EMG 45TWX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3296
Description
EMG 45TWX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 45TWX is a professional-grade active soapbar pickup built for six-string bass players who need reliable tonal flexibility and clean signal integrity on stage. Its dual-mode design—switchable between single-coil and humbucker configurations—lets you shape your tone from bright, articulate definition to thick, hum-free lows without swapping hardware. The compact 4.5-inch soapbar housing fits cleanly into modern bass bodies, and the solderless wiring system gets you up and running fast.
Tone & Electronics
The X Series preamp with Active VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter) tone control gives you precise command over your low-end response during live performance. Ceramic and steel magnet options—resonating at 2.61 kHz and 4.00 kHz respectively—let you switch between punchy single-coil clarity and thick humbucker body. An exceptionally low output noise floor of -101 dB (60 Hz) keeps your signal clean and quiet running through a house PA or monitor mix at any volume level.
Design & Build
Built for the road, this pickup runs on a single 9V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life and draws only 80 microamps, so you can gig all year on one cell. The 2.00 Kohm output impedance maintains phase coherence and works smoothly with monitor systems and main PA rigs. All necessary components ship included—25k volume and active tone pots, dual-mode push-pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and interconnect cables—so you're ready to install and play.
Key Features
- Housing length: 4.5 inches (115mm)
- Housing width: 1.50 inches (38.1mm)
- Maximum recommended string width: 3.75 inches (95.25mm)
- Dual-mode: single coil and humbucker configurations
- Magnets: ceramic and steel
- Active VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter) tone control
- Resonant frequency: 2.61 kHz (ceramic mode), 4.00 kHz (steel mode)
- Output impedance: 2.00 Kohm
- Current draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Output noise: -101 dB (60 Hz)
- Solderless wiring system with included 25k pots, battery bus, and all connection cables
The 45TWX combines precision engineering with real-world reliability, delivering studio-grade signal integrity whether you're tracking in a controlled environment or running through a live rig.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 45TWX is a professional-grade active soapbar pickup for six-string bass that switches between single-coil snap and humbucker thickness, giving you surgical low-end control without swapping hardware. Built for touring and session work with a -101 dB noise floor and 3000-hour battery life, it handles funk, prog, and extended-range playing with transparent, hum-free signal integrity from stage to studio. Solderless wiring and included electronics mean fast, reliable installation on modern bass bodies.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Practice
- – First Serious Guitar
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dual-mode switching mean, and how does it change the tone?
The pickup switches between single-coil mode (ceramic magnet, 2.61 kHz resonance, bright articulation) and humbucker mode (steel magnet, 4.00 kHz resonance, thick fundamentals) using a push-pull pot. You can dial between punchy definition and warm body without changing pickups or hardware.
Is this pickup suitable for a first serious bass, or do I need experience to use it?
This is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The active electronics, VLPF tone shaping, and dual-mode switching reward players who understand low-end control; it's not ideal for bass beginners still learning fundamental technique and tone.
What's included, and how hard is installation?
The kit includes the pickup, 25k volume pot, active tone pot, dual-mode push-pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and interconnect cables. The solderless wiring system simplifies installation compared to traditional solder-in pickups, though you'll need basic bass electronics knowledge or professional help.
How long will the battery last, and what's the noise floor like?
The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours with an ultra-low output noise of -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean, transparent signal at high gain levels and across PA or monitor systems without unwanted hum or noise.
Will this fit my six-string bass, and what's the maximum string width?
The soapbar housing is 4.5 inches long by 1.5 inches wide; the maximum recommended string width is 3.75 inches. Confirm your bass body routing matches these dimensions before ordering.
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 $11 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.
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