What is the difference between single- and dual-coil modes on the 57TW?

The 57TW's push-pull potentiometer lets you switch between full dual-coil humbucker mode for aggressive, high-output lead tones and single-coil mode for cleaner, more articulate textures — all without swapping pickups. This flexibility is useful for songs or passages that demand different voicings within the same session or set.

Will the 57TW fit my guitar if it has a standard pickup cavity?

The 57TW's long shaft and 1.1-inch thickness are designed for guitars with deeper pickup cavities that standard humbuckers cannot accommodate. If your guitar has a standard humbucker cavity, measure the depth before purchasing to confirm compatibility.

What comes in the box, and do I need to solder?

The 57TW ships with a solderless wiring harness, push-pull potentiometer, and two standard tone controls — no soldering required. Installation involves plugging the harness connectors together and mounting the pickup and controls.

What genres and playing styles is the 57TW best suited for?

The 57TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuned applications where punchy midrange, tight bass, and high output are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically demand warmer, lower-output voicings.

How does the 57TW compare to the EMG 81?

The EMG 81 is a more modern, hotter active humbucker with a brighter top end, while the 57TW delivers a more punchy, defined midrange and tighter bass response with the added versatility of switchable coil modes. Choose the 57TW for tonal flexibility and clarity; choose the 81 for maximum output and contemporary aggression.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 57TW delivers the aggressive, articulate character of a classic active humbucker with the added versatility of switchable single- and dual-coil modes. Its long shaft length and thicker profile accommodate guitars with deeper pickup cavities, while the solderless wiring system makes installation straightforward and reliable. This is a workhorse pickup engineered for players who demand clarity, output, and tonal flexibility without compromise.

Tone & Electronics

The Alnico and steel magnet combination with 10K DC resistance produces the punchy, defined midrange and tight bass response EMG 57 models are known for. Single- and dual-coil switching expands your palette from aggressive lead tones to cleaner, more articulate textures without swapping hardware. On stage, this means rock-solid definition cutting through the mix and reliable performance night after night.

Installation & Compatibility

This pickup ships with a solderless wiring harness, push-pull potentiometer, and two standard tone controls, eliminating soldering and reducing installation time. The standard 49mm string spacing and 6-string configuration ensure compatibility with most modern guitars, while the long shaft fits deeper cavities that standard humbuckers cannot reach. Road-ready out of the box—no delays, no complications.

Key Features

Active humbucker with single- and dual-coil switchable modes
Alnico and steel magnet combination
10K DC resistance
Long shaft length for deep pickup cavities
Thickness: 1.1" (0.2" thicker than standard EMG humbuckers)
Standard 49mm string spacing
5-wire plus ground and battery conductors
Solderless wiring harness included
Push-pull potentiometer and two standard tone controls included
Battery-powered operation
6-string configuration
Made in the USA

The 57TW combines the proven aggression of EMG's 57 design with practical installation features and modal switching. Built for gigging musicians and demanding players who need a pickup that performs night after night without fuss.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings
Tonal character	Punchy midrange, tight bass, aggressive lead tones, articulate cleans, high output
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional