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

The included 25K TW Push/Pull Switch Volume Pot lets you toggle between focused single-coil bite for articulate, defined tones and full humbucker thickness for powerful, sustained output—both accessible without swapping pickups.

Does this pickup require routing or modification to install?

No. The 49mm standard string spacing and 1.1-inch thickness fit conventional 6-string guitar cavities without routing. The solderless connectivity system simplifies wiring, and all necessary components—pots, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware—are included.

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

The EMG 57TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain studio work, where tight output, low noise, and fast transient response keep articulation clear. It is not optimized for traditional jazz or folk playing.

What power does an active pickup like this require?

Active EMG pickups require a battery to power the onboard circuitry. The included battery cable connects to a standard battery box installed in your guitar cavity; the active design ensures consistent output and minimal noise across all playing dynamics.

How does the EMG 57TW compare to other high-output humbuckers?

The EMG 57TW competes with pickups like the Seymour Duncan Sentient/Pegasus, DiMarzio Crumb Lab, and Fishman Fluence Modern. Its distinctive advantage is the dual-mode switching in a single pickup slot, combining single-coil clarity with humbucker power without sacrificing tonal flexibility.

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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $12 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 57TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 57TW puts switchable single and dual coil voicings into one pickup slot, delivering the articulate bite you need for high-gain work and the clarity that cuts through on stage. Built on EMG's proven active platform, this Black Chrome covered humbucker pairs low noise with fast transient response, giving you the definition that reads in a live mix without losing thickness when you need it.

Active Design & Switching Capability

This pickup features EMG's proprietary three coil design enabling dual-mode operation—dial in focused single coil snap or full humbucker authority using the included 25K TW Push/Pull Switch Volume Pot. The 10K DC resistance and active circuitry deliver consistent output with minimal noise floor, while the solderless connectivity system makes swaps and updates straightforward, whether you're upgrading live or in the workshop.

Installation & Integration

The 49mm standard string spacing and 1.1-inch thickness drop into conventional 6-string guitar cavities without routing work. Included are all necessary components—25K Tone Pot, Stereo Output Jack, Two Pickup In/Out Bus, mounting hardware, battery cable, pickup cable, and connect cables—so you can wire it up and get to stage-testing immediately.

Key Features

Active Humbucker with dual-mode selectable single and dual coil sounds
Proprietary three coil design for tonal versatility
Alnico/Ceramic magnet material (bridge)
10K DC resistance
5 wire plus ground and battery conductors
Standard 49mm string spacing (6-string)
Covered pickup with Black Chrome finish
1.1-inch pickup thickness
Solderless connectivity system
Short (Standard) 10mm pot shaft
25K TW Push/Pull Switch Volume Pot included
Complete installation kit: Tone Pot, Output Jack, Bus connectors, cables, mounting hardware, and battery cable

The EMG 57TW merges road-ready active reliability with intelligent switching design, giving you single-coil definition and dual-coil authority in one hardworking pickup.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, High-Gain Playing
Tonal character	Articulate, tight output, low noise, fast transient response, switchable single-coil bite
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional