What's the difference between the humbucker and single-coil modes?

The humbucker mode delivers the saturated, high-output aggression of an EMG 81, while the single-coil mode accesses a tighter, more defined punch from an integrated single-coil element. Both are powered by active preamps with noise cancellation, and you switch between them using the prewired push/pull knob without any additional wiring or pickup swaps.

Is this pickup good for metal and hard rock?

Yes—the EMG 81TW is designed specifically for metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning applications. It delivers tight low end, controlled articulate response, and consistent active electronics that cut through dense mixes and handle aggressive playing styles.

What comes in the box and how easy is it to install?

The pickup ships fully prewired with a push/pull mode-switch knob, 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life, output jack, battery clip set, and Quik-Connect cable. The complete wiring package eliminates guesswork and supports quick battery access, making installation straightforward for intermediate to advanced players.

What does 'long-shaft' mean?

The long-shaft design accommodates specific guitar configurations that require extended pickup mounting depth. This variant maintains all the responsive and controlled output of standard EMG 81TW electronics while fitting those particular guitar body and cavity specifications.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No—the EMG 81TW is optimized for metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning genres. Its high-output, aggressive tone profile and noise cancellation are designed for heavy styles rather than the nuance and dynamic range blues and jazz players typically need.

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 White

The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that combines two distinct pickup voices in a single housing, letting you switch between high-output humbucker aggression and articulate single-coil character without swapping pickups. The increased thickness and long-shaft design accommodate specific guitar configurations while maintaining the responsive, controlled output active EMG electronics are known for—essential reliability for players who need consistent tone night after night.

Dual-Mode Architecture & Active Electronics

This pickup houses both an EMG 81 humbucker and a separate single-coil element with dual active preamps and triple-coil design that deliver noise cancellation across both modes. The internal preamp circuitry ensures consistent, articulate response—pulling thick, saturated tones from the humbucker side or accessing tighter, more defined single-coil punch, all with the clarity and headroom active electronics provide on stage.

Components & Power Configuration

The pickup ships with a prewired push/pull knob for seamless mode switching, 9V battery power rated for 3000-hour battery life, output jack, battery clip set, and Quik-Connect cable for straightforward installation. This complete wiring package eliminates guesswork during setup and supports quick battery access and cable connectivity—no surprises on gig day.

Key Features

Dual-mode humbucker combining EMG 81 humbucker with integrated single-coil pickup
Triple-coil design with dual active preamps
Internal noise-cancelling preamp technology in both modes
Long-shaft variant design for specific guitar configurations
White finish
9V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
Prewired push/pull knob for mode selection
Includes output jack, battery clip set, and Quik-Connect cable
Product dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
Thickness: 1.1 inches
Voltage output (RMS): 3.00V; Peak: 4.50V
Impedance: 10kΩ with 80µA current draw and -100dBV noise floor

The EMG 81TW delivers the clarity and punch of active electronics with the tonal range of two pickup types—a workhorse choice for players who need versatile tone and road-tested dependability in one compact package.