EMG 40TW 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG1996
Description
EMG 40TW 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 40TW delivers the clarity and punch expected from EMG's active pickup designs, engineered specifically for five-string bass rigs. This soapbar-format pickup pairs dual-mode switching with hot output and tight low-end definition, making it a versatile choice for tracking sessions that demand consistency across finger, thumb, and aggressive playing techniques in the mix.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Dual independent coils allow you to toggle between single-coil punch and humbucker thickness using the included push/pull pot, giving you tonal flexibility during tracking or mixing overdubs. Output ranges from 1.00V in single-coil mode up to 4.50V in full thump mode, delivering responsive dynamics without sacrificing headroom in your preamp or interface. The 2.50 kHz and 5.40 kHz resonant frequencies target clarity in the midrange and upper harmonics, ideal for cutting through a mix and maintaining articulation on complex sessions.
Integration & Hardware
Quick connectors simplify wiring and future maintenance, while the 38.1mm width fits standard five-string spacing up to 76.2mm string width. The complete electronics package—including 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all necessary cables—arrive ready to integrate into an active bass system, minimizing studio setup time and ensuring reliable recording sessions.
Key Features
- 4-inch (102mm) soapbar housing, black cover
- 1.50-inch (38.1mm) width with 3.00-inch (76.2mm) maximum string width rating
- Ceramic and steel magnet configuration
- Two independent coils—single coil and humbucker modes
- Push/pull pot switching between coil configurations
- Resonant frequency: 2.50 kHz / 5.40 kHz
- Output voltage: 2.00V / 1.00V (finger/thumb), 4.50V / 3.00V (thump)
- Quick connectors for streamlined wiring
- Includes 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and all interface cables
The EMG 40TW combines flexible switching, professional output levels, and a complete wiring harness to capture active bass tone with your five-string rig without compromise.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 40TW brings active-pickup clarity and punch to five-string bass recording and overdub sessions, with dual-coil switching that lets you dial in single-coil articulation or humbucker thickness on the fly. Studio engineers and producers value its tight low end, articulate midrange, and high headroom for layering bass tracks and maintaining definition in dense mixes. The complete electronics package and quick connectors simplify integration into your studio rig, letting you focus on capturing your tone.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Acoustic-oriented music
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single-coil and humbucker mode on this pickup?
The push/pull pot toggles between two independent coils: single-coil mode delivers 1.00V output with punchy attack and clarity ideal for finger technique, while humbucker mode generates up to 4.50V for full thump and thickness. You can switch modes mid-performance or session without stopping.
Will this pickup fit my five-string bass?
The 40TW is sized specifically for five-string basses: 38.1mm width with a maximum string width rating of 76.2mm. It arrives with all mounting hardware and quick connectors for straightforward installation into standard five-string spacing.
What's included in the box?
The complete package includes the 40TW soapbar pickup (black cover), 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, push/pull coil-switching pot, and all necessary interface cables—everything you need to integrate it into an active bass system.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup built for?
The EMG 40TW excels in funk, progressive, studio, and live performance contexts where articulate mids, tight low end, and high output are essential. It handles finger, thumb, and aggressive picking techniques without sacrificing headroom or clarity.
How does the output compare to passive pickups?
In single-coil mode, output reaches 1.00V; in humbucker mode, up to 4.50V—significantly hotter than passive designs. This active output delivers responsive dynamics and lets you push preamps and compressors without losing definition or introducing unwanted noise.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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