What's the difference between the dual-mode and how do I switch between them?

The 57TW toggles between full humbucker mode (dual-coil punch) and single-coil mode (clarity and articulation) via a switch; no pickup swap needed. This gives you tonal flexibility within one pickup footprint, ideal for players who move between aggressive riffs and defined lead work in the same song or session.

Will this fit my current guitar without routing?

Yes—the 57TW is 1.1 inches thick, which is standard humbucker depth, and fits conventional pickup cavities. The included long shaft potentiometers eliminate a common sourcing issue for retrofits, and the solderless 5-wire architecture simplifies installation.

How does the 57TW compare to the EMG 81/85?

The 57TW offers dual-mode switching for selectable single and dual-coil voicing, whereas the 81 and 85 are fixed voicings (81 is higher-output bridge, 85 is more balanced). Choose the 57TW if you want tonal flexibility; choose the 81/85 if you prefer a single dialed-in character.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 57TW excels in rock, metal, fusion, and hard rock. Its balanced output and articulate cleans work less well for jazz, folk, or country styles, which typically call for warmer or more vintage-voiced pickups.

Is solderless wiring easier to install?

Yes—the solderless 5-wire plus ground and battery connectivity eliminate soldering during installation, making retrofits faster and reducing the risk of cold joints. The included long shaft pots and straightforward wiring diagram make this pickup beginner-friendly for basic swaps.

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 Brushed Chrome

The EMG 57TW is a workhorse active humbucker built for live demands and stage reliability. Its dual-mode switching lets you toggle between full humbucker punch and single-coil clarity from the same footprint, giving you tonal flexibility across rock, metal, and fusion sets without swapping gear. The brushed chrome cover delivers professional appearance while the solderless 5-wire architecture speeds up installation and minimizes wiring complications.

Tone & Electronics

Built on a 10K DC resistance platform with Alnico and ceramic magnets, the 57TW produces balanced output with natural note separation and defined harmonic content. The active electronics and dual-mode design give you the flexibility to voice your instrument for different rooms and setlists without stacking multiple pickups or swapping hardware.

Design & Build

The long shaft potentiometers are included, eliminating a common sourcing headache for retrofit installations. A 1.1" thickness positions this as a standard humbucker depth, ensuring compatibility with conventional pickup cavities. Manufactured in the USA, the covered construction in brushed chrome resists dust and external noise interference—essential for consistent tone across different venues and cable runs.

Key Features

Active humbucker design with 10K DC resistance
Dual-mode switching for selectable single and dual coil sounds
Alnico/ceramic bridge magnet and Alnico/steel magnet configuration
Solderless 5-wire plus ground and battery connectivity
Brushed chrome covered construction
Long shaft potentiometers included
1.1" thickness for standard humbucker cavities
Standard string spacing for 6-string guitars
Made in USA
Covered design reduces dust and external noise interference

This pickup combines EMG's active platform reliability with genuine tonal versatility, making it a dependable upgrade for players who need switchable character and road-tested performance night after night.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Fusion, Hard Rock
Tonal character	Balanced output, natural note separation, defined harmonic content, controlled aggression, articulate cleans
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional