EMG S/S/81TW Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3357
Description
EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that captures two distinct tonal personalities in a single recording-ready element. Its push/pull switching system toggles between single-coil and dual-coil modes, giving you tight, articulate highs for definition or full-bodied lows for punch—all without resorting to pickup swaps mid-session. The solderless installation integrates seamlessly into most humbucker cavities, keeping your guitar setup fast and your studio workflow uninterrupted.
Tone & Output Characteristics
In dual-coil mode, the 81TW delivers a 3.00 V string / 4.50 V strum output with a 1.77 kHz resonant frequency, producing the aggressive, compressed response EMG's active designs are known for—ideal for cutting through dense arrangements and holding definition in heavy layers. Switch to single-coil mode and you get a brighter 2.00 V string / 3.00 V strum output with a 3.47 kHz resonant frequency, opening up snap and articulation for clarity in the mix. Both modes maintain a -107 dBV noise floor, preserving clean signal integrity across recording levels and gain staging.
Design & Power
The ceramic and steel magnet construction paired with 10 Kohm output impedance in both modes ensures consistent tonal character and compatibility with standard guitar electronics. Power consumption sits at 160 microamps at 9V, translating to 1500 hours of battery life—roughly two years of regular studio use—while the pickup supports up to 27 volts DC maximum supply for those running higher-voltage preamps in complex rig setups.
Key Features
- Dual-mode active humbucker with push/pull switch for single-coil and dual-coil operation
- Ceramic and steel magnet design
- 10 Kohm output impedance (both modes)
- Single-coil mode: 3.47 kHz resonant frequency, 2.00 V (string) / 3.00 V (strum) output
- Dual-coil mode: 1.77 kHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V (string) / 4.50 V (strum) output
- -107 dBV output noise floor
- 160 microamps current draw at 9V; 1500-hour battery life
- Maximum supply rating: 27 volts DC
- Includes 25K potentiometer with push/pull switch
- Solderless installation system for quick setup
- Dimensions: 2.75" W × 1.50" H × 1.087" thick (69.8 × 38.1 × 27.6 mm)
- Mounting hole distance: 3.09" (78.5 mm)
- Black cover
The 81TW gives you two distinct voices in a single pickup, backed by EMG's proven active electronics and legendary reliability for tracking and mixing.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that lets you toggle between single-coil clarity (3.47 kHz brightness) and humbucker punch (1.77 kHz aggression) without repatching, giving you instant tonal range in one session. It's ideal for producers and engineers tracking metal, hard rock, and prog—capturing both articulate, snappy leads and compressed, full-bodied rhythms in a single take. Clean -107 dBV noise floor and 1500-hour battery life keep recording sessions uninterrupted.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Aggressive compression, high output, articulate single-coil snap, full-bodied humbucker punch, tight low end |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Country, Traditional Jazz (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 single-coil and dual-coil modes on this pickup?
Single-coil mode (push/pull engaged) delivers a brighter 3.47 kHz resonant frequency and 2.00 V string / 3.00 V strum output, emphasizing snap and articulation. Dual-coil mode (default) produces a tighter 1.77 kHz resonant frequency and higher 3.00 V string / 4.50 V strum output with aggressive compression and full-bodied punch.
How long does the battery last, and how difficult is installation?
At 160 microamps draw, a 9V battery delivers roughly 1500 hours of use—about two years of regular playing. Installation is solderless, so the pickup wires into your existing pot and switch system without soldering, making setup fast and clean into most standard humbucker cavities.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 81TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and extended-range playing, where its aggressive compression, high output, and articulate single-coil snap serve both chunky rhythms and cutting leads. It's not designed for folk, country, or traditional jazz tones.
Will this fit my guitar, and what's included?
The 81TW fits standard humbucker cavities with a 3.09-inch mounting-hole distance. The pickup comes with a 25K potentiometer and push/pull switch pre-wired, so you just connect it to your guitar's electronics and battery cavity.
How does the noise floor compare to passive pickups?
The 81TW maintains a clean -107 dBV noise floor in both modes, which is typical for EMG active pickups and significantly lower than most passive designs—preserving signal clarity even at high gain levels.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $21 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.