour switch. The Phase II Passive pickups are direct replacements and generally require no instrument modifications. The full-length dual blade accommodates maximum string spacings up to 3.10? (78.5mm) for the five-string model. The Phase II Passive pickups are hand built in Seymour Duncan?s Santa Barbara, California workshop and include mounting hardware and instructions.
- MAGNET: Ceramic
- CABLE: 2C Shielded
User questions & answers
| Question: | will these sound better than my ibanez gio bass with dymanix pickups |
| Answer: | IWe plug ours in to a 110 wall outlet to charge. I don’t think it would for a 220 outlet. The 110 and 220 plugs are different. |
| Question: | are the lows deep and warm enough for latin music |
| Answer: | Hi Chris, great question! Those collars will not be compatible with the SD-825, or with any of our current product line. They have been discontinued for quite some time, and are not on the same frequency. For further product assistance, please feel free to reach out to us directly! |
| Question: | I´d like to know if I purchase this it comes with bridge pickup and a neck pickup? I mean the whole set |
| Answer: | battery is in collar unit. Replacements can be purchased,...charger comes with new units. |
| Question: | Will these fit an ibanez sr |
| Answer: | Yes, but once you get past 2 dogs you start losing other functions like the ability to vibrate or beep. I think you can download a pdf manual on the sportdog website to get the specific trade offs. Essentially when you get to 6 I believe you have 3 buttons one each for 3 different dogs then the toggle to switch to 3 other dogs for those buttons. |
Seymour Duncan SPB-2 Hot Precision Bass Pickup
Seymour Duncan
Product description
Similar to the Vintage in construction, but with extra coil windings for increased output, enhanced low-end response, and a fuller sound. Includes logo covers.
- Similar to the Vintage in construction, but with extra coil windings for increased output, enhanced low-end response, and a fuller sound
- Includes logo covers
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do they come with all the wiring to the controls and jack |
| Answer: | The neck pickup is "split coil" (single coil, but in two pieces, reducing hum). The bridge pickup is single coil. |
| Question: | In the picture, the logo is 'Seymour Dancan |
| Answer: | Thank you for this question, Cindy! This collar only activates when buttons on the remote are pressed; we do apologize for any confusion. |
| Question: | Will this work well in a pj setup with an apollo jazz bass pickup |
| Answer: | Hi there, that's a great question! This product does come with a full usage and training manual. For any further questions or concerns about this trainer, please feel free to reach out to us directly! |
| Question: | active or passive |
| Answer: | That's a great question! This collar does not have a low power state, but it can be manually turned offed via the button on the front. |
Fender Original Jazz Bass Pickups
Product description
As Heard on: Fender American Vintage Jazz Bass guitars. Fender Original Jazz Bass pickups are vintage-accurate reproductions of the original Jazz Bass pickups from the early 1960s, delivering all the punch and midrange growl that made the instrument so popular.
- Formvar magnet wire for bright, glassy tone
- Flush-mount pole pieces for even string response
- Alnico 2 magnets for complex harmonics with warm attack and less-aggressive midrange
- Period-correct cloth output wire and fiber bobbin
- Installation hardware included
- 1 year Warranty Included
EMG PJ Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black
Product description
Combining our famous EMG-P and a versatile EMG-LJ, the EMG-PJ set provides you with improved flexibility and range for new dimensions in tone. The EMG-P adds warmth, and incredible low end punch, while the EMG-LJ gives tight mid-range punch and dynamic high end response for a well defined attack. Used separately, or in combination, they offer unsurpassed flexibility in bass tones, accommodating both new and traditional bass playing styles, and making your bass sound the way a bass should. The result is pure capability; the capacity to produce everything from tight slap funk to smooth Motown groove, all with a sound that will set you apart.
