EMG6540 vs EMG6931 — Compare
EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Red vs EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The PCSX is a bass pickup delivering punchy funk and rock tones with high output and tight low end, while the 81TW is a guitar humbucker designed for metal and hard rock with switchable dual-mode flexibility. Choose the PCSX if you play bass and need articulate aggression; choose the 81TW if you play guitar and want tonal versatility in high-gain genres.
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EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Red | EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Red
- ✓ Designed specifically for bass with 6.50V output on thump strikes for maximum dynamic range
- ✓ Tight, controlled low end with defined midrange ideal for cutting through dense mixes
- ✓ 3.48 kHz resonant frequency centers response in presence peak for superior articulation
- ✓ Lower output impedance at 2.00 kΩ optimized for bass signal chain stability
Why choose EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Push/pull dual-mode switching gives access to humbucker and single-coil tones from one pickup
- ✓ Long shaft design accommodates wider range of guitar configurations
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency at 1.63 kHz provides broader tonal palette for high-gain styles
- ✓ Dual internal preamps with independent noise cancelling in both modes
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 81TW on a bass or the PCSX on a guitar?
No. The PCSX is engineered as a bass bridge pickup with bass-specific impedance and output levels; the 81TW is a guitar humbucker. Using either on the wrong instrument will produce poor tone and may damage preamp circuits designed for different signal ranges.
Which pickup has longer battery life?
Both are rated for 3000 hours at 9V. The PCSX draws only 80 microamps while the 81TW draws 80 mA, but the 81TW's higher current draw is standard for guitar humbuckers and still provides roughly 18 months of regular use.
What is the main tonal difference between these two?
The PCSX is optimized for defined midrange punch and tight bass response with a 3.48 kHz presence peak. The 81TW delivers aggressive upper-midrange articulation with a 1.63 kHz resonant frequency suited to sustain and gain-heavy guitar tones. They are voiced for different instruments and genres.
Do both pickups work with standard 9V batteries?
Yes, both operate from standard 9V batteries and support up to 27V DC for future-proof headroom. Both include active noise cancelling to maintain clean signal integrity at any voltage within their rated range.