Will this pickup fit my 5-string bass?

The 40TW-R uses standard soapbar cavity dimensions (4.000" L × 1.500" H × 0.880" D) with 3.750" mounting hole spacing and 0.125" diameter holes, fitting most modern 5-string basses. Maximum recommended string width is 3.00", which accommodates most standard configurations without overlap.

What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil modes?

Single-coil mode emphasizes articulate highs with a 5.40 kHz resonant peak and output from 1.0–3.0 V, while dual-coil mode thickens the low end with a 2.50 kHz resonant peak and 2.0–4.5 V output. You toggle between them using the included push/pull switch without physically changing anything.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery runs for approximately 1500 hours of typical use. The pickup accepts up to 27 Volts DC maximum and draws only 160 microamps at 9V, so you can experiment with higher supply voltages for more headroom if needed.

What's included in the box?

You get the pickup, pickup cable, connect cables, stereo output jack, battery bus, 25K tone control, push/pull switch with 25K pot, and all adjustment hardware needed for installation.

How does this compare to passive pickups?

The EMG 40TW-R is active, meaning it requires battery power but delivers a much lower noise floor (−107 to −109 dB), higher output voltage range (1.0–4.5 V), and dual-mode flexibility. This makes it better suited for studio tracking and live sound reinforcement where clean, articulate signal and tonal options are priorities.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

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

The EMG 40TW-R delivers a compact, versatile soapbar format designed for 5-string bass applications where tonal flexibility matters. Its dual independent pickup architecture—combining a single-coil and humbucker configuration with separate preamps—lets you voice your tone from articulate highs to thick lows without swapping hardware. The ceramic and steel magnet pairing provides clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum, ready to cut through a live mix or anchor your recorded tone.

Tone & Electronics

Output voltage ranges from 1.0 V to 3.0 V in single-coil mode and 2.0 V to 4.5 V in dual-coil mode, giving you flexible gain staging into any amplifier or mixing console. Resonant frequencies sit at 5.40 kHz (single-coil) and 2.50 kHz (dual-coil), letting each mode carve its own sonic character. The included push/pull switch lets you toggle between configurations on the fly, while the 25K tone control shapes your high-end response with precision. The −107 dB to −109 dB noise floor keeps your signal clean and punchy through long sets and studio sessions alike.

Physical Design & Integration

Measuring 4.000" overall length with a 1.500" height and 0.880" depth, the 40TW-R fits standard soapbar cavities on most modern 5-string basses. Mounting hole spacing of 3.750" with 0.125" diameter holes ensures straightforward installation, and the maximum recommended string width of 3.00" accommodates most string configurations without overlap. Battery life of 1500 hours at 9V means you can rely on this pickup for extended touring and rehearsal schedules.

Key Features

Dual independent pickups: single-coil and humbucker configuration with separate preamps
Output voltage: 1.00 V / 2.00 V (finger/thumb mode) and 3.00 V / 4.50 V (thump mode)
Resonant frequency: 5.40 kHz (single-coil) / 2.50 kHz (dual-coil)
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Output noise floor: −107 dB (single-coil) / −109 dB (dual-coil)
Ceramic and steel magnet construction
Battery life: 1500 hours at 9V; maximum supply 27 Volts DC
Current draw: 160 microamps @ 9V
Included 25K tone control and push/pull switch with 25K pot
Dimensions: 4.000" L × 1.500" H × 0.880" D with 3.750" mounting hole spacing
Maximum recommended string width: 3.00"
Includes pickup cable, connect cables, stereo output jack, battery bus, and adjustment hardware

The EMG 40TW-R combines low noise performance with dual-mode flexibility and road-proven durability, making it a solid choice for 5-string players who demand both articulate definition and thick bottom end from a single pickup.