Best EMG Pickups for Basses 2025

Premium EMG pickups for basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Bass Guitar For Tone Upgrade For Custom Build For Repair For Sound Enhancement For Professional Performance

BRANDS: EMG Seymour Duncan Bartolini Sadowsky

EMG TBHZ Bass Pickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

EMG TBHZ Bass Pickup

by EMG

Tone Upgrade Custom Build Sound Enhancement

Key Feature:

• Professional sound enhancement

✓ PROS

• Custom build possibilities
• Professional sound enhancement

✗ CONS

• Pickup compatibility considerations
• Routing requirements vary

EMG TBHZ Bass PickupPickup for electric bassFor TB-style electric bassPassive humbuckerAlnico magnets with steel...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 301842

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG MM5CS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

EMG MM5CS

by EMG

Tone Upgrade Professional Performance Sound Enhancement

Key Feature:

• Professional sound enhancement

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of bass pickup options
• Replacement options for all bass types

✗ CONS

• Pickup compatibility considerations
• Electronics knowledge helpful

EMG MM5CSActive humbucker pickupFor 5-string MM-Style electric bassWide coils combined with a large coil surface...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 407857

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG MMTW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

EMG MMTW

by EMG

Bass Guitar Sound Enhancement Professional Performance

Key Feature:

• Professional sound enhancement

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of bass pickup options
• Professional sound enhancement

✗ CONS

• Routing requirements vary
• Electronics knowledge helpful

EMG MM-TWActive humbucker & single coil pickupFor Music Man-style electric bassesPosition: all positionsTwo...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 115595

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 35TW-X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

EMG 35TW-X

by EMG

Custom Build Tone Upgrade Bass Guitar

Key Feature:

• Custom build possibilities

✓ PROS

• Custom build possibilities
• Professional sound enhancement

✗ CONS

• Installation may require professional setup
• Electronics knowledge helpful

EMG 35TW-XPickup for Electric BassX Series4-StringDual modeMagnet material: Ceramic & SteelDimensions: 89 x 38...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 289595

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 35J - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

EMG 35J

by EMG

Bass Guitar Sound Enhancement Professional Performance

Key Feature:

• Upgrade potential for existing basses

✓ PROS

• Upgrade potential for existing basses
• Professional sound enhancement

✗ CONS

• Installation may require professional setup
• Quality varies significantly between brands

EMG 35JActive Electric Bass PickupFor 4-string bassJack magnet like J-style pickupsHousing: 38 x 89 mmIncl....

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 115948

$98

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG MM5TW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

EMG MM5TW

by EMG

Custom Build Tone Upgrade Repair

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of bass pickup options

✓ PROS

• Professional sound enhancement
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Installation may require professional setup
• Quality varies significantly between brands

EMG MM5TWActive Dual Mode Pickup for 5-String MM-Style Electric BassChange from humbucker to single coil through a push...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 269235

$118

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 35DC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

9/10

EMG 35DC

by EMG

Repair Bass Guitar Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of bass pickup options

✓ PROS

• Replacement options for all bass types
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Routing requirements vary
• Quality varies significantly between brands

EMG 35DCPick Up2 Parallel placed coilsBroad magnetic fieldDeeprich bassIncl. EMG Quik connect cableprewired volume/...

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 160868

$98

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG MMCS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

EMG MMCS

by EMG

Professional Performance Custom Build Sound Enhancement

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of bass pickup options

✓ PROS

• Upgrade potential for existing basses
• Replacement options for all bass types

✗ CONS

• Pickup compatibility considerations
• Electronics knowledge helpful

EMG -MMCSPickup for Electric BassActive humbucker with ceramic and steel magnetsMM StyleCeramic and steel magnets for...

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 247706

$108

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 40DC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

EMG 40DC

by EMG

Professional Performance Custom Build Bass Guitar

Key Feature:

• Custom build possibilities

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of bass pickup options
• Replacement options for all bass types

✗ CONS

• Routing requirements vary
• Quality varies significantly between brands

EMG 40DC E-Bass Pickup, 40DC pickup for electric bassWhile the colleagues in the guitar section are more conservative...

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 146666

$98

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 40TWX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

EMG 40TWX

by EMG

Bass Guitar Professional Performance Sound Enhancement

Key Feature:

• Upgrade potential for existing basses

✓ PROS

• Upgrade potential for existing basses
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Pickup compatibility considerations
• Quality varies significantly between brands

EMG 40TWXDual Mode Pickup for 5-String Electric BassSingle coil and dual coil pickup in one housingMaximum string...

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 464838

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG TBTW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

EMG TBTW

by EMG

Repair Tone Upgrade Sound Enhancement

Key Feature:

• Upgrade potential for existing basses

✓ PROS

• Replacement options for all bass types
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Routing requirements vary
• Pickup compatibility considerations

EMG TBTWPickup for Bass GuitarActive dual mode pickupFor TB Style E-BassChange from humbucker to single coil through a...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 401667

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 40DCX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

EMG 40DCX

by EMG

Tone Upgrade Sound Enhancement Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Custom build possibilities

✓ PROS

• Upgrade potential for existing basses
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Quality varies significantly between brands
• Electronics knowledge helpful

EMG 40DCX, Pickup for 5-String Electric Bass, Dual coil with 2 parallel coils, Magnet type: Ceramic, Wide magnetic...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 263134

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG MM-HZ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

EMG MM-HZ

by EMG

Custom Build Bass Guitar Tone Upgrade

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of bass pickup options

✓ PROS

• Custom build possibilities
• Replacement options for all bass types

✗ CONS

• Installation may require professional setup
• Routing requirements vary

EMG MM-HZPickup for Electric BassPassive MM-style humbuckerDesign: 4-StringDimensions: 88.9 x 48.3 x 22.8 mm (3.5"...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 207099

$123

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG HB Steinberger - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

EMG HB Steinberger

by EMG

Bass Guitar Tone Upgrade Sound Enhancement

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of bass pickup options

✓ PROS

• Professional sound enhancement
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Quality varies significantly between brands
• Installation may require professional setup

EMG HB SteinbergerPickup For Electric BassStructuretone and output power as P-typeGuitar humbucker housingRecommended...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 114653

$105

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG 40HZ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

EMG 40HZ

by EMG

Repair Professional Performance Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Upgrade potential for existing basses

✓ PROS

• Upgrade potential for existing basses
• Custom build possibilities

✗ CONS

• Pickup compatibility considerations
• Quality varies significantly between brands

EMG 40HZPickup For 5-String Electric BassSoapbarPassiveFor string field to 79.4 mmCeramic and steel magnetsHigh output...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 108123

$98

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Pickups for 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 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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TOP

Best EMG Pickups for Basses 2025

EMG TBHZ Bass Pickup

EMG MM5CS

EMG MMTW

EMG 35TW-X

EMG 35J

EMG MM5TW

EMG 35DC

EMG MMCS

EMG 40DC

EMG 40TWX

EMG TBTW

EMG 40DCX

EMG MM-HZ

EMG HB Steinberger

EMG 40HZ

How to Choose the Best Pickups for Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying pickups for basses?

How much should I spend on pickups for basses?

Are expensive pickups for basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for pickups for basses?

Should I buy pickups for basses online or in-store?

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