EMG TBDC 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
- EMG3727
Description
EMG TBDC Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG TBDC is a purpose-built active replacement pickup engineered specifically for Thunderbird bass guitars. This ceramic-loaded dual-coil design captures the punchy, articulate response that defines the Thunderbird's sonic character, with controlled output and ultra-low noise that translates cleanly to tape or DAW.
Tone & Recording Response
The ceramic-loaded dual parallel coils and 4.85 kHz resonant frequency target the midrange clarity essential to bass tone in a mix. Selectable output modes—2.00V fingerstyle and 6.00V thump mode—let you shape either articulate definition or aggressive punch during tracking, while the -107 dBV output noise specification ensures a clean signal path with minimal hum even under close-miked or DI capture conditions.
Studio Integration & Compatibility
Designed to fit the Thunderbird's specific dimensions—94.28mm length and 41.91mm width with a 63.5mm maximum recommended string width—this pickup integrates without modification. The included Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, battery clip, and adjustment screws streamline installation, while the 235 microamp draw at 9V and 10 kOhms output impedance ensure reliable operation with standard bass preamp circuits and interface gear.
Key Features
- Active dual-coil humbucker designed for Thunderbird bass
- Ceramic-loaded magnet configuration
- Dimensions: 94.28mm length × 41.91mm width
- Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50")
- Resonant frequency: 4.85 kHz
- Switchable output: 2.00V (finger/thumb) and 6.00V (thump mode)
- Output noise: -107 dBV @ 60Hz
- Output impedance: 10 kOhms
- Current draw: 235 microamps @ 9V
- Ultra low-noise, low-impedance internal preamp
- Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, battery clip, and adjustment screws
- Black finish
The TBDC combines EMG's proven active design with Thunderbird-specific voicing, delivering controlled gain and noise performance that captures professional-grade bass tones across tracking, overdub, and mixing sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG TBDC captures articulate, punchy bass tone in a Thunderbird-optimized active pickup that sits cleanly in a mix with minimal noise and hum. Its dual output modes—fingerstyle at 2.00V and thump mode at 6.00V—give you flexibility during tracking and overdubs to choose definition or aggressive punch depending on the session's needs. Installation is straightforward with included cables and controls, making it an efficient upgrade path for recording bassists working with Thunderbird instruments.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ funk
- ✓ rock
- ✓ studio sessions
- ✓ live performance
Not the best pick for
- – traditional jazz
- – folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What bass guitar is this pickup designed for?
The EMG TBDC is engineered specifically for Thunderbird bass guitars and fits their dimensions without modification: 94.28mm length and 41.91mm width with a maximum recommended string width of 63.5mm.
What does switchable output mode do?
This pickup offers two selectable output modes: 2.00V for fingerstyle playing, delivering articulate definition, and 6.00V thump mode for aggressive punch. You can dial in either response depending on your playing style and tone goal.
What's included in the box?
The package includes the active pickup, Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, battery clip, and adjustment screws to streamline installation.
How does the active design affect noise and signal quality?
The ultra-low-noise internal preamp delivers -107 dBV output noise at 60Hz and maintains 10 kOhms output impedance, ensuring a clean signal with minimal hum suitable for both studio and live performance.
What music styles is this pickup best suited for?
The TBDC excels in funk, rock, and studio sessions where punchy attack and articulate midrange clarity are essential; it is less suited to traditional jazz and folk applications that call for warmer, rounder tones.
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. 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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