EMG TBJ Active Thunderbird Bass 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
- EMG3726
Description
EMG TBJ Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG TBJ is a purpose-built active pickup engineered specifically for Thunderbird bass cavities, delivering the articulate, punchy character essential for cutting through dense mixes with clarity and definition. Its compact footprint and bridge-positioned coil design generate aggressive midrange presence without sacrificing low-end authority, making it ideal for tracking sessions where tonal aggression and pick attack clarity are critical. This is a direct replacement that restores or upgrades authentic Thunderbird tone in the studio.
Design & Specifications
The pickup uses a ceramic bar magnet with the coil positioned toward the bridge for enhanced pick attack and articulation. Its dimensions—94.28mm length × 41.91mm width—fit the Thunderbird cavity precisely, while the 63.5mm maximum recommended string width accommodates standard bass string spacing without compromise. The active circuitry draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering exceptional battery life of up to 3000 hours for uninterrupted studio sessions.
Tone & Electronics
Output reaches 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, providing substantial headroom and dynamic range for capturing both controlled fingerstyle detail and aggressive slap technique without clipping. The 3.95 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper midrange clarity while the -101 dB output noise floor ensures pristine signal integrity for mix-ready recordings. With 10 kΩ output impedance and support for supply voltages up to 27V DC, the TBJ integrates seamlessly into active and passive preamp configurations for flexible tracking and tone-shaping workflows.
Key Features
- Active pickup with ceramic magnet
- Length: 94.28mm (3.712 inches)
- Width: 41.91mm (1.650 inches)
- Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50 inches)
- Resonant frequency: 3.95 kHz
- Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
- Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
- Output noise: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Includes 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
The EMG TBJ combines tight engineering tolerance with aggressive voicing—a direct-fit solution that transforms Thunderbird response into a modern, high-output instrument optimized for professional recording.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG TBJ is an active replacement pickup designed to restore and modernize Thunderbird bass tone in the studio, delivering tight, articulate low end with aggressive midrange clarity that cuts through dense mixes. Its high output (up to 4.50V in thump mode), low noise floor (-101 dB), and resonant frequency peaked at 3.95 kHz make it versatile for both fingerstyle and slap recording sessions across funk, rock, and hard rock genres. Direct replacement geometry ensures seamless installation, and the included active electronics—complete with volume and tone pots—integrate into your signal chain without additional preamp gear.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the EMG TBJ fit my Thunderbird bass?
Yes, the TBJ is engineered specifically for Thunderbird cavities with dimensions of 94.28mm length × 41.91mm width and accommodates standard bass string spacing up to 63.5mm. It is a direct replacement that requires no routing or modification.
What tone character should I expect?
The TBJ delivers punchy articulation with aggressive midrange presence and tight low end, emphasized by its 3.95 kHz resonant frequency and bridge-positioned coil design. Output reaches 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, making it suitable for both controlled playing and aggressive slap technique.
How long will the battery last?
The active circuitry draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering up to 3000 hours of battery life on a single 9V battery. The pickup also supports supply voltages up to 27V DC if you prefer external power.
What's included in the pickup package?
The package includes the active pickup, a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for installation and integration.
Is the TBJ suitable for jazz or folk music?
The TBJ is voiced specifically for funk, rock, and hard rock with punchy, aggressive midrange character. Its tonal profile is not ideally suited to jazz or folk applications, where smoother, warmer pickup responses are typically preferred.
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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