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EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White vs EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode pickup designed for metal and hard rock, switching between humbucker aggression and single-coil definition; the EMG 66 is a single-mode, midrange-focused humbucker suited for jazz, fusion, and studio work. Choose the 81TW for tonal versatility in heavy music, or the 66 for balanced clarity across multiple genres.
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EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
Specs side by side
| EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White | EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
- ✓ Dual-mode switching delivers both saturated humbucker punch and articulate single-coil tones without swapping pickups
- ✓ Triple-coil design with dual active preamps provides aggressive output ideal for metal and drop tunings
- ✓ Prewired push/pull knob included for straightforward installation
- ✓ Tight, controlled low end optimized for heavy music applications
Why choose EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ Midrange-focused tone cuts through mixes while maintaining note clarity—versatile across jazz, fusion, and hard rock
- ✓ Balanced 3V single-string and 4.5V strum output suits both recording and stage without excessive gain staging
- ✓ Low –100 dB output noise floor virtually eliminates hum in any application
- ✓ Solderless installation and four-conductor wiring offer flexible circuit design and quick setup
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for jazz and fusion?
The EMG 66 is specifically designed for jazz and fusion, with a midrange-focused resonant frequency of 1.61 kHz that prioritizes articulate note definition. The EMG 81TW is voiced for metal and hard rock, making it less ideal for jazz tones.
Can I switch between humbucker and single-coil tones on the 81TW?
Yes. The EMG 81TW features a prewired push/pull knob that switches between the EMG 81 humbucker voice and an integrated single-coil element, both with active preamps. The EMG 66 is a single-mode humbucker with no switching capability.
How do the noise floors compare?
The EMG 66 specifies –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz. The EMG 81TW emphasizes noise cancellation across both modes via its dual active preamps and triple-coil design but does not list a specific dB figure; both are designed for professional low-noise operation.
What is the difference in output level?
The EMG 66 delivers 3V single-string and 4.5V strum output. The EMG 81TW is described as high-output with saturated aggression but does not specify voltage ratings; it is voiced for more aggressive metal and hard rock applications where higher output is expected.