EMG 81TW Long Shaft 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
- EMG7423
Description
EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that combines two distinct pickup voices in a single housing, enabling mid-session switching between high-output humbucker aggression and articulate single-coil character without pickup swaps. The increased thickness and long-shaft design accommodate specific guitar configurations while maintaining the responsive, controlled output active EMG electronics are known for, ensuring consistent tracking and clean gain staging across both modes in the recording chain.
Dual-Mode Architecture & Active Electronics
This pickup houses both an EMG 81 humbucker and a separate single-coil element with dual active preamps and triple-coil design that deliver noise cancellation across both modes. The internal preamp circuitry ensures consistent, articulate response when pulling thick, saturated tones from the humbucker side or accessing tighter, more defined single-coil punch—both performing with the low-noise floor and predictable level control essential for layering and mixing in the studio.
Components & Power Configuration
The pickup ships with a prewired push/pull knob for seamless mid-session mode switching, 9V battery power rated for 3000-hour battery life, output jack, battery clip set, and Quik-Connect cable for straightforward installation. This complete wiring package eliminates guesswork during setup and supports quick battery access and cable connectivity, keeping recording sessions moving without technical interruptions.
Key Features
- Dual-mode humbucker combining EMG 81 humbucker with integrated single-coil pickup
- Triple-coil design with dual active preamps
- Internal noise-cancelling preamp technology in both modes
- Long-shaft variant design for specific guitar configurations
- White finish
- 9V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
- Prewired push/pull knob for mode selection
- Includes output jack, battery clip set, and Quik-Connect cable
- Product dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
- Thickness: 1.1 inches
- Voltage output (RMS): 3.00V; Peak: 4.50V
- Impedance: 10kΩ with 80µA current draw and -100dBV noise floor
The EMG 81TW delivers the clarity and punch of active electronics with the tonal range of two pickup types, capturing both saturated drive textures and articulate, defined tones in a single tracking pass—ideal for productions demanding versatility across multiple guitar voices.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that combines an EMG 81 humbucker voice with an integrated single-coil element, switchable via push/pull knob to track different tonal needs in one recording session. Ideal for metal and hard-rock producers tracking drop-tuned guitars who want high-output aggression, noise cancellation, and the studio versatility to layer thick humbucker rhythm takes with articulate single-coil lead and texture without re-amping or pickup changes. Choose it for consistent active preamp response, a complete prewired installation package, and the ability to capture both saturated and defined tones in the mix.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High-output, articulate, noise-cancelling, dual-voice versatility, tight low end |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, 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 humbucker and single-coil modes?
The humbucker mode delivers the saturated, high-output aggression of an EMG 81, while the single-coil mode accesses a tighter, more defined punch from an integrated single-coil element. Both are powered by active preamps with noise cancellation, and you switch between them using the prewired push/pull knob without any additional wiring or pickup swaps.
Is this pickup good for metal and hard rock?
Yes—the EMG 81TW is designed specifically for metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning applications. It delivers tight low end, controlled articulate response, and consistent active electronics that cut through dense mixes and handle aggressive playing styles.
What comes in the box and how easy is it to install?
The pickup ships fully prewired with a push/pull mode-switch knob, 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life, output jack, battery clip set, and Quik-Connect cable. The complete wiring package eliminates guesswork and supports quick battery access, making installation straightforward for intermediate to advanced players.
What does 'long-shaft' mean?
The long-shaft design accommodates specific guitar configurations that require extended pickup mounting depth. This variant maintains all the responsive and controlled output of standard EMG 81TW electronics while fitting those particular guitar body and cavity specifications.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?
No—the EMG 81TW is optimized for metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning genres. Its high-output, aggressive tone profile and noise cancellation are designed for heavy styles rather than the nuance and dynamic range blues and jazz players typically need.
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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