EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2750
Description
EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker engineered for session work and studio tracking where tonal flexibility serves your creative needs. This innovative pickup houses two independent active preamps and triple-coil configuration within a single housing, accessible via push/pull pot switching. The thicker 1.1" profile integrates cleanly into standard humbucker cavities while delivering the aggressive output and clarity EMG is known for—critical assets in a recording chain.
Dual-Mode Design & Output Specifications
The 81TW's dual active preamps and triple-coil architecture let you toggle between two distinct sonic characters using a simple push/pull potentiometer, giving you two distinct mic placements or pickup personalities within a single guitar during tracking. Output measures 3.00 V RMS with a peak of 4.50 V, delivering the hot, controlled aggression typical of EMG's 81 platform—ideal for cutting through dense mixes and maintaining articulation during layered arrangement work. With -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance, the pickup maintains clarity and detail even when pushed through high-gain recording chains or when stacked with compression and saturation in the DAW.
Power & Installation
This active pickup runs on a single 9 V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life and support for up to 27 V DC maximum supply for those running powered pedalboards or studio amps with higher headroom. The solderless installation system eliminates the need for a soldering iron, and all necessary components—including the 25k tone pot, push/pull pot, stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection cables, and mounting hardware—ship with the unit, reducing setup time before you can focus on tracking.
Key Features
- Dual-mode design with two pickups in one humbucker housing
- Dual active preamps with triple-coil configuration
- Mode selection via push/pull potentiometer
- 1.1" thickness (compared to 0.9" standard EMG humbuckers)
- Steel bars and ceramic magnet construction
- Output voltage: 3.00 V RMS / 4.50 V peak
- Output noise: -100 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- 9 V battery with 3000-hour battery life; maximum 27 V DC supply
- Current draw at 9V: 80 µA
- Resonant frequency: 1630 Hz
- Solderless installation system with all necessary mounting hardware and cables included
The EMG 81TW consolidates tonal flexibility and reliable active electronics into a single drop-in pickup, making it an essential tool for producers tracking multiple guitar parts and engineers who need mic-like versatility from a single instrument.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW gives home and professional studios a versatile, dual-mode active humbucker that lets you toggle between two distinct characters within a single instrument track, capturing both aggressive and refined aggression in one session. Its -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance keep your recordings articulate and punchy even when layering heavy guitars or pushing interface preamps hard. Solderless installation and included all-in-one components mean fast setup and reliable performance across back-to-back recording days.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, aggressive, articulate, controlled clarity, hot |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk, Blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the two modes, and how do I switch between them?
The 81TW houses two independent active preamps and a triple-coil configuration accessible via a push/pull potentiometer, letting you toggle between two distinct sonic characters without removing the pickup. Exact tonal differences depend on your wiring setup, but the dual-mode design gives you flexibility to dial in different aggression, clarity, or frequency response during performance or recording.
Will this fit my standard humbucker cavity, and what installation skills do I need?
Yes—the 81TW's 1.1" profile integrates cleanly into standard humbucker cavities. The solderless installation system requires no soldering iron; all necessary components (25k tone pot, push/pull pot, stereo jack, cables, and hardware) ship with the unit, making it accessible to players with basic DIY comfort.
What's the output level, and will it work well with high-gain amp settings?
The 81TW outputs 3.00 V RMS with a 4.50 V peak, delivering hot, controlled aggression typical of EMG's 81 platform. With a -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance, it maintains clarity and articulation even at extreme gain settings, making it well-suited for metal and hard rock applications.
How long does the battery last, and what are the power specs?
A single 9 V battery delivers exceptional 3000-hour battery life (roughly 125 days of continuous use). The pickup also supports up to 27 V DC maximum supply for players running higher-voltage systems, with a current draw of 80 µA at 9 V.
Is this a B-Stock item, and if so, what cosmetic condition should I expect?
This is a B-Stock unit, meaning it is fully functional but may have minor cosmetic imperfections. Refer to the product description for any specific cosmetic details noted for this unit.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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