Can I really get both single-coil and humbucker tones from one pickup?

Yes. The EMG 57TW uses a proprietary three-coil design with a selectable switch that toggles between full humbucker and single-coil voice, delivering single-coil snap and full humbucker authority without requiring a second pickup or complex wiring.

Will this pickup fit my guitar without routing?

Most likely. The 57TW is 1.1 inches thick—0.2 inches deeper than standard EMG humbuckers—but fits traditional humbucker cavities on 6-string guitars without routing modifications in most cases; verify your cavity depth if modifying an older instrument.

How does the active design affect tone and output consistency?

Battery-powered operation ensures consistent output and dynamics across all playing dynamics, while the active circuit minimizes noise and gives you the clean, high-output response that defines professional-grade active pickup design—especially valuable for high-gain and studio settings.

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

The 57TW excels in hard rock, metal, progressive, and studio sessions where articulate, controlled output with tight definition is essential; it's not designed for traditional jazz or folk applications.

Is installation complicated?

No. Solderless wiring and 5 conductors streamline installation, and the long shaft with standard string spacing ensure straightforward fitment in traditional humbucker cavities—no special tools or expertise required.

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 $10 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

The EMG 57TW is a modern active humbucker engineered to deliver clarity and punch without sacrificing vintage warmth. This pickup bridges classic tone characteristics with EMG's proprietary three-coil design, offering players the flexibility to toggle between full humbucker and single-coil voices from a single unit. Built in the USA with meticulous attention to detail, it's a go-to choice for players seeking articulate, controlled output with minimal noise on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Electronics

The 10K DC resistance combined with Alnico and Steel magnet materials produces a balanced, responsive character that cuts through a live mix while retaining note definition for clean articulation. Battery-powered operation ensures consistent output and dynamics across sets, while the selectable single and dual coil sounds via EMG's three-coil design give you tonal range typically requiring multiple pickups—single-coil snap and full humbucker authority in one install means fewer compromises on your pedalboard.

Design & Build

At 1.1" thickness, the 57TW sits 0.2" deeper than standard EMG humbuckers, accommodating its expanded internal architecture without requiring routing modifications on most instruments. Solderless wiring and 5 conductors streamline installation and minimize troubleshooting downtime, while the long shaft and standard string spacing ensure straightforward fitment in traditional humbucker cavities on 6-string guitars for reliable gigs.

Key Features

Active humbucker with battery-powered operation
Selectable single and dual coil sounds via proprietary three-coil design
Alnico and Steel magnet combination
10K DC resistance
1.1" thickness (0.2" thicker than standard EMG humbuckers)
5 conductors for flexible wiring options
Solderless construction for quick installation
Long shaft length with standard string spacing
Made in USA
Traditional humbucker format for 6-string guitars

The 57TW delivers precision, tonal flexibility, and the clean output that defines professional-grade active pickup design—trusted by touring musicians and session players.

Best suited for	Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Articulate, punchy, balanced warmth, high output, minimal noise
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional