EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG7785
Description
EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory
The EMG TBP is a compact active pickup engineered for Thunderbird bass bodies, delivering tight, punchy low-end response with minimal noise floor ideal for controlled studio tracking. Its dual offset coil design and solderless installation make it a straightforward retrofit that captures modern clarity without requiring preamp modifications or complex rewiring. The ivory finish offers a distinctive aesthetic departure from standard black offerings.
Active Electronics & Power Efficiency
This active design operates on a single 9V battery with remarkable longevity—3000 hours per charge—while drawing only 80 microamps at idle. The 27V DC maximum supply voltage accommodates dual-battery setups for extended headroom during marathon sessions, giving you flexibility in your power configuration and preserving the pickup's performance envelope across tracking and overdub work.
Recording Clarity & Output Staging
The ceramic magnet and 3.20 kHz resonant frequency generate articulate midrange definition that sits distinctly in dense mixes without requiring extensive EQ correction. Output reaches 4.50V in thump mode and 2.00V in finger mode, providing substantial gain staging for capturing both aggressive and nuanced playing styles without pushing interface preamps into unwanted coloration.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction for defined harmonic response
- Dual offset coil configuration
- 3.20 kHz resonant frequency
- Output voltage: 2.00V (finger/thumb mode) / 4.50V (thump mode)
- 10 kOhm output impedance
- 80 microamps current draw @ 9V
- 3000-hour battery life per charge
- 27V DC maximum supply voltage
- Length: 94.28mm (3.712"), Width: 41.91mm (1.650")
- Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50")
- Solderless wiring included for plug-and-play installation
- Ivory finish
The EMG TBP combines proven active electronics with minimal power draw and straightforward installation, making it an efficient choice for home studios and professional sessions prioritizing consistent signal integrity and extended battery intervals between takes.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG TBP is a compact active Thunderbird pickup that captures tight, defined low-end and vocal midrange presence ideal for recording bass tracks that sit cleanly in dense mixes without muddiness or noise. Its dual offset coil and ceramic magnet deliver substantial output (up to 4.50V in thump mode) and excellent gain-staging headroom for modern recording chains. Choose it for home and professional studio work when you need punchy, articulate bass character with long battery intervals and straightforward solderless installation.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ funk
- ✓ studio sessions
- ✓ home recording
- ✓ gigging
Not the best pick for
- – traditional jazz
- – folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG TBP solderless, and what does that mean for installation?
Yes—the pickup includes solderless wiring for plug-and-play installation into Thunderbird bass bodies. No rewiring or soldering is required, making retrofitting quick and straightforward even for beginners.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The single 9V battery delivers 3000 hours of playing time per charge. The pickup also accommodates dual-battery setups at up to 27V DC for extended headroom if you want additional power margin.
What output levels does this pickup deliver?
The EMG TBP produces 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, providing substantial gain staging without pushing modern bass amplifiers into unwanted distortion.
Will this pickup work with my bass if I play traditional jazz or folk?
The EMG TBP is optimized for funk, studio sessions, and gigging styles where punchy attack and articulate midrange clarity are priorities. Its ceramic magnet and active design are less suited to the warm, vintage tone character typical of traditional jazz or folk playing.
What is the maximum string width this pickup accommodates?
The maximum recommended string width is 63.5mm (2.50 inches). Verify your Thunderbird body dimensions match this specification before ordering.
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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