What's the difference between the F-57TW and other EMG active pickups like the 81/85?

The F-57TW is designed with a three-coil architecture that lets you select between single and dual coil voicings from one pickup, whereas the 81/85 are traditional fixed designs. The F-57TW also uses Alnico/Steel magnets and a 10K DC resistance, producing warmer tone with more harmonic clarity while maintaining the active circuit reliability EMG is known for.

Does this pickup work with modern wide-spacing bridge types?

Yes. The F-spaced humbucker configuration is designed specifically to accommodate modern guitar bridges with wider pole piece spacing, so it will fit standard modern setups without modification.

How easy is it to install?

Very easy. The pickup features solderless connectivity and five-conductor wiring, so you can install it and reconfigure the wiring without soldering. Just make sure you have a fresh battery to power the active circuit.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The F-57TW excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music—both for live gigging and studio sessions. Its combination of thick rhythm tones and articulate leads makes it less suited for traditional jazz or folk applications.

What's included with the pickup?

The pickup comes complete with its active circuitry, five-conductor wiring, and solderless connectors. You will need to provide a battery to power the active circuit and handle any wiring integration specific to your guitar.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG F-57TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG F-57TW is a versatile active humbucker engineered for players who demand both classic warmth and modern clarity from a single pickup. Its three-coil design delivers selectable single and dual coil voicings, making it equally at home delivering thick rhythm tones or articulate lead work without requiring multiple pickups or switching guitars.

Tone & Electronics

Built on Alnico/Steel magnets and a 10K DC resistance, this pickup produces full-bodied output with excellent sustain and definition. The active circuitry runs on battery power, ensuring consistent response and low impedance output that cuts through any mix while maintaining harmonic clarity across single and dual coil selections. On stage, you'll hear every note with presence and punch.

Design & Build

The F-spaced humbucker configuration accommodates modern guitar bridges with wider pole piece spacing, a common spec on contemporary instruments. The covered design reduces electromagnetic interference and contributes to a warmer sonic character. Solderless connectivity and five-conductor wiring simplify installation and allow for flexible wiring configurations without removing the pickup, keeping downtime minimal when swapping or troubleshooting live.

Key Features

Pickup Type: F-Spaced Humbucker
Active circuitry with battery power
Selectable single and dual coil sounds via three-coil design
Alnico/Steel magnet construction
10K DC resistance
Five-conductor wiring for flexible configurations
Solderless connectivity for quick installation
Covered design for reduced noise and warm tone
1.1" thickness
6-string configuration
Made in the USA

The EMG F-57TW combines decades of active pickup engineering with modern flexibility. Road-tested and reliable, it delivers professional-grade tone and dependable performance night after night.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Full-bodied output, excellent sustain, articulate leads, warm character, high clarity
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional