Best Pickups for 6-String Basses 2025

Top-rated pickups for 6-string basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $200
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner
GENRES & STYLES: For Solo Bass Playing
Lace Pickups Aluma Bass Bar 4.5 CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Lace Pickups Aluma Bass Bar 4.5 CH

Solo Bass Playing Complex Music Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Designed for 6-string bass requirements
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Designed for 6-string bass requirements
✗ CONS
  • • Permanent instrument modification
  • • Limited availability

Lace Pickups Aluma Bass Bar 4.5 CH, Pickup for 5- and 6-String Electric Bass, Humbucker with very wide frequency...

4.9/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Bartolini 6-string Bass MK Soapbar BB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Bartolini 6-string Bass MK Soapbar BB

Extended Range Professional Performance Solo Bass Playing
Key Feature:
• Improved string-to-string balance
✓ PROS
  • • Improved string-to-string balance
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert installation
  • • Permanent instrument modification

Bartolini 6-string Bass MK Soapbar BBPickup for 6-String Electric BassSoapbar humbucker with 2 parallel coilsFor bridge...

4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Bartolini 6-Str P4 Soapbar Neck BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Bartolini 6-Str P4 Soapbar Neck BK

6-String Bass Upgrade Advanced Techniques Complex Music
Key Feature:
• Enhanced harmonic clarity
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced harmonic clarity
  • • Balanced output across extended range
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert installation
  • • Very specialized and expensive

Bartolini 6-Str P4 Soapbar Neck BKPickup for 6-String Electric bassVersatile classic bass soundNeck positionPassive...

4.9/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Bartolini 6-Str P4 Soapbar Bridge BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Bartolini 6-Str P4 Soapbar Bridge BK

Complex Music 6-String Bass Upgrade Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Designed for 6-string bass requirements
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for 6-string bass requirements
  • • Enhanced harmonic clarity
✗ CONS
  • • May need custom electronics work
  • • Limited availability

Bartolini 6-Str P4 Soapbar Bridge BKPickup for 6-String Electric BassVersatile classic bass soundBridge positionPassive...

4.8/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
EMG 45Hz BassPickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

EMG 45Hz BassPickup

Complex Music 6-String Bass Upgrade Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Designed for 6-string bass requirements
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced harmonic clarity
  • • Balanced output across extended range
✗ CONS
  • • Permanent instrument modification
  • • Requires expert installation

EMG 45Hz BassPickupPickup for 6-String Electric BassPassiveSuitable for bridge and neck positionWarm tone with soft...

4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
EMG 45DC Bass Pickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

EMG 45DC Bass Pickup

Professional Performance Complex Music Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Balanced output across extended range
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Improved string-to-string balance
✗ CONS
  • • May need custom electronics work
  • • Very specialized and expensive

EMG 45DC Bass PickupPickup for 6-String Electric BassPowerful and modern soundString spacing max. 95.25 mmHousing size:...

4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10

How to Choose the Best Pickups for 6-String Basses

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 6-string basses 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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