What output modes does this pickup have, and when should I use each?

The EMG 40TWX-R offers Finger/Thumb mode (4.00V / 1.00V output) for clean, articulate fingerstyle playing, and Thump mode (8.50V / 3.00V output) for aggressive, punchy character suited to slap bass and hard-hitting styles. A push/pull pot lets you switch between them on the fly without opening the bass.

Will this fit my 5-string bass, and how wide is the string spacing?

The 40 Extended housing measures 38 × 102 mm with a maximum string spacing of 79.37 mm, designed to fit modern wide-spaced 5-string bridges with precision. Check your bridge spacing against that spec before ordering to confirm fit.

What's included in the box?

You get the pickup itself, a 25K active tone pot (VLPF) and push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and quick connectors for easy installation and removal.

How does the active preamp help with noise and tone?

The integrated X Series preamp combines a single-coil and humbucker configuration to eliminate hum while maximizing clarity, and its resonant frequency peaks at 2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz help your bass cut through dense mixes and stage noise without adding external gear.

Is this pickup good for jazz or upright bass styles?

No—the EMG 40TWX-R is engineered for funk, slap, progressive, and studio session work with a bright, punchy character. It is not designed for traditional jazz or upright bass playing styles.

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-R 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 40TWX is a dual-configuration active pickup engineered for modern 5-string bass players who demand articulate highs and punchy lows without compromise. Its extended 4-inch housing and ceramic/steel magnet pairing deliver immediate response across the full frequency spectrum, making it a go-to choice for players tackling everything from aggressive slap to nuanced fingerstyle work on stage and in the studio.

Design & Build Quality

This pickup features two independent internal coils—a single-coil and humbucker configuration—working in tandem with the integrated X Series preamp to eliminate noise while maximizing clarity. The 40 Extended housing measures 38 × 102 mm with a maximum string spacing of 79.37 mm, fitting modern wide-spaced 5-string bridges with precision, ensuring reliable performance night after night.

Tone & Electronics

The onboard active electronics deliver flexible voicing: in Finger/Thumb mode, the pickup outputs 4.00V and 1.00V respectively; switching to Thump mode pushes output to 8.50V and 3.00V for aggressive, punchy character that cuts through any live mix. Resonant frequencies at 2.50 kHz and 3.50 kHz provide natural presence peaks that sit perfectly in dense ensembles, while the included 25K active tone pot (VLPF) and push/pull pot grant extensive shaping control without adding external hardware clutter.

Key Features

40 Extended housing, 4 inches (102mm)
Dimensions: 38 × 102 mm
Maximum string spacing: 79.37 mm
Ceramic and Steel magnets
Two independent internal coils (single coil and humbucker) with X Series preamp
Resonant Frequency: 2.50 kHz / 3.50 kHz
Output Voltage (Finger, Thumb): 4.00V / 1.00V; (Thump): 8.50V / 3.00V
25K active tone pot (VLPF) included
Push/pull pot included
Quick Connectors for easy installation and removal
Complete accessory kit: battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
Black finish

This EMG 40TWX combines professional-grade dual-coil architecture with practical active electronics, making it a reliable workhorse pickup for serious 5-string bassists counting on dependable tone and performance.