Do I need a battery to use this pickup?

Yes, the EMG 81TWX-R requires a 9-volt battery or external power supply to operate its active circuitry. The battery powers the onboard preamp and is essential for the hum-free operation and consistent output the pickup delivers.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The 81TWX-R mounts in any standard single-coil cavity and is compatible with EMG's solderless quick-connect wiring system for easy installation. Proper shielding and grounding during installation will maximize its noise-rejection benefits.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 81TWX-R excels in metal, hard rock, modern rock, and fusion where articulation and tight, defined tone are priorities. Its aggressive output and extended highs make it less ideal for blues and jazz applications.

How does an active pickup differ from a passive one?

Active pickups like the 81TWX-R use onboard preamp circuitry to eliminate hum, deliver consistent output, and extend frequency response without the inductance and noise issues of traditional passive designs. You trade a battery dependency for cleaner, more reliable performance.

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 81TWX-R Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG 81TWX-R is a high-output active single coil designed for players seeking aggressive articulation and extended frequency response in a compact format. This pickup delivers the clarity and snap of single-coil design with the noise rejection and output consistency of EMG's active electronics, making it well-suited for modern rock, metal, and fusion applications where defined note separation matters on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Output Character

Active circuitry provides consistent output across the frequency spectrum without noise or signal loss, yielding tight lows, present mids, and extended highs that cut through a live mix. The single coil configuration preserves the articulation and dynamic responsiveness that players rely on for feel and touch, while the active preamp eliminates hum and inductance issues that can plague traditional passive designs and compromise reliability during long gigs.

Installation & Compatibility

Like all EMG pickups, the 81TWX-R mounts in standard single coil cavities and requires a 9-volt battery or external power supply to operate. Proper shielding and grounding are essential during installation to maximize the noise-rejection benefits of the active design and ensure road-ready performance.

Key Features

Active single coil design with onboard preamp circuitry
High output level for aggressive tone shaping
Extended frequency response across treble and bass
Hum-free operation with superior noise rejection
Compact single coil format fits standard cavities
Black finish
Requires 9-volt battery or external power supply
Solderless wiring compatible with EMG quick-connect system
Factory-calibrated for immediate installation

The EMG 81TWX-R combines single-coil articulation with active-circuit reliability, delivering modern performance in a traditional form factor that gigging musicians and tone-focused players can depend on night after night.