EMG 81TWX 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
- EMG3471
Description
EMG 81TWX Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 81TWX captures two distinct voices from a single pickup, toggled via push/pull pot to shift between a thick humbucker character and a articulate single-coil voice without swapping hardware mid-session. The ivory finish with copper EMG logo provides visual clarity on your instrument, while the internal X preamp architecture handles noise cancellation across both modes, delivering a clean signal even when tracking at high gain levels.
Dual-Mode Recording Architecture
This active pickup houses both a traditional humbucker element and a dedicated single-coil pickup in one housing, accessed via a push/pull potentiometer switch for seamless mode changes during tracking or overdubs. Both the humbucker and single-coil modes run through EMG's internal X preamp technology with integrated noise-cancelling circuitry, letting you capture maximum tonal flexibility without signal degradation or unwanted artifacts in your mix.
Electronics & Signal Chain Integration
Dual built-in preamps power both pickup modes using standard 9V battery operation (consistent with EMG active systems). The 1.1-inch housing runs 0.2 inches thicker than standard EMG humbuckers to accommodate the dual-preamp architecture, while ceramic magnets ensure consistent output and response across both voices for coherent multitrack recordings. All necessary electronics—potentiometers, battery bus, switching jack, and interconnect cables—ship with the pickup for complete studio integration.
Key Features
- Dual-mode active pickup: humbucker and single-coil voices in one housing
- Internal X preamp with noise-cancelling technology in both modes
- Push/pull potentiometer switching between humbucker and single-coil
- Housing thickness: 1.1 inches (0.2 inches thicker than standard EMG humbuckers)
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Dual built-in preamps
- 9V battery power requirement
- Ivory finish with copper EMG logo
- Includes 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and pickup bus connectors
- Mounting hardware, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable included
The 81TWX unifies aggressive humbucker body with articulate single-coil clarity in a single recording solution, eliminating the need for hardware swaps while maintaining the tonal range required for modern production work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TWX is a dual-voice active humbucker that lets you switch between a punchy humbucker and a snappy single-coil character via push/pull pot—perfect for producers and engineers tracking heavy music who want tonal versatility in one pickup without complex rewiring. The internal X preamp with noise cancellation keeps both voices articulate and clean in the mix, and ceramic magnet construction ensures consistent output across takes and sessions. Ship-complete with all electronics, pots, cables, and battery components means quick integration into your recording setup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Traditional Blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch between the humbucker and single-coil voices?
A push/pull potentiometer lets you toggle between the two modes instantly—pull to switch, push to lock. No need to swap pickups or rewire; both voices live in a single housing with separate preamp circuitry for each.
What comes in the box, and what do I need to install it?
The pickup includes a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus connectors, mounting hardware, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable. You'll need a 9V battery and basic soldering or professional installation to wire it into your guitar.
Does this pickup work for jazz or blues?
The 81TWX is designed for metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio heavy-music work. Its high output, tight low end, and noise-cancelling character are optimized for aggressive genres; it's not a natural fit for traditional jazz or blues tones.
How does the 81TWX compare to passive pickups or other dual-voice options?
Unlike passive pickups, the 81TWX's built-in preamps deliver consistent, noise-free output at high gain with both voices. The dual-preamp architecture and X noise-cancellation tech set it apart from simple coil-tap designs, offering true single-coil articulation alongside humbucker aggression.
Is the ivory finish durable on a gigging guitar?
The ivory finish with copper EMG logo is a cosmetic choice that looks striking but will show wear with normal gigging and handling. It's the same quality as EMG's other finishes and won't affect sound or reliability.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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