EMG 40TW-R 5-String Active 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
- EMG1997
Description
EMG 40TW-R 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 40TW-R delivers a compact, versatile soapbar format engineered for 5-string bass recording and session work where tonal range and mix flexibility are essential. Its dual independent pickup architecture—combining a single-coil and humbucker configuration with separate preamps—lets you capture articulate highs and thick lows from a single instrument without resorting to hardware swaps or multiple bass patches. The ceramic and steel magnet pairing provides clarity and definition across the full frequency spectrum, translating accurately to your DAW and console.
Tone & Electronics
Output voltage ranges from 1.0 V to 3.0 V in single-coil mode and 2.0 V to 4.5 V in dual-coil mode, giving you flexible gain staging into any audio interface, preamp, or mixing console. Resonant frequencies sit at 5.40 kHz (single-coil) and 2.50 kHz (dual-coil), letting each mode establish its own sonic character for different parts and mixes. The included push/pull switch lets you toggle between configurations during recording or overdubs, while the 25K tone control shapes your high-end response with precision across takes.
Physical Design & Integration
Measuring 4.000" overall length with a 1.500" height and 0.880" depth, the 40TW-R fits standard soapbar cavities on most modern 5-string basses used in project studios. Mounting hole spacing of 3.750" with 0.125" diameter holes ensures straightforward installation, and the maximum recommended string width of 3.00" accommodates most string configurations without overlap or noise artifacts.
Key Features
- Dual independent pickups: single-coil and humbucker configuration with separate preamps
- Output voltage: 1.00 V / 2.00 V (finger/thumb mode) and 3.00 V / 4.50 V (thump mode)
- Resonant frequency: 5.40 kHz (single-coil) / 2.50 kHz (dual-coil)
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Output noise floor: −107 dB (single-coil) / −109 dB (dual-coil)
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Battery life: 1500 hours at 9V; maximum supply 27 Volts DC
- Current draw: 160 microamps @ 9V
- Included 25K tone control and push/pull switch with 25K pot
- Dimensions: 4.000" L × 1.500" H × 0.880" D with 3.750" mounting hole spacing
- Maximum recommended string width: 3.00"
- Includes pickup cable, connect cables, stereo output jack, battery bus, and adjustment hardware
The EMG 40TW-R combines exceptionally low noise performance with dual-mode flexibility, making it a reliable foundation for 5-string players recording sessions that demand both articulate definition and extended low-end presence from a single pickup.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 40TW-R is an active dual-mode pickup for 5-string bass that splits single-coil and humbucker configurations with separate preamps, letting you shape tone from articulate highs to thick lows within a single take. Its low noise floor (down to −109 dB in dual-coil mode) and adjustable output voltage (1.0–4.5 V range) make it ideal for recording sessions where tonal versatility and clean signal capture matter. The included 25K tone control and push/pull switch provide real-time voicing without patching or re-recording.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this pickup fit my 5-string bass?
The 40TW-R uses standard soapbar cavity dimensions (4.000" L × 1.500" H × 0.880" D) with 3.750" mounting hole spacing and 0.125" diameter holes, fitting most modern 5-string basses. Maximum recommended string width is 3.00", which accommodates most standard configurations without overlap.
What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil modes?
Single-coil mode emphasizes articulate highs with a 5.40 kHz resonant peak and output from 1.0–3.0 V, while dual-coil mode thickens the low end with a 2.50 kHz resonant peak and 2.0–4.5 V output. You toggle between them using the included push/pull switch without physically changing anything.
How long does the battery last?
The 9V battery runs for approximately 1500 hours of typical use. The pickup accepts up to 27 Volts DC maximum and draws only 160 microamps at 9V, so you can experiment with higher supply voltages for more headroom if needed.
What's included in the box?
You get the pickup, pickup cable, connect cables, stereo output jack, battery bus, 25K tone control, push/pull switch with 25K pot, and all adjustment hardware needed for installation.
How does this compare to passive pickups?
The EMG 40TW-R is active, meaning it requires battery power but delivers a much lower noise floor (−107 to −109 dB), higher output voltage range (1.0–4.5 V), and dual-mode flexibility. This makes it better suited for studio tracking and live sound reinforcement where clean, articulate signal and tonal options are priorities.
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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