EMG 40TWX 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
- EMG3295
Description
EMG 40TWX 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 40TWX is a dual-configuration active soapbar engineered for studio and live recording applications where clarity and punch must coexist. This pickup combines two independent coil designs—a single-coil and a humbucker configuration—with EMG's X Series preamp to capture articulate finger tones and aggressive pick/thumb response from a single housing. The solderless installation and included tone controls streamline integration into your bass rig, minimizing downtime during tracking or session prep.
Tonal Character & Recording Headroom
The 40TWX produces output voltages of 4.00V/1.00V for finger technique and 8.50V/3.00V for pick/thumb technique, providing dynamic range suited to varied playing styles in the mix. The integrated X Series preamp with VLPF (variable low-pass filter) active tone control and dual resonant frequencies (2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz) let you sculpt everything from tight, articulate highs to warm, focused lows while maintaining headroom for tracking without clipping or preamp saturation.
Specifications & Installation
Measuring 4 inches (102mm) long and 1.50 inches (38.1mm) wide with a maximum string spacing of 79.37mm, this pickup fits standard 5-string bass cavities. The solderless wiring system eliminates the need for soldering, and the complete accessory kit includes the 25K active tone pot with push/pull functionality, stereo output jack, battery bus, all necessary cables, and mounting hardware for rapid installation without studio workflow interruption.
Key Features
- Housing dimensions: 4 inches (102mm) length × 1.50 inches (38.1mm) width
- Maximum string spacing: 79.37mm for 5-string application
- Dual independent coil configuration: single-coil and humbucker designs in one pickup
- Magnet materials: ceramic and steel construction
- Active X Series preamp with variable low-pass filter (VLPF) tone control
- Output voltages: 4.00V/1.00V (finger/thumb) and 8.50V/3.00V (thump)
- Resonant frequencies: 2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz
- Solderless wiring installation system
- Included components: 25K active tone pot with push/pull switch, stereo output jack, battery bus, mounting screws, and all necessary cables
- Black cover finish
The EMG 40TWX delivers versatile, recording-ready bass tones with active electronics and tool-free installation—ideal for studios and home-recording setups where quick setup and consistent tone tracking matter.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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At a Glance
The EMG 40TWX active soapbar delivers articulate finger tones and aggressive thumb response with independent coil configurations and a built-in X Series preamp—perfect for studio sessions where you need dynamic range and clarity across funk, progressive, and contemporary bass records. The variable low-pass filter and dual resonant frequencies (2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz) let you shape your tone precisely during tracking and mixing, while the high output voltages (up to 8.50V for thump technique) give you headroom and control in the mix. Solderless installation and a complete accessory kit make it straightforward to integrate into your session bass without downtime.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the finger/thumb and thump output levels?
The 40TWX produces 4.00V/1.00V for finger/thumb technique and 8.50V/3.00V for thump technique, allowing you to control dynamics across your playing range. This dual-output design responds to your attack and technique, delivering more signal when you need aggressive tone.
Will this fit my 5-string bass without routing or modification?
The pickup measures 4 inches (102mm) long with a maximum string spacing of 79.37mm and fits standard 5-string bass cavities. You should verify your bass cavity dimensions match before purchasing, but most modern 5-string designs accommodate this size.
Do I need to solder this pickup to my bass?
No—the 40TWX uses EMG's solderless wiring system, eliminating the need for a soldering iron. The kit includes everything you need: the 25K active tone pot with push/pull switch, stereo output jack, battery bus, cables, and mounting hardware for plug-and-play installation.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 40TWX excels in funk, progressive, and studio session work where clarity and punch are essential. It is not optimized for folk or traditional jazz applications, where a warmer or more subdued character might be preferred.
What tone-shaping options does the included preamp offer?
The integrated X Series preamp features a variable low-pass filter (VLPF) active tone control with two selectable resonant frequencies at 2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz, letting you dial from tight, modern highs to warm, focused lows while maintaining headroom.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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