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

Humbucker mode produces a thick, compressed character with a 2.225 kHz resonant frequency ideal for metal and hard rock. Single-coil mode delivers chimey clarity at 3.6 kHz for more articulate, responsive tones. Both modes run through the same pickup with internal preamp switching.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 81TW-R draws only 80 µA of current and delivers approximately 3000 hours of continuous operation per 9V battery, making it practical for touring and extended studio work without frequent replacement.

Will this pickup fit my guitar without routing?

The 1.1-inch thick profile is designed for compact modern guitar cavities and fits cleanly in most contemporary instruments without additional routing required.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 81TW-R excels in metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications where articulate note definition and aggressive output are priorities. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk styles.

How clean is the signal at high gain settings?

The pickup features a -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance, ensuring ultra-clean signal transmission and transparent interaction with your amp and effects chain even at extreme gain levels.

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-R Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 81TW-R is a thick-profile active humbucker built for players who need articulate high-output performance without sacrificing tonal range. Its dual-mode preamp design switches between tight humbucker mode and responsive single-coil character, all housed in a compact 1.1" thick package that fits cleanly in most modern guitar cavities. This is a reliable workhorse for metal, hard rock, and high-gain stages where note definition cuts through the mix as much as raw power drives the tone.

Active Design & Power Requirements

The 81TW-R runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—delivering 3000 hours of continuous operation on one charge and drawing only 80 µA of current. This low power draw keeps you on stage without constant battery changes during a tour or multi-day venue run, while the -100 dBV noise floor ensures clean signal transmission even at extreme gain settings where every articulation matters.

Dual-Mode Preamp & Tonal Range

Dual internal preamps—one optimized for single-coil mode and one for humbucker mode—give this pickup genuine tonal flexibility from a single housing. The 3.6 kHz resonant frequency in single-coil mode delivers chime and clarity for cutting lead lines, while the 2.225 kHz dual-coil resonance produces the thick, compressed character that powers modern metal tones through a live rig. The 10 kΩ output impedance ensures transparent interaction with your amp and effects chain.

Key Features

Active humbucker with ceramic magnet construction
Dual internal preamps—single-coil and humbucker modes in one housing
1.1" thick profile for compact modern guitar cavities
Powered by single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life
Ultra-low current draw of 80 µA for extended operation
Noise floor: -100 dBV for ultra-clean high-gain signal
Single-coil mode resonant frequency: 3.6 kHz
Humbucker mode resonant frequency: 2.225 kHz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Black finish

The 81TW-R delivers the aggressive articulation and extended battery life gigging musicians expect from EMG's active platform, with the added dimension of switchable preamp modes in a form factor that fits contemporary instrument designs.