EMG2000 vs EMG7391 — Compare
EMG 45TW 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG 81TWX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 45TW is a six-string bass soapbar with dual voicing optimized for funk, extended-range work, and tonal versatility across studio and live settings. The EMG 81TWX is a standard humbucker voiced for metal and hard rock with higher output and tighter low-end character. Choose the 45TW if you play six-string bass; choose the 81TWX if you play guitar and need aggressive, high-output tones for rock and metal.
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EMG 45TW 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
EMG 81TWX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
Specs side by side
| EMG 45TW 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black | EMG 81TWX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $145.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 45TW 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Designed specifically for six-string bass with 92mm string width accommodation
- ✓ Dual single-coil and humbucker modes for warm lows to aggressive midrange flexibility
- ✓ Warm, articulate tone profile suited to funk and studio bass work
Why choose EMG 81TWX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
- ✓ Higher output range (up to 8.50V) for aggressive, saturated sustain in metal contexts
- ✓ Extended resonant frequency control (1.75–3.15 kHz) enabling tight lows and cutting highs
- ✓ Exceptional battery life (1500 hours) and low noise floor (-109 dBV) for studio clarity
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 81TWX on a six-string bass?
No. The 45TW is engineered for six-string bass with a 92.0mm string-width limit. The 81TWX is a humbucker for standard guitar and does not accommodate six-string bass configuration.
Which has higher output?
The 81TWX reaches 8.50V in dual-coil mode, significantly exceeding the 45TW's maximum 4.50V. The 81TWX is better for players who need aggressive signal strength and saturation.
Are both pickups noiseless?
Both employ active preamp designs for noise reduction. The 81TWX specifies a -109 dBV noise floor in dual-coil mode; the 45TW emphasizes noiseless active design but does not list an explicit noise floor specification.
Which is better for studio recording?
Both are studio-appropriate. The 45TW excels for bass sessions with articulate low-end control; the 81TWX is optimized for guitar-based hard rock and metal with high clarity and dynamic headroom up to 27V DC supply.