EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2749
Description
EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that captures both high-definition single-coil articulation and full humbucking punch from a single source. Its intelligent preamp switching lets you toggle between genuine single-coil and double-coil modes via push/pull pot, delivering authentic tonal character in each configuration—essential for tracking versatile guitar parts or reshaping tone in the mix without re-recording.
Dual-Mode Design & Recording Performance
Built around a triple-coil configuration with two independently tuned internal preamps, this pickup reproduces authentic single-coil clarity and full humbucking output rather than blended compromises. In the studio, this means capturing defined, articulate single-coil tones for clean passages and rhythm work, then switching to thick, controlled humbucker output for lead and aggressive sections—all from one track source.
Output & Signal Specifications
The EMG 81TW delivers 3.00V RMS output with peak voltage at 4.50V, maintaining a -100 dBV noise floor across both modes for clean, interference-free tracking. A single 9V battery powers the active electronics for up to 3000 hours, while the included battery bus and stereo output jack integrate seamlessly into standard studio wiring and recording chain setups.
Key Features
- Dual-mode humbucking pickup with real single-coil and double-coil modes
- Triple-coil design with two internal preamps
- White finish
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
- Pickup thickness: 1.1 inches
- Output: 3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak
- Noise floor: -100 dBV
- Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 µA
- Powered by 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life
- Includes 25k tone pot, push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, springs, and cables
The EMG 81TW excels as a studio-ready active pickup for recording sessions where tonal flexibility—clean definition and aggressive power from one source—streamlines tracking and expands sonic options during production.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW dual-mode active humbucker lets you capture authentic single-coil articulation and full humbucking body in the same track, selectable via push/pull control without re-patching. Its 3.00V RMS output with -100 dBV noise floor delivers clean, aggressive tones that sit well in dense mixes, while the triple-coil design and independent preamps ensure genuine character in both modes rather than sonic compromise. Home producers and engineers tracking metal, hard rock, and progressive music will appreciate the studio versatility and the ability to dial in the right tone for each riff without swapping pickups.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Blues
- – Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the dual-mode switching work, and is it really two different tones or just a blend?
The 81TW uses a push/pull pot to switch between two independently tuned preamps inside the pickup—one optimized for single-coil mode and one for dual-coil operation. Because each mode has its own preamp, you get authentic single-coil clarity and genuine humbucking output, not a blended approximation of either.
What's the battery life, and how hard is it to replace?
A single 9V battery powers the active electronics for up to 3000 hours of playing time. The included battery bus makes integration into most wiring schemes straightforward, and you can replace the battery when needed without major rewiring.
Is the EMG 81TW good for blues or jazz, or is it really just a metal pickup?
The 81TW is voiced for metal, hard rock, and progressive genres and is not recommended for blues or jazz playing styles. Its aggressive character and tight low end are designed for those higher-output applications.
What output level should I expect, and will it need a buffer or preamp?
The 81TW delivers 3.00V RMS output with 4.50V peak, maintaining a -100 dBV noise floor. It's an active pickup with on-board preamps, so it's already buffered and will integrate cleanly into most guitar wiring and amp setups.
What's included in the box, and what do I need to install this?
The package includes the pickup, a 25k tone pot, push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, springs, and cables. You'll need basic soldering skills and a way to route the stereo output jack into your guitar's wiring scheme.
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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