Upgrading your pickups is one of the fastest ways to change the feel and sound of a five-string bass. The right set can sharpen articulation, add low-end authority, and improve noise control.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best 5 string bass pickup sets for players who want a cleaner mix of punch, clarity, warmth, and reliability in 2026.
Best 10 5 String Bass Pickup Sets Picks for 2026
Signature Active Soapbar Set
EMG DE David Ellefson 5-String
- Dual-coil bridge pickup
- Ceramic/steel neck pickup
- Solderless install system
Best For: Players who want a signature 5-string soapbar set with simple installation
Vintage Jazz Replacement Set
Wilkinson WOJB5 5-String Jazz Bass
- Vari-Gauss ceramic design
- Neck and bridge set included
- Warm, mellow vintage tone
Best For: 5-string Jazz Bass owners wanting a vintage-style replacement set
Flexible Active System
Fishman Fluence 5-String Bass Set
- Neck and bridge pickups
- Includes switch pot and hardware
- Black finish
Best For: Players doing a full 5-string bass electronics upgrade
Passive Soapbar Option
Seymour Duncan SSB-5 Passive Set
- Passive soapbar design
- Fits EMG 40-sized slots
- Clear lows for drop tunings
Best For: 5-string bassists wanting passive soapbars with clear low-end articulation
Premium Wide-Range Set
DiMarzio Colossal 5-String Bass Pickup Set
- 5-string electric bass pickup set
- Includes two humbucker pickups
- Stainless steel build in black
Best For: Players wanting a two-humbucker replacement set with a clean black finish
High-Output Classic Choice
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Jazz Bass 5-String Set
- Hot output with strong attack
- Alnico 5 rod magnets and wax potted
- RWRP neck pickup for hum-cancellation
Best For: Jazz Bass players wanting a powerful, articulate 5-string set
Heavy Music Soapbar Set
Artec MDC5 Ceramic Magnet Bass Pickup Set
- Soapbar-style neck and bridge set
- Ceramic magnets for higher output
- Made for rock, metal, prog tones
Best For: Heavy-style players needing a high-output 5-string soapbar set
Passive Soapbar Set
Seymour Duncan Basslines SSB-5NYC Phase II
- Passive 5-string soapbar pickup set
- Black finish with compact dimensions
- Built for bass guitar 5-string use
Best For: Players wanting a straightforward passive soapbar replacement for a 5-string bass
Signature J Set
EMG RT Rip Tide Robert Trujillo
- Signature J-style set by Robert Trujillo
- Includes solderless wiring harness
- Fits traditional J spacing and narrow 5-strings
Best For: Players who need a signature J-style set with included wiring and narrow 5-string compatibility
Passive Humbucker Pair
- Passive dual-coil 5-string pickup pair
- Includes coil-splitting wiring
- Described as hot with wide mids and bright tone
Best For: Bassists seeking a passive 5-string humbucker pair with coil-splitting flexibility
Signature Active Soapbar Set – EMG DE David Ellefson 5-String
If you’re comparing 5 string bass pickup sets for a modern soapbar upgrade, the EMG DE David Ellefson Signature set is built for players who want a purpose-made 5-string option. It uses a dual-coil bridge pickup and a ceramic-and-steel neck pickup, and it comes in a 4-inch soapbar housing sized for 5-string basses.
Best For: Bassists who want an active-style signature soapbar set with EMG’s solderless install system.
Pros:
- Includes a bridge dual-coil pickup and ceramic/steel neck pickup
- Made for 5-string basses with 4-inch soapbar housing
- Includes EMG’s exclusive solderless install system
- Signature model tied to David Ellefson
Cons:
- Only listed in soapbar housing, so fit depends on your bass route
- Product notes do not spell out tonal character in detail
This is a straightforward choice if you want a matched 5-string set from EMG with easy installation built in. The key buying decision is fit, since the housing size matters just as much as the pickup design.
Vintage Jazz Replacement Set – Wilkinson WOJB5 5-String Jazz Bass
Among 5 string bass pickup sets, the Wilkinson M-series WOJB5 is aimed at Jazz Bass-style replacements with a vintage-leaning voice. The brand says its Vari-Gauss ceramic design keeps the low end deep while smoothing the treble, and the set is built for neck and bridge positions on a 5-string JB-style bass.
Best For: Players looking for a 5-string Jazz Bass replacement set with a warm, mellow vintage character.
Pros:
- Designed for 5-string JB-style basses
- Vari-Gauss ceramic design is meant to keep bass deep and treble smoother
- Includes neck and bridge pickups plus mounting accessories
- Lists string spacing and mounting measurements for fit checks
Cons:
- Screws may not fit every application, according to the notes
- Only works if your bass matches the listed dimensions and spacing
This set makes the most sense if you’re replacing pickups in a 5-string Jazz Bass and want a classic feel rather than an aggressive modern sound. The fit measurements are a major plus, but they also mean you should verify compatibility before buying.
