What is the difference between single-coil and humbucker mode on this pickup?

The push/pull pot toggles between two independent coils: single-coil mode delivers 1.00V output with punchy attack and clarity ideal for finger technique, while humbucker mode generates up to 4.50V for full thump and thickness. You can switch modes mid-performance or session without stopping.

Will this pickup fit my five-string bass?

The 40TW is sized specifically for five-string basses: 38.1mm width with a maximum string width rating of 76.2mm. It arrives with all mounting hardware and quick connectors for straightforward installation into standard five-string spacing.

What's included in the box?

The complete package includes the 40TW soapbar pickup (black cover), 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, push/pull coil-switching pot, and all necessary interface cables—everything you need to integrate it into an active bass system.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup built for?

The EMG 40TW excels in funk, progressive, studio, and live performance contexts where articulate mids, tight low end, and high output are essential. It handles finger, thumb, and aggressive picking techniques without sacrificing headroom or clarity.

How does the output compare to passive pickups?

In single-coil mode, output reaches 1.00V; in humbucker mode, up to 4.50V—significantly hotter than passive designs. This active output delivers responsive dynamics and lets you push preamps and compressors without losing definition or introducing unwanted noise.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 40TW 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 40TW is built for five-string bass players who need rock-solid tonal authority on stage and in the studio. This active soapbar pickup delivers the clarity and punch expected from EMG's designs, engineered with dual-mode switching and hot output to handle everything from fingerstyle finesse to aggressive thumbing techniques without losing definition or low-end grip.

Tone & Output Characteristics

Dual independent coils let you toggle between single-coil punch and humbucker thickness using the included push/pull pot—a game-changer for adapting your sound mid-set or between songs. Output ranges from 1.00V in single-coil mode up to 4.50V in full thump mode, giving you responsive dynamics with enough headroom to stay clean through your rig. The 2.50 kHz and 5.40 kHz resonant frequencies carve clarity in the midrange and upper harmonics, cutting through a dense mix without sounding thin or isolated.

Integration & Hardware

Quick connectors mean faster wiring on the bench and easier troubleshooting if you need to swap or service the pickup down the road. The 38.1mm width fits standard five-string spacing up to 76.2mm string width, so installation is straightforward. The complete electronics package—25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all necessary cables—arrives ready to drop into an active bass system, cutting your setup time and keeping you focused on your playing.

Key Features

4-inch (102mm) soapbar housing, black cover
1.50-inch (38.1mm) width with 3.00-inch (76.2mm) maximum string width rating
Ceramic and steel magnet configuration
Two independent coils—single coil and humbucker modes
Push/pull pot switching between coil configurations
Resonant frequency: 2.50 kHz / 5.40 kHz
Output voltage: 2.00V / 1.00V (finger/thumb), 4.50V / 3.00V (thump)
Quick connectors for streamlined wiring
Includes 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and all interface cables

The EMG 40TW combines flexible switching, professional output levels, and a complete wiring harness to bring active bass tone to your five-string rig without compromise.

Best suited for	Funk, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance
Tonal character	Tight low end, high output, articulate mids, versatile coil switching, punchy fundamentals
Less specialized for	Folk, Acoustic-oriented music (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional