EMG1967 vs EMG1992 — Compare
EMG 45HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black vs EMG 35TW Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 45HZ is a passive pickup for guitarists seeking articulate midrange without onboard electronics, while the EMG 35TW is an active bass pickup with switchable single/dual-coil modes and a built-in preamp. Choose the 45HZ if you play guitar and prefer passive simplicity; choose the 35TW if you play bass and want active electronics with tonal flexibility.
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EMG 35TW Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 45HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black | EMG 35TW Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 45HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or onboard preamp
- ✓ Extended 4.5-inch housing suits standard guitar routes
- ✓ Balanced output and low noise ideal for high-gain and studio work
- ✓ Includes essential wiring and potentiometers for direct installation
Why choose EMG 35TW Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active preamp with 1500-hour battery life per 9V cell
- ✓ Switchable single-coil/dual-coil modes via push/pull pot for tonal range
- ✓ Compact 3.5-inch soapbar housing fits standard bass routes
- ✓ Punchy midrange response optimized for bass with -107 dBV noise floor
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instruments?
No. The 45HZ is a guitar pickup with a 4.5-inch housing designed for standard guitar soapbar routes. The 35TW is a bass-specific pickup with a 3.5-inch housing for bass soapbar routes. They are not interchangeable.
Which requires more maintenance or setup?
The 45HZ is passive and requires no battery changes or preamp maintenance. The 35TW is active and requires periodic 9V battery replacement, though it delivers 1500 hours of use per cell.
What is the key tonal difference between them?
The 45HZ delivers balanced, articulate midrange with defined articulation suited to high-gain and studio work. The 35TW is optimized for bass with a punchy midrange that can toggle between bright single-coil and thick dual-coil character via push/pull switching.
Which is better for live performance?
The 35TW is explicitly rated for live performance and gigging, with active electronics ensuring consistent output and noise rejection. The 45HZ is primarily rated for studio and retrofit work, though passive designs are also viable live with proper gain staging.