EMG 81TWX 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
- EMG7391
Description
EMG 81TWX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 81TWX is a dual-mode active humbucker designed for recording and session work where tonal flexibility within a single pickup eliminates the need for multiple instruments. The ceramic and steel magnet design captures clarity and punch across both modes, while the switchable single-coil and dual-coil configuration lets you shift from tight, focused articulation to full-bodied saturation without hardware swaps—ideal for tracking multiple takes or adapting quickly within a session.
Dual-Mode Recording Palette
Switch between single-coil mode—delivering 2.00V output with a 3.15 kHz resonant peak for articulate, cutting highs that sit clearly in a dense mix—and dual-coil mode with 3.00V to 8.50V output and a warmer 1.75 kHz response for thick, saturated sustain that anchors rhythm or lead layers. This mode flexibility expands your sonic palette without requiring multiple guitars across different songs or sections.
Studio-Grade Signal Path
Active circuitry draws just 160 microamps at 9V, yielding an impressive 1500-hour battery life per charge—plenty of runway for full-day sessions and overdub work. The -109 dBV output noise floor in dual-coil mode ensures transparent, studio-grade signal clarity into your preamp or interface, while the 2.00 kΩ output impedance maintains optimal headroom through any amp, audio interface, or pedalboard chain. Maximum supply voltage reaches 27V DC for extended dynamic range and headroom during peaks.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Ceramic and Steel
- Single-Coil Mode Output Voltage: 2.00V (string), 3.00V (strum)
- Single-Coil Resonant Frequency: 3.15 kHz
- Dual-Coil Mode Output Voltage: 3.00V (string), 8.50V (strum)
- Dual-Coil Resonant Frequency: 1.75 kHz
- Output Impedance: 2.00 kΩ (both modes)
- Output Noise: -107 dBV (single-coil), -109 dBV (dual-coil)
- Current Draw @ 9V: 160 Microamps
- Battery Life: 1500 hours
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 27 Volts DC
- Thickness: 1.1 inches
- Color: White with Copper Logo
The EMG 81TWX combines transparent active electronics with genuine tonal range, making it a serious choice for producers and engineers who refuse to compromise between clarity and power in the tracking environment.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
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At a Glance
The EMG 81TWX is a dual-mode active humbucker that lets you toggle between single-coil mode for articulate, cutting highs and dual-coil mode for thick, saturated sustain—two distinct pickup personalities without changing gear. In the recording studio, the ceramic-steel magnet design and -109 dBV noise floor deliver studio-grade clarity and separation, while the switchable voicing makes it versatile across metal, hard rock, and progressive sessions. Use it to capture aggressive attack and definition on one track, then dial in full-bodied sustain on the next without repatching.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil mode?
Single-coil mode delivers 2.00V output with a 3.15 kHz resonant peak for tight, articulate attack and cutting highs ideal for lead work and clarity. Dual-coil mode produces 3.00V to 8.50V output with a warmer 1.75 kHz response for thick, saturated sustain and full-bodied tone—toggle between them with the onboard switch without touching your guitar's wiring.
How long does the battery last?
The 9V battery delivers approximately 1500 hours of playing time (about 6 months at moderate use) thanks to ultra-low current draw of just 160 microamps. The pickup supports up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage if you use an external power solution for extended runtime.
Is this pickup good for drop tunings and heavy music?
Yes—the EMG 81TWX is engineered specifically for metal, hard rock, and drop tunings. The tight low end, high output in dual-coil mode (up to 8.50V), and articulate attack cut through dense, saturated tones without losing clarity or definition.
What's the output noise like, and will it work with pedalboards?
The output noise floor is -109 dBV in dual-coil mode and -107 dBV in single-coil mode, ensuring studio-grade signal clarity. The 2.00 kΩ output impedance maintains optimal headroom through any amp or pedalboard chain, so hum and noise stay minimal even with heavy effects stacking.
Can I use this to replace multiple pickups across different guitars?
The switchable single-coil and dual-coil modes provide two distinct tonal palettes from one pickup, eliminating the need to swap hardware or maintain separate guitars for different playing contexts within metal, hard rock, and progressive styles.
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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