What is the output level and noise performance?

The 57TW delivers 4.5 V on strummed chords and 3 V on single strings, with a noise floor of –100 dB—low enough to stay clean even in high-gain or studio recording contexts. The active electronics provide consistent gain and clarity without hum or interference.

Will this pickup fit my guitar without routing?

Yes. The 57TW is 1.1 inches thick and designed to fit any standard humbucker cavity without modification. The 5-conductor solderless wiring system also eliminates the need for a soldering iron during installation.

Is this pickup good for both high-gain and clean tones?

Yes. The alnico and steel magnet combination produces articulate, punchy midrange with controlled low end and clarity without harshness, making it equally effective for aggressive playing and clean applications. The 2.11 kHz resonant peak helps it cut through dense mixes in any style.

Can I use this pickup with coil-tapping or other wiring mods?

Yes. The 5-conductor solderless design accommodates coil-tapping and other wiring configurations without requiring soldering, making experimentation and customization straightforward.

How does this compare to passive humbuckers?

The 57TW is an active design, so it requires a battery (usually 9V) to operate and delivers higher, more consistent output with lower noise than passive pickups. It's engineered for modern rigs where reliability, clarity, and cut-through are priorities; passive-only setups will need a compatible preamp or won't power this pickup.

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 Brushed Chrome

The 57TW is a modern active humbucker engineered to deliver articulate, punchy midrange with controlled low-end response. This bridge-position pickup combines alnico and steel magnets to produce clarity without harshness, making it equally at home in high-gain and clean applications. The brushed chrome finish offers a refined aesthetic while the solderless connectivity simplifies installation and experimentation.

Tone & Electronics

Active electronics deliver a 4.5 V output on strummed chords with a 3 V single-string response, providing dynamic articulation across the frequency range. The 2.11 kHz resonant peak emphasizes the midrange definition that cuts through dense mixes, while a –100 dB noise floor keeps hum and interference well below the signal level even in demanding studio and live rigs.

Installation & Specifications

The 10 kOhm DC resistance and 10 kOhm output impedance maintain stable interaction with standard guitar wiring and amplifier inputs. At 1.1" thickness, the pickup fits standard humbucker cavities without routing, and the 5-conductor solderless design accommodates coil-tapping and other wiring configurations without requiring a soldering iron.

Key Features

Active humbucker design with alnico and steel magnet combination
Brushed chrome finish
4.5 V output on strummed chords; 3 V single-string output
2.11 kHz resonant frequency for midrange emphasis
10 kOhm DC resistance
–100 dB output noise specification
10 kOhm output impedance
1.1" thickness for standard humbucker cavities
5-conductor solderless wiring system
6-string configuration
Made in USA
Bridge-position pickup

The EMG 57TW brings the clarity and consistency that working musicians depend on night after night—a reliable bridge humbucker that cuts through the mix on stage and holds up under the demands of the road.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Live Performance, High-Gain, Clean Tones, Touring
Tonal character	Articulate midrange, punchy, controlled low end, clarity without harshness, dynamic
Less specialized for	Vintage Tone Purists, Passive-Only Rigs (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional