The EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ Pickup Set Black is a premium passive PJ bass pickup upgrade developed in collaboration with legendary Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler. Designed to recreate the powerful, punchy bass tones heard throughout Black Sabbath's classic early recordings, this pickup set combines vintage-inspired character with modern reliability and ease of installation. The result is a bass pickup system that delivers exceptional low-end authority, clarity and articulation without the need for active electronics.

Featuring a split-coil Precision Bass-style pickup paired with a noiseless Jazz Bass-style bridge pickup, the PJHZ set offers the best of both worlds. Players can enjoy the deep, focused punch of a traditional P Bass pickup alongside the added definition, growl and tonal flexibility provided by the J pickup.

Whether you're upgrading a Fender PJ Bass, Squier, Lakland or another PJ-equipped instrument, the Geezer Butler PJHZ set is designed for bassists who want authentic vintage tone, powerful dynamics and hassle-free installation. The included solderless wiring system makes fitting the pickups straightforward while maintaining professional performance standards.

Why Choose The EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ Pickup Set?

Signature Geezer Butler Tone

Developed directly with Geezer Butler and EMG founder Rob Turner, these pickups were specifically designed to recreate the bass tones heard on Black Sabbath's formative recordings. Expect deep lows, strong midrange punch and a natural vintage response that suits rock, blues and classic metal styles.

Vintage Passive Sound Without Batteries

Unlike many EMG pickups, the PJHZ set is completely passive. This means no batteries, no active circuitry and a more traditional playing feel while still benefiting from EMG's engineering expertise.

Powerful Alnico V Magnets

Both pickups utilise Alnico V magnets and custom-wound coils to deliver excellent dynamics, strong note definition and plenty of punch without sounding harsh or sterile.

Noiseless J Pickup Design

The bridge-position J pickup uses a split-coil design that significantly reduces the hum and noise commonly associated with vintage single-coil Jazz Bass pickups. This allows for cleaner recording and quieter live performance.

Outstanding PJ Balance

One challenge with many PJ basses is balancing output levels between the P and J pickups. The Geezer Butler set was engineered as a complete system, delivering excellent volume matching and tonal consistency across all pickup blends.

Solderless Installation System

EMG's renowned solderless wiring system makes installation quick and straightforward. Everything needed for fitting is included, making it one of the easiest pickup upgrades available.

Why Choose A PJ Bass Pickup Configuration?

The PJ pickup layout remains one of the most versatile bass configurations ever developed.

A traditional Precision Bass pickup delivers powerful low-end punch, strong mids and excellent mix-cutting ability. Adding a Jazz Bass bridge pickup introduces extra clarity, growl and articulation, giving players a wider range of usable sounds.

For bassists who play multiple genres or need one instrument to cover rehearsals, studio sessions and live performances, a PJ setup offers outstanding flexibility without sacrificing the core punch associated with a traditional P Bass. This is one reason PJ basses remain popular with gigging musicians around the world.

Who Is It For?

Beginners

An excellent upgrade for beginners looking to improve the sound of an entry-level PJ bass while maintaining simple passive operation.

Intermediate Players

Perfect for players seeking improved clarity, stronger output and more professional-quality tone from their instrument.

Advanced / Professional Players

Ideal for gigging and recording musicians who require reliable vintage-inspired bass tones with minimal noise and excellent dynamic response.

Particularly Recommended For

• Classic Rock
• Heavy Rock
• Traditional Metal
• Blues Rock
• Doom Metal
• Hard Rock
• Session Work
• Studio Recording
• Live Performance
• Vintage Bass Enthusiasts

Product Story / Background / Heritage

Geezer Butler is widely regarded as one of the most influential bassists in heavy music history. As a founding member of Black Sabbath, his bass playing helped define the sound of heavy metal and inspired generations of musicians.

