EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker 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
- EMG3359
Description
EMG 81TW Black Active Humbucker Pickup
The EMG 81TW is a versatile dual-mode active pickup that transitions seamlessly between humbucker and single-coil voices via its tap function. This bridge-position workhorse captures aggressive, defined tracking while maintaining the tonal flexibility to dial in articulation without sacrificing output. Built tough and wired clean with solderless connections, it's engineered to last through demanding session work.
Tone & Electronics
The hybrid design pairs ceramic and steel magnets to produce a high-output signal with dual-coil resonance at 2.225 kHz and single-coil articulation at 3.6 kHz. Output impedance sits at 10 kΩ, keeping response tight and defined across the frequency spectrum. The tap function gives you genuine tonal range in the mix—switch from thick, aggressive humbucker character to brighter single-coil snap without hardware changes, unlocking multiple tracking or layering options from a single source.
Installation & Durability
Solderless connections eliminate the most common failure points, making installation straightforward and future signal-chain modifications painless. Battery life reaches 1550 hours, meaning months between changes on moderate use. The mounting screw spacing of 78.5 mm accommodates standard bridge cavities, and compact dimensions (69.9 × 38.1 × 27.6 mm) fit snugly in most configurations.
Key Features
- Active hybrid humbucker and single-coil design with tap function
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- High output with dual-mode flexibility
- Solderless connection system
- Resonant frequency: 3.6 kHz (single-coil mode), 2.225 kHz (dual-coil mode)
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Battery life: 1550 hours
- Mounting screw spacing: 78.5 mm
- Dimensions: 69.9 × 38.1 × 27.6 mm (W × H × D)
- Black finish
- Made in USA
- Bridge position
The 81TW combines road-proven active electronics with genuine tonal range, making it a reliable choice for producers and engineers tracking instruments that demand both aggression and versatility in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW's dual-mode design lets you capture thick, punchy humbucker tracks and switch to articulate single-coil snapshots without hardware changes, making it highly versatile for recording metal, hard rock, and heavier progressive material. Active electronics with a 1550-hour battery life and solderless connections mean hassle-free studio sessions and long-term reliability in the rack. The ceramic-steel magnet hybrid produces a high-output signal with controlled resonance peaks at 3.6 kHz (single-coil) and 2.225 kHz (dual-coil), sitting cleanly in dense mixes without mud.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between humbucker and single-coil mode on the 81TW?
The tap function switches between dual-coil humbucker mode (resonant peak at 2.225 kHz) for thick, aggressive tone, and single-coil mode (3.6 kHz peak) for brighter, more articulate snap. Both modes run through the same high-output active electronics, so you get genuine tonal range without losing output or clarity.
How often will I need to change the battery?
Battery life is rated at 1550 hours on moderate use, which typically translates to several months between changes depending on how much you play. The solderless connections make battery swaps quick and painless.
Will this pickup fit my guitar?
The 81TW is designed for bridge position with standard 78.5 mm mounting screw spacing, which accommodates most modern guitar bridge cavities. Compact dimensions (69.9 × 38.1 × 27.6 mm) keep it trim in tight spaces; verify your guitar's cavity width and screw spacing before purchase.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 81TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning applications where high output and articulation under gain are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does the 81TW compare to the original EMG 81?
The 81TW adds the tap function for single-coil voicing and combines ceramic-steel magnets for hybrid resonance, giving it more tonal range than the fixed dual-coil 81. Both are high-output active pickups built for durability; the 81TW is the choice if you need switchable character.
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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