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

The push/pull pot switches the dual-mode preamp between full humbucker character (aggressive, high output) and articulate single-coil response—both from the same pickup. This gives you tonal versatility without changing hardware.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time, which translates to roughly one year of typical use before replacement is needed.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No; the EMG 81TWX is voiced for metal, rock, hard rock, and fusion. Its high output, tight lows, and punchy midrange make it unsuitable for jazz or blues applications that demand smoother, more nuanced tone.

How does the 1.1-inch thickness affect the tone?

The increased thickness adds magnetic mass, which tightens the low end and increases overall clarity and punch—particularly beneficial in high-gain and densely-layered mixes where definition is critical.

What's the output noise level, and why does it matter?

Output noise is -100 dBV, extremely low for an active humbucker. This ensures a transparent signal path to your amp or audio interface with virtually no background hum, even in high-gain situations.

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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 81TWX Active Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG 81TWX is a high-output active humbucker engineered for players who need clarity and tonal flexibility on stage and in the studio. Its dual-mode preamp architecture delivers both aggressive humbucker character and articulate single-coil response from a single compact unit, accessible via push/pull pot switching. The ceramic magnet construction and increased thickness yield a punchy, well-defined midrange that cuts through dense mixes in rock, metal, and fusion settings without losing note definition.

Electrical Performance & Headroom

Output reaches 4.50 V peak with an extremely low noise floor at -100 dBV, ensuring clean signal transfer to your amplifier without mud or hum. The X-series preamp provides increased headroom over earlier EMG designs, reducing compression and maintaining articulation even under high-gain conditions. A single 9V battery powers the pickup for approximately 3000 hours of playing time, keeping you on the road without frequent battery swaps.

Design & Specifications

The 1.1" thickness — 0.2" thicker than standard EMG humbuckers — increases magnetic mass and contributes to the pickup's focused low-end response. Output impedance of 10 kΩ and resonant frequency of 1630 Hz position this pickup in the midrange-forward spectrum, allowing it to stand out in your mix while preserving note definition and clarity across the fretboard.

Key Features

Active humbucker with ceramic magnet construction
X-series preamp with dual-mode operation (humbucker and single-coil modes)
Push/pull pot access for mode selection
1.1" thickness for increased magnetic mass
Peak output voltage: 4.50 V
Output noise: -100 dBV
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Resonant frequency: 1630 Hz
9V battery powered with 3000-hour battery life
Current draw: 80 µA @ 9V

This pickup delivers professional-grade signal integrity and tonal flexibility, making it a reliable workhorse for both studio sessions and touring musicians.