EMG 81TW Long Shaft 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
- EMG6931
Description
EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 81TW is a versatile active humbucker engineered for recording and production flexibility without compromise. Its dual-mode switching design and extended shaft accommodate a wider range of guitar configurations while maintaining the clarity and aggression the 81 platform is known for. The ivory finish presents a refined aesthetic alternative to the standard black cover.
Dual-Mode Switching & Active Electronics
Push/pull the volume knob to toggle between full humbucker and single-coil modes, giving you access to a broader tonal palette from a single pickup for diverse tracking and arrangement needs. Each mode runs through its own internal preamp with integrated noise-cancelling technology, ensuring clean signal integrity and dialing in articulate upper-midrange definition that cuts through dense mixes.
Studio Signal Chain & Performance Specifications
Operating from a standard 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours, the 81TW delivers 3V RMS output and 4.5V peak voltage with exceptionally low noise at –100 dBV for transparent front-end performance in the recording chain. Its 10 kOhm output impedance and 80 mA current draw at 9V are engineered to work seamlessly with most preamps and interfaces, and the pickup supports up to 27V DC for users running higher supply voltages.
Key Features
- Dual-coil/single-coil switchable humbucker via push/pull knob
- Dual internal preamps with noise cancelling in both modes
- Long shaft design (1.1" thickness, 0.2" thicker than standard EMG humbuckers)
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Resonant frequency: 1.63 kHz
- Output: 3V RMS / 4.5V peak
- Output noise: –100 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Powered by 9V battery (3000-hour battery life)
- Current draw: 80 mA @ 9V
- Maximum supply: 27V DC
- Ivory cover finish
The 81TW combines aggressive modern output with the flexibility of dual-mode operation, making it a practical choice for sessions that demand both high-gain punch and harmonic nuance across multiple tracking scenarios.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW is a versatile active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, high-gain tones with exceptional articulation and clarity in the mix. Its dual-mode switching—accessible via push/pull knob—lets you toggle between full humbucker and single-coil modes within a single recording pass, expanding your sonic palette for layered sessions and multi-tracked parts. Low noise output (–100 dBV) and dual internal preamps ensure studio-grade signal integrity across both modes, making it ideal for modern metal, hard rock, and progressive production where punch and definition matter.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dual-mode switching and how does it work?
Push/pull the volume knob to toggle between full humbucker and single-coil modes; each mode runs through its own internal preamp with integrated noise-cancelling technology. This gives you access to a broader tonal palette from a single pickup.
What genres and tunings is this pickup best suited for?
The 81TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive music, and drop tunings, where aggressive output and articulate clarity are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How long does the battery last and what are the power requirements?
The pickup runs on a standard 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours. It draws 80 mA at 9V and can support up to 27V DC for users running higher supply voltages.
Does the long shaft design fit different guitar models?
Yes; the long shaft design (1.1 inches thick, 0.2 inches thicker than standard EMG humbuckers) accommodates a wider range of guitar configurations and pickup cavities than traditional EMG 81 installations.
How does the 81TW compare to the standard EMG 81?
The 81TW adds dual-mode switching via push/pull knob and a longer shaft for broader guitar compatibility, while maintaining the aggressive output and low noise (–100 dBV) the 81 platform is known for. The ivory finish also provides a refined aesthetic alternative to standard black.
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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