- Provides bass players with flexibility and a wide range of tonal combinations
- EMG's original P adds warmth, and incredible low end punch
- The LJ provides a tight mid-range with dynamic high end response for a well defined attack
- Used separately or in combination, they offer endless options to accommodate modern and traditional playing styles
- Low noise, dependable pickups with tones ranging from tight slap funk, rock, to smooth Motown grooves
- With EMG's solderless wiring harness included, the PJ Set is easy to install at home
User questions & answers
| Question: | Why does the pj set come with instructions for p and j pickups separately? this forces the user to infer what should be done during the installation |
| Answer: | I can't really answer for certain but the "P" is for a Fender Precision Bass which Only has the 2 smaller pickups and the "J" is from a Fender Jazz Bass which has the design of the longer pickup but really comes with two pickups, one neck and one bridge. Personally the Spector Basses I play Already come with the EMG PJ Set Installed So I Know nothing About Installing Them Yourself. I would suggest a professional installation if you have any doubts |
| Question: | Do you need to buy an emg blend pot if i want to upgrade from my current passive pickups to these active pickup |
| Answer: | No, this set comes with everything you need to upgrade to an active system. |
| Question: | Will these pickups work on an Ibanez sound gear bass |
| Answer: | Yes. The sizing of these is the same. Sometimes the paint on your bass can get in the way of inserting these, but then you just carefully sand the holes until it fits. If your bass has a factory preamp, it probably will not work with these, however you don’t need a preamp to use these. Lastly, these are active which requires a 9 volt battery. Your bass will need a compartment for the battery, or space in the control cavity to house a battery. If you do not want, or have a battery, emg sells these as passive too which doesn’t require 9 volts. The EMG logo will be gold colored for passive, silver colored for active. |
| Question: | Can this work with a 5 string bass |
| Answer: | Hello. This set will not work for a 5 string bass. EMG does sell a PJ set specifically for 5 string basses that is not soap bar style. |
Product features
EMG Pickups PJ Set
The EMG PJ Set provides bass players flexibility with a wide range of tonal combinations. EMG's original P adds warmth, and incredible low end punch, while the LJ provides a tight mid-range with dynamic high end response for a well defined attack. Used separately or in combination, they offer endless bass tone options, accommodating contemporary and traditional playing styles. The result are low noise, dependable pickups with tones ranging from tight slap funk, rock, to smooth Motown grooves. With EMG's solderless wiring harness included, the PJ Set is easy to install at home.
Why EMG?
EMG's are easy to install. Each pickup features EMG's own Quik-Connect header and mating cable for quick installation. Included with each pickup are pre-wired volume and tone controls, battery clip, output jack, and diagrams. All models are designed for direct replacement into most standard instruments.
LoveinDIY 1pc Electric Bass Bridge Pickup
Product description
Description:
- Humbucking upgrade adds output and quietness. Great for , blues, classic rock and heavy rock.
- Uses dual Alnico 5 blade magnets for more power and sustain.
- Uses two ceramic magnets and special windings for fullness and warmth.
- Will increase output and expand the tonal range of a stock bass.
- Suit for 4 strings electric bass guitar.
Specification:
- Material: Metal/Alnico 5/Fiber
Package Includes:
1pc Bass Bridge Pickup
- Will increase output and expand the tonal range of a stock bass.
- Suit for 4 strings electric bass guitar.
- Humbucking upgrade adds output and quietness. Great for , blues, classic rock and heavy rock.
- Uses dual Alnico 5 blade magnets for more power and sustain.
- Uses two ceramic magnets and special windings for fullness and warmth.
Mini 4 string Bass Guitar Humbucker Pickups with Black Ring Chrome Set of 2pcs
Product description
Package Includes:
2 x BASS pickup
8 x Screws
- Comes with connecting wires.With strong magnification
- The pole spacing from 1st to 4th string is 45mm.
- Resistance: Approx 10.9kΩ & 10.2kΩ
- Materials: Brass cover +Copper coil and Ceramic Magnet
- The Neck pickup is the one with red wire ,The brige pickup is the one with black wire.
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the pole spacing for these pick ups |
| Answer: | If your pots and wiring aren’t falling apart you should be good to just install them. I have installed these in a couple of different basses and never needed to replace anything. |
| Question: | Will this product fit a hofner ignition violin bass |
| Answer: | The pickups on both models are passive. The only pickups that you will likely see that are active are blackout models like emg. Most use an active preamp. It should work fine. |
| Question: | Will these work for my Orange bass guitar |
| Answer: | It will fit any bass with a P/J pickup configuration. |
EMG Robert Trujillo RT Rip Tide J Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black Chrome (7090.00)
Product description
Robert Trujillo has been using the EMG J Set since before his days in Metallica. And now he is truly metal, trusting his original tone combined with a modern look. Because of these custom stainless steel caps, these pickups maintain their original sound used in the industry for decades. The pickups are designed for traditional 4 string jazz bass spacing and are suitable for narrow 5 string instruments. They come with EMG’s solderless wiring harness for a standard volume, volume tone setup.
- Signature J Set from Metallica’s Robert Trujillo
- Designed for traditional J Bass spacing, but suitable for narrow 5-string instruments
- Low resistance to inductance ratio increases low-end response
- Radiused ceramic bar magnets deliver punchy mids and dynamic top end
- Custom black-chromed stainless steel caps contribute to a time-tested sound
- Includes EMG’s solderless wiring harness for a standard volume/volume/tone setup
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will these fit a Jazz V bass |
| Answer: | You'll need to measure the pickup cavities on your bass to make sure that they will fit. The bridge pickup is 3 11/16" long and the neck pickup is 3 9/16" long. |
Product features
EMG Robert Trujillo RT "Rip Tide" Set
Robert Trujillo has been using the EMG J Set since before his days in Metallica. And now he is truly metal, trusting his original tone combined with a modern look. Because of these custom stainless steel caps, these pickups maintain their original sound used in the industry for decades. The pickups are designed for traditional 4 string jazz bass spacing and are suitable for narrow 5 string instruments. They come with EMG’s solderless wiring harness for a standard volume, volume tone setup.
