EMG TBP5 5-String 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
- EMG5008
Description
EMG TBP5 5-String Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG TBP5 captures the aggressive, punchy character that defines Thunderbird bass tone in the studio. This active pickup pairs a ceramic magnet with an internal preamp to cut through dense mixes with clarity and articulation, making it ideal for sessions where a focused, modern attack defines the bass performance and separates it from competing instruments.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
A resonant frequency of 3.20 kHz targets the midrange punch that sits perfectly in rock, metal, and funk productions. The dual output modes—2.00V finger/thumb and 4.50V thump—allow you to shape tone during recording or post-production, capturing different playing techniques on separate takes, while the -106 dB output noise floor keeps your signal pristine even when tracking with high preamp gain or layering multiple bass parts.
Installation & Studio Integration
Built for 5-string configuration with a maximum recommended string width of 63.5mm (2.50"), this pickup integrates into Thunderbird basses without modification, keeping your instrument stable across sessions. The EMG solderless wiring system streamlines installation and troubleshooting in the studio, and the active design runs efficiently at 80 microamps @ 9V, delivering 3000 hours of battery life per charge—eliminating mid-session power concerns during critical recording days.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Active pickup with internal preamp
- Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
- Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
- Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
- Output noise: -106 dB @ 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Dimensions: 94.28mm (L) × 41.91mm (W)
- Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50")
- Includes EMG solderless wiring system
The TBP5 combines high output headroom, low noise performance, and efficient battery operation into a pickup engineered for capturing aggressive 5-string bass performances with studio-grade clarity and consistency.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG TBP5 is an active 5-string pickup engineered to sit in the midrange sweet spot (3.20 kHz) where bass definition shines in dense mixes, making it ideal for recording metal, funk, and rock tracks. Dual output modes let you capture either precise finger articulation (2.00V) or aggressive thump (4.50V) in separate takes, and the -106 dB noise floor means clean, hum-free tracks at any gain setting. The solderless wiring and 3000-hour battery life eliminate installation hassle and session interruptions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this pickup fit my Thunderbird bass without modification?
Yes, the TBP5 is built for Thunderbird 5-string basses and fits without modification. The maximum recommended string width is 63.5mm (2.50"), which aligns with standard Thunderbird spacing.
What's the difference between the 2.00V and 4.50V output modes?
The 2.00V mode (finger/thumb) prioritizes articulation and precision for controlled, dynamic playing. The 4.50V mode (thump) delivers aggressive output for punchy, heavy attack—ideal for metal and funk.
How long does the battery last, and what are the power specs?
The pickup draws 80 microamps at 9V and delivers 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly four months of regular use. It supports up to 27V maximum supply voltage for flexibility in different setups.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz or folk bass?
No, the TBP5 is optimized for metal, rock, and funk where its aggressive tone and focused midrange punch excel. The high output and modern attack make it less suited to the warm, mellow character jazz and folk typically require.
What's included in the box?
The TBP5 includes the pickup and EMG's solderless wiring system for fast, tool-free installation.
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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