What makes this pickup different from a traditional passive single coil?

The EMG 81TWX-R uses active electronics powered by a 9V battery, delivering a –107 dB noise floor—dramatically quieter than passive designs. This makes it ideal for recording and high-gain applications where hum and background noise become audible. The active circuit also boosts output (2.00V picking / 3.00V strumming) without sacrificing clarity or adding coloration.

Do I need to solder this pickup into my guitar?

No. The EMG 81TWX-R ships with a complete no-solder connector system and preassembled cable harness (output, battery, and pickup cables), so installation is a drop-in process. Just unplug the old pickup and connect the new one—no rewiring or soldering required.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of typical use at 160 microamps draw. That translates to several months of regular playing before a battery change is needed.

Is this pickup good for jazz or vintage tones?

No. The EMG 81TWX-R is optimized for modern high-gain, studio recording, and noise-sensitive environments. It excels at crisp, articulate tones in rock, metal, and recording contexts—not traditional jazz or vintage tone seeking.

What gauge cable comes with this pickup?

The pickup includes a complete integrated harness: a 6-inch output cable, 5.5-inch connector cable, 7-inch battery cable, and 15-inch TW pickup cable—all preassembled and ready to connect with no soldering.

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-R Active Single Coil Pickup in White

The EMG 81TWX-R delivers articulate single-coil clarity with the reliability and noise rejection of active electronics. Built for players who need transparent, hum-free performance on stage and in the studio, this compact, high-output design installs without soldering, getting you back to playing fast.

Tone & Output Performance

Single-coil configuration produces a 3.15 kHz resonant frequency with output voltages of 2.00V (picking) and 3.00V (strumming), delivering crisp articulation and definition across midrange frequencies. The –107 dB noise floor ensures your signal stays clean even at high gain—no hum, no interference, no compromises during live sets or demanding recording sessions.

Power & Installation

Active circuitry draws only 160 microamps at 9V, extending battery life to 1500 hours of typical use—meaning weeks of regular gigging before you need fresh batteries. The connector system eliminates soldering entirely—the pickup arrives with pre-assembled cables (6" output, 5.5" connect cables, 7" battery cable, and 15" TW pickup cable) ready for drop-in installation.

Key Features

Single-coil configuration with 3.15 kHz resonant frequency
Output voltage: 2.00V (picking) / 3.00V (strumming)
Noise floor: –107 dB
Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
Ceramic and steel (C/S) magnet construction
Active electronics: 160 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 1500 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Thickness: 1.1" (0.2" thinner than standard EMG humbuckers)
No-solder connector system with integrated cable harness
White finish

The EMG 81TWX-R combines compact dimensions, exceptionally low noise, and fast installation—ideal for gigging musicians who demand transparency and road-ready reliability without the hassle of traditional wiring.