What genres and tunings is this pickup best suited for?

The 81TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive music, and drop tunings, where aggressive output and articulate clarity are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.

How long does the battery last and what are the power requirements?

The pickup runs on a standard 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours. It draws 80 mA at 9V and can support up to 27V DC for users running higher supply voltages.

Does the long shaft design fit different guitar models?

Yes; the long shaft design (1.1 inches thick, 0.2 inches thicker than standard EMG humbuckers) accommodates a wider range of guitar configurations and pickup cavities than traditional EMG 81 installations.

How does the 81TW compare to the standard EMG 81?

The 81TW adds dual-mode switching via push/pull knob and a longer shaft for broader guitar compatibility, while maintaining the aggressive output and low noise (–100 dBV) the 81 platform is known for. The ivory finish also provides a refined aesthetic alternative to standard black.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG 81TW Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory

The EMG 81TW is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who refuse to choose between aggression and versatility. Its dual-mode switching design and extended shaft fit a wider range of guitar configurations while delivering the clarity and punch the 81 platform is legendary for on stage. The ivory finish offers a refined visual alternative to the standard black cover.

Dual-Mode Switching & Active Electronics

Push/pull the volume knob to toggle between full humbucker and single-coil modes, unlocking a broader tonal palette from a single pickup. Each mode runs through its own internal preamp with integrated noise-cancelling technology, ensuring your signal stays clean and articulate whether you're stacking output for thickness or dialing in crisp upper-midrange definition for cut.

Power & Output Specifications

Operating from a standard 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours, the 81TW delivers 3V RMS output and 4.5V peak voltage with exceptionally low noise at –100 dBV. Its 10 kOhm output impedance and 80 mA current draw at 9V are engineered to work seamlessly with most guitar electronics, and the pickup supports up to 27V DC for users running higher supply voltages.

Key Features

Dual-coil/single-coil switchable humbucker via push/pull knob
Dual internal preamps with noise cancelling in both modes
Long shaft design (1.1" thickness, 0.2" thicker than standard EMG humbuckers)
Ceramic and steel magnet construction
Resonant frequency: 1.63 kHz
Output: 3V RMS / 4.5V peak
Output noise: –100 dBV
Output impedance: 10 kOhm
Powered by 9V battery (3000-hour battery life)
Current draw: 80 mA @ 9V
Maximum supply: 27V DC
Ivory cover finish

The 81TW pairs aggressive modern output with the flexibility of dual-mode operation, making it dependable for touring rigs and studio setups that demand both high-gain authority and harmonic nuance.