EMG7606 vs EMG7785 — Compare
EMG 35HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Red vs EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory
The 35HZ is a passive pickup for players seeking traditional tone without batteries, while the TBP is an active pickup designed for modern, punchy clarity with extended battery life. Choose the 35HZ for vintage-voiced, maintenance-free playing; choose the TBP for cutting high-output articulation in studio and live settings.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG 35HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Red | EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 35HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Red
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or active electronics
- ✓ Balanced, articulate tone suits jazz, funk, and blues equally well
- ✓ Reliable ceramic/steel magnet configuration with predictable signal
Why choose EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Active electronics deliver tight low end and punchy attack ideal for modern funk and studio work
- ✓ 3000-hour battery life per charge minimizes downtime
- ✓ High output voltage (4.50V thump mode) cuts through dense mixes without preamp distortion
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better for jazz?
The 35HZ is explicitly voiced for jazz with its balanced, resonant character and traditional bass tone. The TBP is noted as not ideal for traditional jazz, favoring funkier, more modern applications.
Do I need to worry about battery replacement?
The TBP runs 3000 hours per 9V battery charge, meaning years between replacements for typical gigging. The 35HZ uses no battery at all, eliminating this maintenance entirely.
Which has higher output and cuts through better?
The TBP delivers 4.50V in thump mode versus the 35HZ's passive 8.0 kOhm resistance, giving the TBP more aggressive gain staging for dense mixes and high-volume settings.
Are these compatible with my bass?
The 35HZ is a standard soapbar for any 4-string bass with soapbar routing. The TBP is specifically engineered for Thunderbird bass bodies and will not fit other instruments.