EMG 81TWX 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
- EMG3643
Description
EMG 81TWX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81TWX captures the aggressive, articulate tone of a classic Model 81 humbucker with the flexibility to switch to single-coil mode in a single housing. The dual-mode design and completely pre-wired architecture make this pickup a straightforward drop-in replacement for home studios and tracking sessions seeking high-output clarity and tight low-end response without the soldering hassle.
Recording Character & Electronics
This active pickup operates with ceramic magnets and 2 built-in preamps, delivering a 3.00 V output (string) and 8.50 V output (strum) with minimal noise at -109 dB. The 1.75 kHz resonant frequency and 2.00 kΩ output impedance combine to produce tight, defined highs and controlled mids—ideal for capturing rock, metal, and modern productions through high-gain rigs without compromise in the mix.
Setup & Integration
The pickup ships completely wired with potentiometers (1x push/pull switch), jack connector, and battery clip, eliminating the need to solder and keeping session downtime minimal. The long shaft design fits standard mounting holes spaced at 78.5 mm, while the black housing with copper EMG logo maintains a professional finish. A single 9V battery delivers 1500 hours of battery life at 160 microamps draw, with support for supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC for extended headroom during extended recording sessions.
Key Features
- Dual-mode design: Humbucker Model 81 and Single Coil in one housing
- Ceramic magnets with 2 built-in preamps
- Output Voltage (String): 3.00 V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 8.50 V
- Output Noise: -109 dB
- Resonant Frequency: 1.75 kHz
- Output Impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Completely wired with potentiometers, push/pull switch, jack, and battery clip
- Long shaft design with 78.5 mm mounting hole spacing
- Current draw @ 9V: 160 microamps
- Battery Life: 1500 hours
- Maximum Supply: 27 Volts DC
The EMG 81TWX combines plug-and-play convenience with the tonal versatility to work across humbucker and single-coil applications, making it a practical choice for producers and engineers who demand both simplicity and sonic flexibility in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TWX is a completely pre-wired dual-mode active humbucker that tracks and records with exceptional clarity and tight low-end definition, making it ideal for capturing aggressive, modern rock and metal tones with minimal noise floor. The push/pull switch lets you shift between humbucker and single-coil character within a single take or session, adding tonal flexibility without repatching. Grab this if you need reliable, articulate high-output tone that sits cleanly in dense mixes.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Rock, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight low end, articulate cleans, aggressive, defined highs |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dual-mode mean, and how do I switch between humbucker and single-coil?
The 81TWX houses both a full Model 81 humbucker circuit and a single-coil mode in one pickup. A push/pull potentiometer switch lets you toggle between the two voicings instantly—no hardware swap needed. Humbucker mode delivers the classic aggressive EMG 81 tone; single-coil mode adds clarity and snap.
Do I really not have to solder anything?
Correct. The pickup ships completely wired with potentiometers, a jack connector, battery clip, and push/pull switch ready to go. You drop it into your guitar's pickup cavity, connect the battery clip, and you're done.
Is this pickup good for metal and high-gain rigs?
Yes. The 81TWX is built for metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications. Its 3.00 V string output and 8.50 V strum output deliver the high-gain clarity and defined treble needed to cut through saturated amp tones, with a tight low end and controlled mids that prevent mud.
How long does the battery last, and what voltage does it need?
A single 9V battery provides roughly 1500 hours of runtime at normal use. The pickup also supports supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC if you want extended headroom or integrated power solutions.
Will this fit my guitar's humbucker cavity?
The long shaft design uses standard 78.5 mm humbucker mounting hole spacing, so it fits any guitar with a standard humbucker route. Verify your guitar's mounting spacing before purchase.
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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