Flexible Active System – Fishman Fluence 5-String Bass Set
If you’re narrowing down 5 string bass pickup sets and want an all-in-one active-style package, the Fishman Fluence Bass 5-string set is designed to cover the basics cleanly. The supplied notes list neck and bridge pickups, plus a push-pull switch pot, mounting hardware, a switching jack, and a standard pot.
Best For: Bassists who want a complete 5-string pickup set with included electronics hardware.
Pros:
- Includes neck and bridge pickups
- Comes with push-pull switch pot, mounting hardware, switching jack, and standard pot
- Purpose-built as a 5-string bass pickup set
- Black finish noted in the product details
Cons:
- The notes don’t provide detailed tone descriptors
- No fit dimensions are listed in the supplied information
This is the most complete hardware bundle in the group, which can simplify planning if you’re doing a full pickup-and-electronics swap. If you care more about included parts than detailed tonal specs, it’s an easy set to evaluate.
Passive Soapbar Option – Seymour Duncan SSB-5 Passive Set
For buyers comparing 5 string bass pickup sets and specifically wanting passive soapbars, the Seymour Duncan SSB-5 set focuses on moderate output and an organic feel. The notes say it drops into EMG 40-sized pickup slots and keeps low-end clarity and articulation strong, even for drop tunings.
Best For: 5-string bass players who want a passive soapbar set with clear lows and easy EMG 40-sized compatibility.
Pros:
- Passive soapbar design with moderate output
- Made for 5-string basses and EMG 40-sized pickup slots
- Low-end clarity and articulation are highlighted for drop tunings
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California
Cons:
- As a passive set, it may not suit players who want an active-style setup
- For optimal tone control, Seymour Duncan recommends pairing with a preamp
This set is a strong fit if you want a more organic passive response without giving up low-end definition. It is especially practical for swaps where the EMG 40-sized format matters.
Premium Wide-Range Set – DiMarzio Colossal 5-String Bass Pickup Set
If you’re comparing 5 string bass pickup sets for a bold, modern upgrade, the DiMarzio Colossal set is built as a 5-string electric bass pickup set with two humbucker pickups. The black finish and stainless steel construction give it a clean, rugged look, while the dual-pickup format makes it a straightforward option for players replacing a full set.
Best For: Players who want a two-humbucker 5-string bass pickup set with a black finish and sturdy build.
Pros:
- Includes two humbucker pickups in one 5-string electric bass pickup set
- Black colorway for a simple, matched look
- Stainless steel material for a durable build
- Compact package size and manageable 1.34-pound weight
Cons:
- Notes do not list output, magnet type, or tonal description
- Fitment details are not provided in the supplied information
This is the most straightforward pick in the group if you want a complete two-pickup replacement and prefer a no-frills product page focused on the basics. It suits buyers who care more about the set format and construction details than about a long feature list.
High-Output Classic Choice – Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Jazz Bass 5-String Set
Among 5 string bass pickup sets, the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Jazz Bass set stands out for high output and a vintage-style response. The hot coil winding is described as delivering great attack, massive attitude, sustain, and sonic complexity, while the Alnico 5 rod magnets and wax potted construction support a powerful but controlled setup.
Best For: Players who want a hot, articulate 5-string Jazz Bass pickup set with strong attack and hum-cancelling neck/bridge pairing.
Pros:
- Hot output with great attack and massive attitude
- Overwound coil aims for higher output with vintage-style articulation
- Neck pickup is RWRP for hum-cancellation when used with the bridge pickup
- Alnico 5 rod magnets and wax potted for squeal-free operation
Cons:
- Designed for Jazz Bass fitment, so it is not a universal pickup set
- Supplied notes list a 3-string detail in the specs, which may confuse buyers
- More focused on output and response than on subtle vintage low-output character
This set is a strong choice if you want a recognizable upgrade path with clear output-focused traits. It combines modern punch and detailed highs, making it easy to target players who need more presence without losing articulation.
Heavy Music Soapbar Set – Artec MDC5 Ceramic Magnet Bass Pickup Set
Artec MDC5 Ceramic Soapbar Style Pickups Set 14.4K for 5-String Bass Black | Neck Bridge
Check Price On AmazonIf you’re shopping 5 string bass pickup sets for a heavy, modern sound, the Artec MDC5 is a soapbar-style neck and bridge set built around ceramic magnets. The supplied specs point to higher output, bright sound, powerful lows, and destructive mids, making it a practical match for aggressive rock, metal, prog, and other modern styles.
Best For: Players who want a ceramic-magnet soapbar set with high output for rock, metal, prog, and other modern tones.
Pros:
- Fits 5-string basses in neck and bridge positions
- Ceramic magnets are described as delivering higher output and bright sound
- Powerful lows and strong mids suit heavier genres
- Set includes mounting accessories
Cons:
- Screws may not fit every installation, so you may need your own hardware
- Plastic cover and bobbin construction may not appeal to everyone
- Best suited to modern high-output use rather than softer vintage-style applications
This is the most genre-specific option here, and its notes clearly lean toward aggressive tones and practical fitment details. If you want a replacement set aimed at modern punch and clarity, it offers a focused, easy-to-understand feature set.
