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Best Pickups for 5-String J-Bass Under $200 2025

Affordable pickups for 5-string j-bass under $200 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade For Extended Range For Modern Bass Tones For Professional Performance For Enhanced Output For Tonal Versatility
BRANDS: Sadowsky Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYC-B Passive Bass BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYC-B Passive Bass BL

by Seymour Duncan
5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade Tonal Versatility Modern Bass Tones
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for 5-string Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced output across all strings
  • • Improved tonal versatility
✗ CONS
  • • May need electronics modifications
  • • Permanent instrument modification

Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYC-B Passive Bass BLPickup for 5-String Electric BassSoapbarFor bridge positionEMG SizeDual...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 558202
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Bartolini 5-Str Original J-Bass Neck BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Bartolini 5-Str Original J-Bass Neck BK

by Bartolini
Modern Bass Tones Tonal Versatility Enhanced Output
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Improved tonal versatility
  • • Balanced output across all strings
✗ CONS
  • • May need electronics modifications
  • • Permanent instrument modification

Bartolini 5-Str Original J-Bass Neck BKPickup for 5-String Electric BassFullwarm and hum-free vintage soundSuitable for...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 602350
$134
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Short 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Short 5

by Sadowsky
Modern Bass Tones Tonal Versatility Enhanced Output
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Improved tonal versatility
  • • Designed specifically for 5-string Jazz Bass
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string pickups
  • • May need electronics modifications

Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Short 5Pickup for 5-String Electric BassJ-Style stacked coilShieldedfour-wire connection...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 610885
$146
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG J5 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

EMG J5 Set

by EMG
5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade Enhanced Output Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Improved tonal versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced low B string response
  • • Designed specifically for 5-string Jazz Bass
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string pickups
  • • May need electronics modifications

EMG J5 SetActive pickup setFor 5-string J-Style electric bassOutput: MediumThe original EMG J set for 5 string...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 419028
$163
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Long 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Long 5

by Sadowsky
5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade Enhanced Output Tonal Versatility
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Designed specifically for 5-string Jazz Bass
  • • Balanced output across all strings
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string pickups
  • • Permanent instrument modification

Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Long 5Pickup for 5-String Electric BassJ-Style stacked coilShielded4-wire connection...

⭐ 4.9/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 610873
$146
Buy at Thomann View Details
Seymour Duncan SSJ5-3B - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Seymour Duncan SSJ5-3B

by Seymour Duncan
Enhanced Output 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced low B string response
  • • Balanced output across all strings
✗ CONS
  • • May need electronics modifications
  • • Requires technical installation knowledge

Seymour Duncan SSJ5-3BPickup for 5-String Electric BassQuarter Pound Single CoilFor 5-string J-style modelsHigh...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 484570
$149
Buy at Thomann View Details
EMG 40J Bass Pickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

EMG 40J Bass Pickup

by EMG
Modern Bass Tones Enhanced Output 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Balanced output across all strings
✓ PROS
  • • Improved tonal versatility
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • May need electronics modifications

EMG 40J Bass PickupActive Pickup for 5-String Electric BassFor J-Style modelsSuitable for all positionsExtended...

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 594370
$109
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Pickups for 5-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 5-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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