EMG 45TW 6-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
- EMG2000
Description
EMG 45TW 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 45TW is a versatile active soapbar pickup engineered for six-string bass recording and production work that demands tonal flexibility without compromise. Its dual-mode design—switchable between single-coil and humbucker configurations via push/pull pot—delivers everything from warm, articulate lows to aggressive, punchy midrange in a single installation, letting you capture multiple bass characters across different sessions and mix contexts.
Design & Build
This pickup measures 4.5 inches × 1.5 inches (115mm) and accommodates string widths up to 92.0mm (3.62"), making it suitable for modern six-string bass configurations. The black soapbar housing integrates cleanly into most bass bodies while the active preamp design eliminates noise and maintains consistent output across playing dynamics—critical for achieving transparent, artifact-free recordings.
Tone & Recording Character
Single-coil mode employs ceramic and steel magnets for warm, defined tone that sits naturally in dense mixes; switching to humbucker mode engages dual-coil ceramic-steel construction for aggressive, articulate response that cuts through competing instruments. Output ranges from 1.00V to 4.50V depending on playing technique and mode selection, with dual resonant frequencies at 2.50 kHz and 5.40 kHz shaping midrange character and presence for flexible EQ shaping during mixing.
Key Features
- Dual-mode pickup with single-coil (JCS) and humbucker (CS) voicings
- Housing dimensions: 4.5 inches × 1.5 inches (115mm)
- Maximum string width: 92.0mm (3.62")
- Single-coil mode: ceramic and steel magnets for warm tone
- Humbucker mode: ceramic-steel dual-coil for aggressive sound
- Active noiseless preamp design
- Resonant frequencies: 2.50 kHz and 5.40 kHz
- Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V / 1.00V; (thump): 4.50V / 3.00V
- Mode switching via push/pull volume or tone pot
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and solderless cables
- Black finish
The 45TW combines studio clarity with recording punch, making it a serious choice for producers and engineers capturing bass parts that need to work across multiple songs and mix approaches without tonal limitations.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 45TW is a switchable active soapbar designed to capture both warm, defined lows and punchy midrange presence on six-string bass recordings. Its dual-mode design and noiseless preamp make it a versatile tracking tool for producers and engineers who record multiple bass voices in one session, offering studio clarity and mix-friendly articulation without noise floor compromise. Ideal for funk, modern bass production, and any session requiring tonal range from a single pickup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Funk
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between single-coil and humbucker mode on this pickup?
Single-coil mode uses ceramic and steel magnets for warm, defined tone; humbucker mode engages dual-coil ceramic-steel construction for aggressive, articulate response. You switch between them via a push/pull pot on your volume or tone control.
Will this pickup fit my six-string bass?
Yes, if your bass body accepts soapbar pickups with string spacing up to 92.0mm (3.62 inches). The pickup measures 4.5 inches × 1.5 inches and includes mounting screws for standard soapbar cavities.
Does this pickup require a battery?
Yes, the active preamp design uses a battery bus to deliver noiseless output and consistent signal across playing dynamics. The package includes all necessary cables and pots for installation.
What genres or playing styles is this best suited for?
It excels in funk, extended-range styles, and live performance where tonal flexibility and noise-free operation matter. It is not designed for traditional jazz voicings and works best with intermediate to advanced technique.
What comes included with the pickup?
Package includes the 45TW pickup, 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and solderless cables for quick installation.
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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