Despite numerous signature products throughout the industry, Butler was famously selective about lending his name to equipment. Working alongside EMG and founder Rob Turner, he spent years refining a pickup design capable of recreating the powerful bass tones heard during Black Sabbath's early years.

The result was the GZR-P and GZR-PJ pickup series—a range of passive bass pickups that combine authentic vintage character with modern reliability and noise reduction. According to Butler himself, these were among the first pickups he felt truly deserved his endorsement.

Associated Artists / Songs / Performances

The EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ set is directly associated with:

• Geezer Butler
• Black Sabbath

Classic recordings associated with Geezer Butler's bass tone include:

• Iron Man
• Paranoid
• War Pigs
• N.I.B.
• Children of the Grave
• Into The Void

While pickups are only one part of a complete signal chain, the PJHZ set was specifically designed to capture the character of these iconic bass sounds.

Product Comparisons

EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ vs EMG PJX Set

The PJX set uses active electronics and offers a more modern, hi-fi sound.

The Geezer Butler PJHZ is the better choice for players seeking vintage warmth, passive dynamics and classic rock tones.

EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ vs Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound PJ

The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound set delivers higher output and a more aggressive attack.

The Geezer Butler set provides greater vintage authenticity, smoother response and improved tonal balance.

EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ vs Fender Original PJ Pickups

Fender's Original pickups offer traditional vintage voicing.

The Geezer Butler set adds improved noise reduction, better PJ balancing and a complete solderless installation package.

EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ vs DiMarzio Model P/J

The DiMarzio set offers strong output and modern punch.

The Geezer Butler set focuses more on vintage-inspired character, dynamic response and classic rock authenticity.

Educational Feature Section

Why Bassists Choose Passive Pickups

Passive pickups remain a favourite among many bass players because they respond naturally to playing dynamics and instrument controls.

Without onboard preamps or batteries, passive pickups often provide a more organic feel that reacts directly to the player's touch. Many musicians appreciate the way passive systems interact with amplifiers and pedals, particularly when seeking vintage-inspired tones.

The Geezer Butler PJHZ set combines these traditional passive qualities with modern engineering, delivering vintage character while reducing many of the noise issues associated with older pickup designs.

Looking For Advice?

Looking for advice on choosing the right bass guitar pickups, passive pickup upgrade or PJ bass setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

Pairs Perfectly With

• Fender Player PJ Basses
• Squier Classic Vibe PJ Basses
• Lakland PJ Basses
• Bass setup and installation services
• Premium instrument cables
• Bass preamp pedals
• Bass compressor pedals
• Quality gig bags and hard cases
• Recording interfaces
• Selected pre-owned bass amplifiers
• Bass guitar maintenance accessories

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer serving musicians since 1987 and proudly operates Birmingham's largest independent music store.

With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable staff available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a fully stocked Birmingham showroom, we're here to help before and after your purchase.

We also buy and sell pre-owned gear and regularly stock a wide range of quality used bass guitars, amplifiers and effects alongside the latest products from the world's leading manufacturers.

Whether you're upgrading a trusted workhorse bass, building a vintage-inspired rock machine or improving your recording setup, our team can help you choose the perfect bass pickup upgrade for your instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the EMG Geezer Butler PJHZ pickups active or passive?

They are completely passive pickups and do not require a battery.

Do these pickups sound like classic Black Sabbath recordings?

They were specifically designed to recreate the character and feel of Geezer Butler's early Black Sabbath bass tones.

Is installation difficult?

No. EMG includes its solderless wiring system, making installation considerably easier than many traditional pickup upgrades.

Will these fit any PJ bass?

They fit most standard PJ bass routings, although measuring your existing pickups before ordering is always recommended.

Are they suitable for modern styles as well as classic rock?

Yes. While voiced for vintage-inspired tones, they perform exceptionally well across rock, metal, blues and modern bass applications.

Do they include wiring components?

Yes. The complete installation kit, including pots, jack socket, cables and mounting hardware, is included.