EMG88 vs EMG89 — Compare

EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The Robert Trujillo Rip Tide is a J-style active pickup engineered for metal, funk, and hard rock with switchable output modes and high headroom; the RTC is a rear Telecaster pickup optimized for country, rock, and alternative rock with emphasis on crisp treble and tight bass. Choose the Rip Tide if you play aggressive styles and need a full set, or the RTC if you're upgrading a Telecaster and prefer vintage-influenced single-coil character.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

$99.00
View EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

EMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

$99.00
View EMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

Specs side by side

EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in BlackEMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Price$99.00$99.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Switchable finger/thumb modes with 4.50V thump output for dynamic playing styles
  • ✓ Full J-style neck and bridge set included, ready for 4-string bass
  • ✓ Solderless wiring harness eliminates soldering during installation
  • ✓ 3.95 kHz resonant peak cuts through dense, high-gain mixes

Why choose EMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Drop-in Telecaster rear position—no routing or modification needed
  • ✓ Crisp top-end and tight low-end tuned for country and alternative styles
  • ✓ Ceramic magnet design reduces noise floor in studio and live settings
  • ✓ Compact form factor integrates seamlessly into standard Tele cavities
Bottom line: Pick the Robert Trujillo Rip Tide if you're equipping a 4-string bass for metal, funk, or studio work. Choose the RTC if you own a Telecaster and want to upgrade with active clarity while preserving classic Tele character.

Frequently asked questions

What instrument does each pickup fit?

The Robert Trujillo Rip Tide is a full J-style pickup set designed for 4-string bass guitars. The RTC is a single rear-position Telecaster pickup for electric guitars with standard Tele cavities.

Are these pickups good for metal and high-gain genres?

The Rip Tide is specifically voiced for metal, funk, and hard rock with aggressive midrange and high output suited to dense mixes. The RTC is not ideal for metal; it's engineered for country, rock, and alternative rock.

How easy are these to install?

The Rip Tide includes a solderless harness for quick bass installation without soldering skills needed. The RTC is a drop-in replacement for rear Telecaster positions, requiring only standard mounting and wiring compatibility with your existing Tele electronics.

What's the output level difference?

The Rip Tide generates 2.00V in finger mode and up to 4.50V in thump mode, providing switchable headroom and aggression control. The RTC delivers high output with active noise reduction but does not specify switchable modes or exact voltage ratings.

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