EMG Pickups

About

EMG Bass Pickups – Active Pickup Pioneers Since 1976 EMG is one of the most influential names in bass pickup design, known for pioneering the modern active bass pickup. For over 40 years, EMG bass pickups have delivered clarity, consistency, and professional-grade performance across every musical style. Read more about EMG pickups Founded in 1976 by Rob Turner in Long Beach, California, EMG introduced a groundbreaking idea: integrating an internal preamp directly into the pickup. This design solved long-standing issues for bass players, including unwanted noise, signal loss over long cable runs, and inconsistent tone. Turner’s background in electronics allowed EMG to deliver a cleaner, stronger, and more reliable signal than traditional passive pickups. This innovation quickly established EMG as a leader in active bass pickup technology. In 1981, EMG active pickups became standard equipment on Steinberger basses, bringing EMG’s sound to professional musicians across a wide range of genres. Since then, EMG pickups have remained a trusted choice for both touring and studio bass players. Every EMG pickup is built to strict quality standards to ensure long-term reliability and consistent performance. EMG’s commitment to American manufacturing means each pickup is assembled by skilled craftspeople who understand the demands of professional bass playing. One of EMG’s key innovations is the use of bar magnets instead of traditional pole pieces. This design reduces excessive magnetic pull, helps maintain accurate pitch, and provides even response across different string spacings. While EMG is often associated with modern, high-output tones, many models—such as the EMG P and EMG J—retain much of the character of vintage-style passive pickups. Other EMG designs offer a more modern and distinctive voice, giving players a wide range of tonal options. EMG bass pickups have been used by legendary players including Les Claypool, Guy Pratt, and Victor Wooten. From metal and rock to