Passive Soapbar Set – Seymour Duncan Basslines SSB-5NYC Phase II
If you want 5 string bass pickup sets in a passive soapbar format, the Seymour Duncan Basslines SSB-5NYC Phase II is built for a straightforward swap on a 5-string bass. It is listed as a passive NYC soapbar set with black housings and a compact footprint, making it a practical choice when you need a familiar no-frills pickup set for a 5-string instrument.
Best For: Players looking for a passive 5-string soapbar pickup set with a simple, classic replacement approach.
Pros:
- Designed as a 5-string passive soapbar pickup set.
- Listed with black construction and compact dimensions for a tidy install.
- Made for bass guitar use with a dedicated 5-string instrument size.
Cons:
- Product notes do not include detailed tone-shaping specs.
- No wiring hardware or extra accessories are listed.
Overall, this set is the most direct option here if you want a passive soapbar-style upgrade specifically labeled for a 5-string bass. It keeps the buying decision simple by focusing on fit and format rather than extra features.
Signature J Set – EMG RT Rip Tide Robert Trujillo
Among 5 string bass pickup sets, the EMG RT Rip Tide stands out as a signature J-style option built around Robert Trujillo’s design. The notes say it is made for traditional J Bass spacing, but it can also suit narrow 5-string instruments, and it includes EMG’s solderless wiring harness for a standard volume/volume/tone setup.
Best For: Bassists who want a signature J pickup set with wiring hardware included and compatibility with narrow 5-string instruments.
Pros:
- Signature set designed from Metallica’s Robert Trujillo.
- Suitable for traditional J Bass spacing and narrow 5-string instruments.
- Includes EMG’s solderless wiring harness for standard V/V/T wiring.
- Ceramic bar magnets are described as delivering punchy mids and dynamic top end.
Cons:
- Listed as a 4-string J Bass pickup set, so fit requires checking carefully on 5-string basses.
- Not a soapbar-style pickup set.
This is the most feature-packed option in the group if you need a J-style setup and value the included wiring harness. Just be sure your bass’s spacing matches the narrow 5-string compatibility noted in the product details.
Passive Humbucker Pair – 5 String Coil-Splitting Set
If your search for 5 string bass pickup sets leans toward a dual-coil humbucker design, this passive pair is built strictly for 5-string use. The notes describe a hot, wide-mid and bright-toned pickup with coil-splitting capability, and the package includes two pickups so you can use them as a set.
Best For: Players who want a passive 5-string humbucker pair with coil-splitting options and a hot output character.
Pros:
- Strictly sized for 5-string basses.
- Passive dual-coil design with coil-splitting capability.
- Described as having a wide midrange and bright tone.
- Package includes 2 pickups.
Cons:
- Wiring is more involved, with multiple conductor and shield leads listed.
- No brand-name installation hardware is included in the notes.
This set is a solid fit if you want a more traditional humbucker route with the flexibility of coil splitting. It is best treated as a fit-and-wire project rather than a drop-in bundle with extras.
How We Picked These 5 String Bass Pickup Sets
We focused on pickup sets that fit common five-string bass use cases, including soapbar and Jazz Bass styles, passive and active designs, and options aimed at both vintage warmth and modern high output. We also considered build reputation, compatibility, and whether each set makes sense for a practical upgrade rather than a niche experiment.
Quick Comparison
The main differences come down to output level, voicing, and installation fit. Active sets tend to offer stronger output and tighter noise handling, while passive sets often deliver a more organic response and broader tonal shaping from your amp and pedals. Soapbar models usually suit basses designed for modern versatility, while Jazz-style pickups are better for players staying close to classic dimensions.
Key Buying Factors for 5 String Bass Pickup Sets
Pickup Style and Routing
Make sure the pickup shape matches your bass. Soapbar, J-style, and humbucker formats are not interchangeable without the right cavity size and mounting options. Measure carefully before buying.
Active Vs. Passive
Active pickups can offer more output, a more immediate attack, and better consistency, while passive pickups usually preserve dynamic nuance and a familiar organic tone. Choose based on how much onboard control you want versus how much raw character you want from the instrument.
Output and Voicing
For heavier genres or aggressive fingerstyle, a hotter set may help the bass cut through. For session work, gospel, funk, or vintage-leaning playing, a more balanced or lower-output set can keep note separation intact.
Noise and String Balance
Five-string basses need solid low-B response without losing clarity on the top strings. Look for sets known for even string-to-string balance and low hum, especially if you play with gain or use long cable runs.
Who Should Buy Which 5 String Bass Pickup Sets?
Choose a modern active set if you want fast attack, tighter lows, and less fuss with noise. Choose a passive set if you want more natural dynamics and a classic response that reacts well to your hands and pedals. If your bass already has soapbar routes, a compatible soapbar set is usually the cleanest upgrade path; if you have a Jazz Bass layout, stick with a matching J-style option.
In short, the best 5 String Bass Pickup Sets are the ones that match your bass’s routing, your preferred output level, and the tonal job you need them to do on stage or in the studio.