What's the difference between the finger/thumb and thump output levels?

The 40TWX produces 4.00V/1.00V for finger/thumb technique and 8.50V/3.00V for thump technique, allowing you to control dynamics across your playing range. This dual-output design responds to your attack and technique, delivering more signal when you need aggressive tone.

Will this fit my 5-string bass without routing or modification?

The pickup measures 4 inches (102mm) long with a maximum string spacing of 79.37mm and fits standard 5-string bass cavities. You should verify your bass cavity dimensions match before purchasing, but most modern 5-string designs accommodate this size.

Do I need to solder this pickup to my bass?

No—the 40TWX uses EMG's solderless wiring system, eliminating the need for a soldering iron. The kit includes everything you need: the 25K active tone pot with push/pull switch, stereo output jack, battery bus, cables, and mounting hardware for plug-and-play installation.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The 40TWX excels in funk, progressive, and studio session work where clarity and punch are essential. It is not optimized for folk or traditional jazz applications, where a warmer or more subdued character might be preferred.

What tone-shaping options does the included preamp offer?

The integrated X Series preamp features a variable low-pass filter (VLPF) active tone control with two selectable resonant frequencies at 2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz, letting you dial from tight, modern highs to warm, focused lows while maintaining headroom.

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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 40TWX 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 40TWX is a dual-configuration active soapbar engineered for 5-string bass players who need both clarity and punch in a live setting. This pickup combines two independent coil designs—a single-coil and a humbucker configuration—with EMG's X Series preamp to deliver articulate finger tones and aggressive thumb response from a single housing. The solderless installation and included tone controls make integration straightforward for players upgrading their existing rigs.

Tonal Character & Electronics

The 40TWX produces output voltages of 4.00V/1.00V for finger/thumb technique and 8.50V/3.00V for thump technique, giving you dynamic control across your playing range. The integrated X Series preamp with VLPF (variable low-pass filter) active tone control and dual resonant frequencies (2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz) allow you to shape everything from tight, modern highs to warm, focused lows without sacrificing headroom on stage or in the studio.

Design & Installation

Measuring 4 inches (102mm) long and 1.50 inches (38.1mm) wide with a maximum string spacing of 79.37mm, this pickup fits standard 5-string bass cavities. The solderless wiring system eliminates the need for a soldering iron, and the complete accessory kit includes the 25K active tone pot with push/pull functionality, stereo output jack, battery bus, all necessary cables, and mounting hardware for a plug-and-play installation.

Key Features

Housing dimensions: 4 inches (102mm) length × 1.50 inches (38.1mm) width
Maximum string spacing: 79.37mm for 5-string application
Dual independent coil configuration: single-coil and humbucker designs in one pickup
Magnet materials: ceramic and steel construction
Active X Series preamp with variable low-pass filter (VLPF) tone control
Output voltages: 4.00V/1.00V (finger/thumb) and 8.50V/3.00V (thump)
Resonant frequencies: 2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz
Solderless wiring installation system
Included components: 25K active tone pot with push/pull switch, stereo output jack, battery bus, mounting screws, and all necessary cables
Black cover finish

The EMG 40TWX delivers versatile, articulate bass tones with the convenience of active electronics and tool-free installation—a practical choice for working players seeking professional-grade tone without a lengthy setup process.