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10 Best Bass Pickups 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
EMG J Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black
The EMG J Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set is designed for bass players looking for a dynamic and versatile sound. These pickups are known for their sweeping harmonic overtones and punchy, quiet operation, making them ideal for both live performances and studio recordings. The active pickups provide a broader tonal frequency range compared to passive pickups, offering more dimensions and clarity to your sound.
#2
Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
The Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup is a bridge-mounted, dual-element piezo-ceramic pickup designed for upright basses. It's known for easy installation and delivering a deep, sustained pizzicato tone with quick articulation and a strong direct string sound. Although it can be used without a preamp, an impedance-matching preamp like the Fishman Platinum Stage or Pro EQ is recommended to get the best sound quality, especially because they have dedicated bass modes.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#3
Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup - High Output Pickup for Classic and Hard Rock, Grunge, Metal, and Punk
The Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup is a high-output pickup designed primarily for bassists who play genres like classic rock, hard rock, metal, grunge, and punk. One of its key strengths is the massive tone upgrade it offers; this pickup delivers a fat, punchy sound with an extended frequency range, ensuring that your bass guitar cuts through the mix with clarity.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Top 10 Best Bass Pickups 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.9 score
EMG J Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black
EMG J Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black
Type of Pickup: Active Bass Guitar
Magnet Type: Radiused ceramic bar
Pickup Position: Standard jazz bass
Active vs. Passive: Active
Chosen by 1399 this week
Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
Type of Pickup: dual-element piezo
Magnet Type: ceramic
Pickup Position: bridge-mounted
Active vs. Passive: passive
Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup - High Output Pickup for Classic and Hard Rock, Grunge, Metal, and Punk
Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup - High Output Pickup for Classic and Hard Rock, Grunge, Metal, and Punk
Type of Pickup: Quarter Pound P-Bass
Output Level: high-output
Magnet Type: Alnico 5
Pickup Position: Precision-style basses
EMG Robert Trujillo RT Rip Tide J Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black Chrome (7090.00)
EMG Robert Trujillo RT Rip Tide J Bass Guitar Pickup Set, Black Chrome (7090.00)
Type of Pickup: J Bass Guitar Set
Magnet Type: Ceramic
Active vs. Passive: Passive
Nordstrand Big Split 5 String Bass Pickup Set
Nordstrand Big Split 5 String Bass Pickup Set
Type of Pickup: Big Split
Output Level: robust
Magnet Type: Alnico V
Pickup Position: 5-string bass
Active vs. Passive: Passive
Related Products
Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass V (5-String) Pickups
Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass V (5-String) Pickups
Type of Pickup: Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass
Magnet Type: Alnico 5
Pickup Position: Jazz Bass
Active vs. Passive: Passive
Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Jazz Bass Single-Coil Pickups - Set of 2
Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Jazz Bass Single-Coil Pickups - Set of 2
Type of Pickup: Single-Coil
Pickup Position: Jazz Bass
Active vs. Passive: Passive
EMG Geezer Butler Signature P Bass Guitar Pickup Set
EMG Geezer Butler Signature P Bass Guitar Pickup Set
Type of Pickup: P Bass Guitar Pickup
Output Level: suitably punchy
Magnet Type: Alnico V
Active vs. Passive: Passive
KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup (DB-1)
KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup (DB-1)
Type of Pickup: Piezo
Pickup Position: Bridge-Mounted
Active vs. Passive: Passive
#10
8.9 score
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Jazz Bass Pickup Set - High Output Neck and Bridge Bass Guitar Pickups
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Jazz Bass Pickup Set - High Output Neck and Bridge Bass Guitar Pickups
Type of Pickup: Jazz Bass Pickup
Output Level: High output
Pickup Position: Neck and Bridge
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Buying Guide for the Best Bass Pickups
Choosing the right bass pickups can significantly impact the sound and performance of your bass guitar. Bass pickups are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals, which are then amplified to produce sound. The type of pickups you choose will influence the tone, clarity, and overall character of your bass. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your playing style and musical preferences is crucial in making the best choice.Type of PickupThere are two main types of bass pickups: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, clear sound and are often used in genres like jazz and funk. However, they can be prone to picking up electrical noise. Humbuckers, on the other hand, use two coils to cancel out noise, resulting in a thicker, warmer tone that is popular in rock and metal. Your choice should depend on the genre of music you play and the sound you prefer. If you want a clean, articulate sound, go for single-coil. If you prefer a fuller, more powerful tone, humbuckers might be the better option.
Output LevelThe output level of a pickup refers to the strength of the signal it produces. High-output pickups generate a stronger signal, which can drive your amplifier harder and produce more distortion. These are often favored by rock and metal players. Low-output pickups produce a cleaner, more detailed sound, which is ideal for genres like jazz and blues. Consider your playing style and the type of music you play when choosing the output level. If you need more clarity and subtlety, low-output pickups are suitable. For more aggressive and powerful tones, high-output pickups are the way to go.
Magnet TypeThe type of magnet used in a pickup affects its tone and output. Common magnets include Alnico and Ceramic. Alnico magnets, typically Alnico II or V, are known for their warm, vintage sound and are often used in classic rock, blues, and jazz. Ceramic magnets produce a brighter, more modern tone with higher output, making them popular in heavier music genres. Your choice should reflect the sound you are aiming for. If you want a classic, smooth tone, Alnico magnets are a good choice. For a more contemporary, cutting sound, consider Ceramic magnets.
Pickup PositionThe position of the pickup on the bass guitar (neck, middle, or bridge) greatly influences the sound. Neck pickups tend to produce a warmer, bass-heavy tone, while bridge pickups offer a brighter, more treble-focused sound. Some basses have a middle pickup, which provides a balanced tone. Think about the sound you want to achieve and how you play. If you prefer a deep, mellow sound, a neck pickup might be best. For a sharper, more defined tone, a bridge pickup is ideal. If you want versatility, consider a bass with multiple pickups.
Active vs. PassiveActive pickups require a battery to operate and typically offer a higher output with more tonal control, including built-in preamps for EQ adjustments. They are great for modern, high-gain music styles. Passive pickups do not require a battery and are known for their dynamic, organic sound. They are often preferred for vintage tones and genres like blues, jazz, and classic rock. Your choice depends on your need for tonal flexibility and the type of sound you prefer. If you want more control over your tone and play modern music, active pickups are suitable. For a more natural, traditional sound, passive pickups are the way to go.