Best EMG Pickups for 4-String P-Bass 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

EMG PJ Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

EMG PJ Set

Enhanced Output Precision Bass Upgrade Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Designed for Precision Bass routing
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for Precision Bass routing
  • • Many tonal variations available
✗ CONS
  • • Quality pickups can be expensive
  • • Permanent modification

EMG PJ Set, PJ-Pickup-Set, Very popular system, Full and powerful bass sounds with the singing mids of the...

4.8/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
EMG P - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

EMG P

Pop Rock Tone Modification
Key Feature:
• Designed for Precision Bass routing
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for Precision Bass routing
  • • Can enhance classic P-Bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • May affect instrument value
  • • Quality pickups can be expensive

EMG PActive Pickup for Electric BassSingle CoilFor P-Style modelsCan be used in all positionsMedium OutputMagnet...

4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
EMG Les Claypool LC Brushed Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

EMG Les Claypool LC Brushed Gold

Studio Work Precision Bass Upgrade Enhanced Output
Key Feature:
• Improved output and clarity
✓ PROS
  • • Many tonal variations available
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • May affect instrument value
  • • Permanent modification

EMG Les Claypool LC Brushed GoldPickup for Electric BassActive single coilLes Claypool signature modelSuitable for...

4.5/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
EMG PHZ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

EMG PHZ

Pop Precision Bass Upgrade Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Can enhance classic P-Bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Can enhance classic P-Bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Quality pickups can be expensive
  • • Installation requires technical skill

EMG PHZPassive P-style Pickup55.9 mm String fieldAlnico magnets and steel coresFully screened5-wire ConnectorWith...

4.9/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
EMG PA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

EMG PA

Rock Enhanced Output Precision Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Improved output and clarity
✓ PROS
  • • Improved output and clarity
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Quality pickups can be expensive
  • • May alter classic P-Bass sound

EMG PAActive Single Coil Pickup For P-style Electric BassPosition: neckOutput: vintageBased on the EMG P pickupbut with...

4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
EMG PX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

EMG PX

Tone Modification Enhanced Output Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Improved output and clarity
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for Precision Bass routing
  • • Many tonal variations available
✗ CONS
  • • May affect instrument value
  • • Permanent modification

EMG PXPickupP style pickupFor 4-string bassStandard P millingNewly developed preamplifier with open and dynamic sound...

5.0/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Black

Rock Pop Enhanced Output
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Many tonal variations available
✗ CONS
  • • Permanent modification
  • • May alter classic P-Bass sound

EMG Geezer Butler PHZ BlackPickupGeezer Butler signature modelPassiveAlnico 5 magnets1 P-style split...

4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
EMG PJX Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

EMG PJX Set

Tone Modification Precision Bass Upgrade Pop
Key Feature:
• Improved output and clarity
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for Precision Bass routing
  • • Improved output and clarity
✗ CONS
  • • Installation requires technical skill
  • • May alter classic P-Bass sound

EMG PJX SetPickup SetWith P style and J style pickupFor 4-stringStandard PJ millingNewly developed preampwith open and...

4.7/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
EMG 35P4 Bass Pickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

EMG 35P4 Bass Pickup

Tone Modification Enhanced Output Pop
Key Feature:
• Many tonal variations available
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Improved output and clarity
✗ CONS
  • • Installation requires technical skill
  • • May alter classic P-Bass sound

EMG 35P4 Bass PickupActive Bass PickupFor 4 string bassSplit jack magnets like P-style pickupString array max. 63.5...

4.9/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Pickups for 4-String P-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 p-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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