AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Pickups for 6-String Basses 2026
The top pick is Bartolini P46CBC-T Classic 6-String P4 Soapbar Bridge Bass Pickup ($178). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 3 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All Pickups for 6-String BassesTop 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Bartolini P46CBC-T Classic 6-String P4 Soapbar Bridge Bass Pickup
6-Str P4 Soapbar Neck BK · Bartolini
2 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Strings6-string
This is a neck position pickup for 6-string basses, with two coils wired in parallel and a focused 90 mm detection width. If you want a classic bass sound and a black pickup for the neck spot, it is a solid match for you. Keep in mind that screws and springs are not included, so plan to pick those up before you install it.
Pros
- Passive humbucker with two parallel coils for a classic bass sound
- Magnets are carbon steel, brass, copper and ferrite ceramic blade magnets
- Neck position with a focused 90 mm maximum detection width
Cons
- Ships without screws and springs, so you need to get mounting hardware separately
88AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Bartolini P46CBC-T Classic 6-String P4 Soapbar Bridge Bass Pickup
6-string Bass MK Soapbar BB · Bartolini
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings6-string
You get a bridge-position soapbar humbucker for six-string bass, with two parallel coils and reversed coil polarity. It is an upgrade for MK-1 format basses from brands like Ibanez, Cort and Lakland, so you can swap it in if your bass already uses that format. It suits you if you want a versatile classic bass sound and your bass takes MK-1 format pickups.
Pros
- Soapbar humbucker design with two parallel coils for a classic bass sound
- Magnets made of carbon steel, brass, copper and ceramic blade (ferrite) magnets
- Upgrade fit for Ibanez, Cort, Groove Tools, Lakland and other basses with MK-1 format pickups
Cons
- Screws and springs are not included, so you will need to get them for mounting
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$183 now$183€164 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings6-string
This bridge pickup sounds full, warm, and deep like vintage gear. The two types of magnets and opposing coils work together to keep the tone rich and clear. It is a solid choice for upgrading your Squire Affinity J-Bass, though you will need to buy the mounting hardware yourself.
Pros
- Dual inline coil design delivers full, warm, deep vintage tone
- Hum suppression circuit keeps noise down in noisy environments
- Carbon steel and ferrite magnets ensure consistent magnetic pull
Cons
- Screws and springs must be bought separately for installation
- High DC resistance of 9kOhm may require specific amp settings
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$173 now$173€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings6-string
You get a passive pickup that works in both the bridge and neck positions on a 6-string bass. It comes with its own solderless install parts, controls, and cables, so you can set it up without soldering. It suits you if you want a pickup you can place in either spot and fit with simple tools.
Pros
- Passive design with a soft-attack tone and wide midrange
- Suitable for both bridge and neck positions, so you can place it either way
- Made in USA with an EMG exclusive solderless installation system
Cons
- Max. string spacing of 95.25 mm and housing length of 115 mm limit which basses it fits
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings6-string
You get a black EMG 45DC pickup made in the USA, built for 6-string electric basses. It comes with a solderless wiring kit and pots, so you can wire it up without soldering. If you play a 6-string bass and want a powerful, modern pickup, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made in USA, a clear mark of American build origin
- Includes a solderless wiring kit and pots for easy installation
- Powerful and modern sound, according to its design goals
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings6-string
This is a humbucker pickup for electric bass, made in the USA with a chrome finish. It is made for both 5-string and 6-string basses, and its frequency response is very wide. If you play a 5- or 6-string electric bass and want a new pickup, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Humbucker design with a very wide frequency response
- Made in USA
- Chrome finish
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Pickups for 6-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 9 models we track, not a sample.
Median $178 — half of all pickups for 6-String basses here cost less.
median of 9 models · 6-string–6-string
How to choose the best pickups for 6-String basses
Output Level
This isn't just about volume; it's about headroom. A higher output pickup will give you more 'grunt' for distortion and help cut through a loud band, but too much can lead to compression and a loss of dynamics. Lower output pickups often offer more nuance and vintage tone, but might get lost in the mix.
Pickup Voicing
Do you want a scooped, modern sound with a tight low-end thump, or a warmer, more rounded tone with more mids? Different pickups have different frequency responses. A pickup with a pronounced midrange honk can really help your notes stand out, while one focused on the low-end will provide that deep rumble. Listen closely to demos.
String Spacing & Pole Piece Adjustment
Six-string basses are wider, and pickup string spacing needs to match. Also, adjustable pole pieces are a must - you'll need to tweak them to balance the output of each string, especially with varying string gauges. This is non-negotiable for even tone.
Construction & Magnet Type
Ceramic pickups are generally hotter and brighter, while Alnico pickups offer a smoother, more vintage tone. Construction quality matters too - cheap windings can sound brittle and lifeless. Solid construction will mean the pickup lasts longer too.
Noise & Hum
6-string basses, with their higher output potential, can be more prone to hum. Grounding is essential, but a well-shielded pickup with a good magnet can significantly reduce noise. It's a subtle difference, but it makes a big difference on stage.
Buying guide
So, you've got a 6-string bass - fantastic! Getting a solid, balanced tone out of those extra strings isn't always a given, and a lot of that comes down to the pickups. They're the heart of your instrument's voice, and on a 6-string, where you're dealing with a wider range of frequencies, getting the right pickups is critical to avoid a muddy mess or an ice-pick attack. Let's break down what you need to know to find the right pickups for your setup.
Don't chase the highest output rating; focus on the voicing that complements your playing style and gear. Budget pickups often cut corners on shielding and magnet quality, leading to more noise and a less defined tone. Spending a little more on a reputable brand with adjustable pole pieces and quality materials is almost always worth it - you'll save headaches later.
And remember, pickups are only part of the equation; your amp and EQ play a huge role too.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 9 pickups for 6-String basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are higher output pickups always better for a 6-string?
Not at all. They can easily overwhelm your amp and muddy up the low end. A balanced tone is more important than sheer volume.
Can I drop a set of 4-string pickups into my 6-string?
Technically, yes, but you'll almost certainly have string balance issues and a narrower pickup width. It's not a good idea.
What's the best magnet type for a 6-string bass?
There's no 'best' - it depends on your desired tone. Alnico generally offers a warmer, smoother sound, while ceramic is hotter and brighter. Experiment to find what you like.
How important are adjustable pole pieces?
Absolutely critical. You'll need to adjust them to balance the output of each string on a 6-string, especially with different string gauges. Without them, you'll likely have some strings overpowering others.
My 6-string bass hums a lot. Is it the pickups?
It could be. Pickup shielding and grounding are key. But also check your amp, cables, and overall guitar grounding - it's often a systemic issue, not just the pickups themselves.
