What's included with the EMG 57TW?

The pickup comes with a solderless wiring harness and push-pull potentiometer, so you don't need to solder—everything needed for installation is in the box.

Does this pickup require a battery?

Yes, as an active pickup, the EMG 57TW requires battery power to operate; passive wiring will not work.

Will this fit my guitar?

The 57TW is designed for 6-string guitars with standard humbucker spacing and a modern cavity; the long shaft and 1.1" thickness fit most contemporary electric guitar bodies, but measure your cavity depth and string spacing to confirm compatibility.

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

The 57TW excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where tight lows, articulate mids, and clarity under extreme gain are priorities; it is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.

How does the EMG 57TW compare to other active humbuckers?

The 57TW offers a more articulate midrange and tighter low end than the EMG 81/85, and delivers comparable clarity and responsiveness to the Seymour Duncan JB and DiMarzio D Activator while adding solderless convenience.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 57TW is a versatile active humbucker built for players who demand clarity and responsiveness without compromise. Its dual-mode architecture and solderless installation make it equally suited to quick upgrades or permanent installations, delivering the articulate midrange and controlled output that defined a generation of high-gain guitar tones.

Sound & Output Character

This active pickup produces a 10K DC resistance output that remains tight and defined even under extreme gain. The Alnico and steel magnet combination yields a balanced response with pronounced clarity in the mids—ideal for both palm-muted rhythms and sustained leads without muddiness.

Installation & Compatibility

The solderless installation system with included wiring harness and push-pull potentiometer eliminates traditional soldering, reducing setup time and potential for cold joints. Built for 6-string guitars with standard humbucker string spacing, the long shaft and 1.1" thickness ensure proper fit in most modern guitar cavities.

Key Features

Active pickup requiring battery power
10K DC Resistance
Alnico and steel magnet construction
Long shaft length
1.1" thickness
Standard humbucker string spacing
Dual-mode operation (single and dual coil positions)
5 conductors for flexible wiring options
Solderless installation system
Includes solderless wiring harness with push-pull potentiometer
Designed for 6-string guitars
Made in the USA

The EMG 57TW combines proven active-pickup dynamics with practical installation features, making it a reliable choice for players upgrading their tone without breaking workflow.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, High-Gain
Tonal character	Tight low end, articulate midrange, controlled output, clarity under extreme gain, balanced response
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional