AudioFu

Best EMG Pickups for 4-String J-Bass 2025

Premium EMG pickups for 4-string j-bass - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz Bass Upgrade For Studio Recording For Professional Performance For Tone Enhancement For Vintage Restoration For Modern Sound
BRANDS: Seymour Duncan Fender EMG DiMarzio Sadowsky Lollar
EMG JAX Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

EMG JAX Set

by EMG
Tone Enhancement Modern Sound Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Improves tone and output
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Requires technical installation
  • • Can be expensive for premium pickups

EMG JAX SetPickup Set for 4-String Electric BassSet consisting of 2 active J style single coilsPosition: Neck and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 250597
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG JVX Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

EMG JVX Set

by EMG
Modern Sound Tone Enhancement Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Improves tone and output
✓ PROS
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
  • • Improves tone and output
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • Can be expensive for premium pickups

EMG JVX SetPickup Set for Electrical BassOnly for 4 stringsActiveDesign and sound of a classical single coil pickup but...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 251178
$200
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG J Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

EMG J Set

by EMG
Modern Sound Jazz Bass Upgrade Vintage Restoration
Key Feature:
• Many vintage and modern options
✓ PROS
  • • Many vintage and modern options
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Requires technical installation
  • • May need additional electronics work

EMG J-Set Bridge Pickup BlackActive pickup set for electric bassFor J-Style modelsClassic jazz bass characteristics...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 152405
$160
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG JA Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

EMG JA Set

by EMG
Tone Enhancement Professional Performance Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Improves tone and output
✓ PROS
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • May change original vintage value
  • • Requires technical installation

EMG JA Set, Pickup set for 4-string electric bass, 2 J-style pickupsSimilar to the J, but uses domed Alnico V magnets...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 456633
$182
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG JV52 HZ Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

EMG JV52 HZ Set

by EMG
Jazz Bass Upgrade Tone Enhancement Vintage Restoration
Key Feature:
• Improves tone and output
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
  • • Requires technical installation
  • • May need additional electronics work

EMG JV52 HZ SetPickup set for J-Style electric bass"Hum-canceling side by side" coil constructionFor neck and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 416844
$186
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG JX Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

EMG JX Set

by EMG
Tone Enhancement Vintage Restoration Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Can dramatically change bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Requires technical installation
  • • May need additional electronics work

EMG JX SetActive Pickup Set for Electric BassFor J-Style modelsClassic jazz bass characteristic with an extended...

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 238394
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG J Set RT "RIP Tide" BC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

EMG J Set RT "RIP Tide" BC

by EMG
Professional Performance Vintage Restoration Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • May change original vintage value
  • • Requires technical installation

EMG J Set RT "RIP Tide" BCPickup Set For Electric BassRobert Trujilo "RIP TIDE" signature set2...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 515496
$215
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG GZR PJ Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

EMG GZR PJ Black

by EMG
Tone Enhancement Jazz Bass Upgrade Vintage Restoration
Key Feature:
• Many vintage and modern options
✓ PROS
  • • Improves tone and output
  • • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • Requires technical installation

EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ BlackPickup-Set for Electric-BassGeezer Butler signature setPassive1 P-style split-coil and 1...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 339140
$164
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG MJ Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

EMG MJ Set

by EMG
Jazz Bass Upgrade Studio Recording Vintage Restoration
Key Feature:
• Many vintage and modern options
✓ PROS
  • • Improves tone and output
  • • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • May need additional electronics work

EMG MJ SetActive pickup set for J-style electric bassSame as the original EMG J set with harmonic overtonespressure and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 464097
$175
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Pickups for 4-String J-Bass

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced pickups for 4-string j-bass typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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