Why EMG?
EMG's are easy to install. Each pickup features EMG's own Quik-Connect header and mating cable for quick installation. Included with each pickup are pre-wired volume and tone controls, battery clip, output jack, and diagrams. All models are designed for direct replacement into most standard instruments. There are instances where 'direct' replacement isn't possible, but a minimum of work should be required.
EMG Geezer Butler Signature P Bass Guitar Pickup Set
EMG
Product description
EMG along with legendary artist Geezer Butler have collaborated to develop the GZR-P and GZR-PJ signature bass pickup sets. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bass player started working with EMG founder Rob Turner in 2011, looking to recreate the classic bass tones he had in Black Sabbath’s early days. As Geezer and Black Sabbath moved from studio to touring in 2013 the final component of getting the classic Geezer tone was in play - a passive pickup with a truly vintage tone an feel. To recapture Geezer’s early Black Sabbath tone, it meant a new EMG vintage style passive P & PJ design with a few modern touches. The all solderless P set uses Alnico V pole pieces and custom wound coils for just the right amount of punch and grit. The J (PJ set) also uses Alnico 5 poles and features two custom wound split-coils. This eliminates the noise and hum usually associated with early 70’s bass pickups and allows for more power and volume than any other standard single coil J - creating a remarkable balance between the P and the J. The result is an unmistakable early Geezer Butler bass tone with deep, tight low end that you hear on tunes like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid,” just like 1970’s. “I never felt comfortable giving my name to any other pickups, but this time these have blown me away.” - Geezer Butler
- Geezer Butler signature bass pickup set
- Passive pickup with a vintage tone
- Features Alnico V pole pieces and custom wound coils for just the right amount of punch and grit
- Designed to recreate classic bass tones in Black Sabbath's early days
- Solderless install system
User questions & answers
| Question: | do these come with pickup screws and springs |
| Answer: | They are just a tiny bit smaller than the DX5 that came with my sr405. The DX5 are 4 1/8" long, the SSB5S is 4" long |
| Question: | Will it fit a Ibanez sr300e |
| Answer: | I apologize, we do not ship internationally with Amazon. |
| Question: | Will this fit in a squier jaguar modified short scale bass |
| Answer: | They look like jazz bass pickups but Are these used pickups or factory - and if they are factory , call Fender and have them verify. |
| Question: | The pot spacing on a squier jaguar short scale bass is shorter than a standard jazz bass. will these pots fit the jaguar |
| Answer: | Yes |
Product features
EMG Pickups GZR P
EMG along with legendary artist Geezer Butler have collaborated to develop the GZR-P and GZR-PJ signature bass pickup sets. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bass player started working with EMG founder Rob Turner in 2011, looking to recreate the classic bass tones he had in Black Sabbath’s early days. As Geezer and Black Sabbath moved from studio to touring in 2013 the final component of getting the classic Geezer tone was in play - a passive pickup with a truly vintage tone an feel.
To recapture Geezer’s early Black Sabbath tone, it meant a new EMG vintage style passive P & PJ design with a few modern touches. The all solderless P set uses Alnico V pole pieces and custom wound coils for just the right amount of punch and grit. The J (PJ set) also uses Alnico 5 poles and features two custom wound split-coils. This eliminates the noise and hum usually associated with early 70’s bass pickups and allows for more power and volume than any other standard single coil J - creating a remarkable balance between the P and the J. The result is an unmistakable early Geezer Butler bass tone with deep, tight low end that you hear on tunes like Iron Man, War Pigs, and Paranoid, just like 1970’s. I never felt comfortable giving my name to any other pickups, but this time these have blown me away. - Geezer Butler
EMG Pickups Artist Geezer Butler
The longtime bassist for the groundbreaking heavy metal outfit Black Sabbath, Terence Geezer Butler was born July 17, 1949, in Birmingham, England. As a teen he formed his first band, Rare Breed, with schoolmate John Ozzy Osbourne; in the fall of 1968, the two reunited in the blues quartet Polka Tulk, which also featured guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward. After briefly re-christening themselves Earth, the foursome adopted the Black Sabbath moniker in early 1969, at Geezer’s suggestion. While Black Sabbath’s self-titled 1970 debut laid the foundations for their deafening, sludgy hard rock attack, the follow-up Paranoid was their creative and commercial breakthrough, selling four-million copies in the U.S. alone on the strength of fan favorites like War Pigs, Iron Man, and the title track; though Osbourne was the band’s focal point, Butler wrote the songs’ lyrics, drawing heavily upon his fascination with the black arts to explore recurring themes of death and destruction.
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