What type of magnets are used in the EMG JMaster pickups?

The JMaster pickups utilize Alnico 5 magnets. These are selected for their ability to produce a balanced, rich, and expressive single-coil tone.

Is soldering required to install the EMG JMaster set?

No, the set includes EMG’s renowned solderless wiring kit. This allows for an effortless installation into existing instruments without the need for soldering or permanent modifications.

Are these pickups active or passive?

The JMaster pickups are active. They feature an integrated preamp design that captures vintage essence while providing the benefits of active electronics, such as low noise and high signal integrity.

What tonal style do these pickups emulate?

They are designed as a true homage to P-90 style single coils. They deliver a tone that is balanced, rich, and dynamic, characteristic of classic offset guitar sounds.

What is included in the JMaster Loaded Pickup Set?

The set comes complete with the pickups, a master volume control, and a master tone control as part of the solderless installation kit.

What is the benefit of the 'stacked coil' design in this model?

The wide stacked coils help deliver a balanced single-coil tone while assisting in the reduction of hum, providing a cleaner signal than traditional non-stacked single coils.

Can I install these in a standard Fender Jazzmaster?

Yes, they are designed to fit into existing instruments that use standard Jazzmaster-style pickup routes without requiring modifications.

What series does the JMaster belong to within the EMG catalog?

The JMaster is a distinguished addition to the EMG Retro Active line-up. This series focuses on combining vintage response with modern active preamp advantages.

Do these pickups require a battery?

Yes, as active pickups, they require a power source, typically a 9V battery, to power the internal Retro Active preamp.

What colour are the pickup covers in this specific set?

This specific set comes with Ivory covers, providing a classic aesthetic suitable for vintage-style instruments.

How does the JMaster handle high-gain settings?

Because of the active preamp and stacked coil design, the JMaster handles high gain much more quietly than traditional passive single coils, maintaining clarity without excessive hum.

Is the volume and tone response different from passive pickups?

The JMaster uses a low-impedance output thanks to its preamp. This means you won't lose high-end frequencies when you turn the volume down, a common issue with passive electronics.

Gear article

EMG JMaster Loaded Pickup Set

The EMG JMaster is a high-performance active pickup set designed as a drop-in replacement for Jazzmaster-style guitars. Part of the Retro Active series, these pickups combine Alnico 5 magnets and wide stacked coils with an integrated preamp to deliver vintage P-90 character with modern low-noise performance.

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Background and Design

The EMG JMaster set is a specialized entry in the 'Retro Active' lineup, a range developed by EMG to bridge the gap between traditional passive aesthetics and active electronics. These pickups are specifically designed to pay homage to the classic P-90 style single coils often found in offset guitars.

Unlike traditional passive Jazzmaster pickups which can be susceptible to 60-cycle hum and interference, the JMaster utilizes hand-crafted construction with Alnico 5 magnets and wide stacked coils. This engineering approach maintains the iconic 'soapbar' footprint while providing the technical advantages of a discrete FET-based preamp.

Technical Features

The heart of the JMaster set lies in its active preamp design. This internal circuitry is voiced to capture the response and touch-sensitivity of a vintage instrument while lowering the output impedance. Key technical specifications include:

Alnico 5 Magnets: Chosen for their musicality and balanced frequency response.
Solderless Wiring: The set comes as a complete 'Loaded' kit, including a master volume and master tone control, designed for plug-and-play installation.
Buffered Output: The active design ensures that signal integrity is maintained even through long cable runs or complex pedalboards.

Sound Character

The JMaster set is described as delivering a rich, expressive tone that remains faithful to the single-coil heritage. The wide stacked coils provide a broader magnetic field than standard Stratocaster-style pickups, resulting in a 'fat' midrange and clear highs typical of a P-90. Because the preamp is specifically tuned for the Retro Active series, the pickups avoid the overly compressed 'sterile' sound sometimes associated with older active designs, instead offering a dynamic range that responds to the player's pick attack.

Installation and Compatibility

EMG has designed the JMaster set to be a direct replacement that requires no permanent modifications to the instrument. The inclusion of the solderless wiring kit is a significant feature for users who wish to upgrade their guitar without the need for professional soldering tools. The kit includes all necessary components to replace the primary volume and tone circuit, ensuring the pickups operate at their intended 9-volt potential.

Target User and Alternatives

This set is primarily aimed at Jazzmaster players who require a vintage-voiced tone but struggle with the noise floors of traditional passive single coils. It is particularly suited for studio recording and live performance in environments with high electrical interference.

While alternatives like the Fender Jazzmaster Pickup series offer purely passive, traditional tones, the EMG JMaster provides a distinct advantage for those seeking the 'Retro Active' balance of classic feel and modern reliability. It stands as a premium upgrade for players looking to elevate the expressive capabilities of their offset instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of magnets are used in the EMG JMaster pickups?: The JMaster pickups utilize Alnico 5 magnets. These are selected for their ability to produce a balanced, rich, and expressive single-coil tone.
Is soldering required to install the EMG JMaster set?: No, the set includes EMG’s renowned solderless wiring kit. This allows for an effortless installation into existing instruments without the need for soldering or permanent modifications.
Are these pickups active or passive?: The JMaster pickups are active. They feature an integrated preamp design that captures vintage essence while providing the benefits of active electronics, such as low noise and high signal integrity.
What tonal style do these pickups emulate?: They are designed as a true homage to P-90 style single coils. They deliver a tone that is balanced, rich, and dynamic, characteristic of classic offset guitar sounds.
What is included in the JMaster Loaded Pickup Set?: The set comes complete with the pickups, a master volume control, and a master tone control as part of the solderless installation kit.
What is the benefit of the 'stacked coil' design in this model?: The wide stacked coils help deliver a balanced single-coil tone while assisting in the reduction of hum, providing a cleaner signal than traditional non-stacked single coils.
Can I install these in a standard Fender Jazzmaster?: Yes, they are designed to fit into existing instruments that use standard Jazzmaster-style pickup routes without requiring modifications.
What series does the JMaster belong to within the EMG catalog?: The JMaster is a distinguished addition to the EMG Retro Active line-up. This series focuses on combining vintage response with modern active preamp advantages.
Do these pickups require a battery?: Yes, as active pickups, they require a power source, typically a 9V battery, to power the internal Retro Active preamp.
What colour are the pickup covers in this specific set?: This specific set comes with Ivory covers, providing a classic aesthetic suitable for vintage-style instruments.
How does the JMaster handle high-gain settings?: Because of the active preamp and stacked coil design, the JMaster handles high gain much more quietly than traditional passive single coils, maintaining clarity without excessive hum.
Is the volume and tone response different from passive pickups?: The JMaster uses a low-impedance output thanks to its preamp. This means you won't lose high-end frequencies when you turn the volume down, a common issue with passive electronics.