EMG1336 vs EMG2547 — Compare
EMG 40HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black vs EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The 40HZ is a passive 5-string pickup ideal for funk, hard rock, and studio work with no battery required, while the 81-7 is an active 7-string pickup designed for metal, djent, and extended-range playing with powered circuitry for higher output and control. Choose the 40HZ for traditional bass setups and genres emphasizing natural tone; choose the 81-7 for modern metal and seven-string instruments demanding aggressive articulation.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 40HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black | EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 | $119.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 40HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery maintenance
- ✓ Designed for 5-string bass with balanced tone across standard tuning
- ✓ Compact 102 x 38 mm soapbar fits most modern bass cavities
- ✓ High output with articulate midrange and tight low end suitable for funk and hard rock
Why choose EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active circuitry delivers higher output (1.25V RMS) and controlled dynamics
- ✓ Engineered specifically for 7-string extended-range instruments
- ✓ Long battery life (3000 hours) with minimal power draw (80 microamps)
- ✓ 2.25 kHz resonant frequency tailored for aggressive metal and djent tones
Frequently asked questions
What is the key difference between passive and active pickup designs?
The 40HZ is passive and requires no battery, relying on magnet strength and coil design for tone. The 81-7 is active, powered by a 9V battery, which amplifies the signal and allows tuned frequency response (2.25 kHz) for greater output and control over midrange.
Can I use the 81-7 in a 5-string bass or the 40HZ in a 7-string guitar?
No. The 40HZ is engineered for 5-string bass cavities with 79.4 mm string field coverage, while the 81-7 is designed for 7-string instrument cavities. Using either in the wrong format risks poor fit, uneven response, and installation complications.
Which pickup suits jazz and blues better?
Neither is ideal for jazz or blues—both are listed as not suitable for these genres. The 40HZ leans toward funk and hard rock, while the 81-7 is optimized for metal and djent. For traditional jazz or blues tone, a different pickup family would be more appropriate.
What are the installation differences?
Both use EMG's solderless Quik-connect wiring to eliminate soldering. The 40HZ uses 5-core wiring for standard bass cavities, while the 81-7 includes battery housing integration for the 9V power supply required by its active circuitry.