EMG 81TWX Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3319
Description
EMG 81TWX Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81TWX is a stage-ready active humbucker built for players who need sonic flexibility without compromise. Its dual-mode design—switchable between single-coil and dual-coil configurations via an onboard push/pull potentiometer—lets you shift from articulate, cutting highs to full, aggressive low-end punch on the fly. The solderless connector system means quick swaps and experimentation without needing a soldering iron or tech support.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Output voltage ranges from 2.00V (single-coil string pluck) to 8.50V (dual-coil strum), giving you a wide dynamic range from clean definition to saturated aggression. Single-coil mode peaks at 3.15 kHz for bright, cutting articulation, while dual-coil mode sits at 1.75 kHz for deeper, more compressed response. Noise floor sits at -107 dB (single-coil) and -109 dB (dual-coil)—quiet enough for studio work and high-gain applications.
Power & Installation
The active circuit runs on a standard 9V battery with remarkable efficiency—160 microamps at 9V delivers approximately 1500 hours of playing time per battery. Maximum supply rating of 27V DC provides headroom for custom wiring configurations. Built-in dual preamps, onboard switching jack, and solderless connectors eliminate the need for professional installation and let you swap configurations without a soldering iron.
Key Features
- Dual-mode active humbucker (single-coil and dual-coil switchable via push/pull potentiometer)
- Single-coil output: 2.00V (string) / 3.00V (strum) at 3.15 kHz resonant frequency
- Dual-coil output: 3.00V (string) / 8.50V (strum) at 1.75 kHz resonant frequency
- Output noise: -107 dB (single-coil) / -109 dB (dual-coil)
- 2 built-in active preamps for independent tone shaping
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Solderless connector system for hassle-free installation
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Current draw: 160 microamps at 9V; battery life approximately 1500 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Dimensions: 2.75" width × 1.50" height × 1.087" thickness; 3/48" (78.5mm) mounting hole spacing
- Black housing with copper EMG logo; includes battery clip and switch jack
The 81TWX combines the aggressive punch of EMG's 81 lineage with switching versatility that delivers focused single-coil clarity and full dual-coil saturation from one instrument—ready for any stage demand.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TWX is a dual-mode active humbucker that switches between single-coil articulation and full dual-coil aggression via a push/pull pot, giving metal and hard-rock players total tonal flexibility without leaving the guitar. Its solderless connectors mean zero soldering required, and the low noise floor (-107 to -109 dB) stays clean even at extreme gain—ideal for drop tunings, studio tracking, and live rigs where you need both cutting definition and saturated punch from one pickup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil mode on the 81TWX?
Single-coil mode peaks at 3.15 kHz for bright, articulate highs with lower output (2.00V on string pluck, 3.00V on strum), while dual-coil mode sits at 1.75 kHz for deeper, more compressed response with higher output up to 8.50V on strum. You switch between them via the onboard push/pull potentiometer without any rewiring.
Do I need to solder this pickup, or can I install it myself?
No soldering required—the 81TWX uses EMG's solderless connector system with a battery clip and switch jack that plug straight in. Installation is straightforward enough for DIY setup without professional help.
How long does the battery last, and what kind do I need?
The active circuit runs on a standard 9V battery and draws only 160 microamps, giving approximately 1500 hours of playing time per battery. That's roughly 6 months to a year of regular use.
Is this pickup quiet enough for studio and high-gain recording?
Yes—the noise floor sits at -107 dB in single-coil mode and -109 dB in dual-coil mode, making it suitable for clean studio recording and high-gain applications where noise can become a problem.
What genres and tunings is the 81TWX best suited for?
It's engineered for metal, hard rock, and progressive music, with particular strength in drop tunings where its aggressive low-end and articulate highs cut through heavy riffs. It's not voiced for jazz or folk applications.
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.
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