What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil mode on the F-57TW?

Single-coil mode delivers focused, articulate tones with 2.00V output on string attack and 3.00V on strums; dual-coil mode stacks for thick, aggressive saturation at 3.00V and 4.50V respectively. You can switch between them via the three-coil design, giving you tonal flexibility without needing multiple pickups.

Will this pickup fit my guitar without routing modifications?

Yes. The F-57TW measures 1.1 inches thick with standard F-spaced pole pieces and fits any guitar with standard humbucker routing. Installation is straightforward thanks to the solderless five-conductor wiring system.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of playing time before replacement is needed, making it reliable for regular gigging and studio work.

How does the F-57TW compare to passive humbuckers?

The active EMG design eliminates noise, maintains responsive dynamics across the frequency range, and offers output flexibility (2.00V to 4.50V depending on mode and play style) that rivals or exceeds passive pickups without external boost circuits. The Alnico/Ceramic magnet blend balances vintage character with modern clarity.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The F-57TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio sessions where you need both articulate clarity and aggressive drive. It's less suited to traditional jazz and folk applications.

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 $12 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 Brushed Chrome

The EMG 57TW is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who need tonal range without swapping pickups or rigs. Its dual-mode architecture flips between focused single-coil articulation and thick, stacked humbucker saturation via a three-coil design. The brushed chrome finish stays clean-looking in the guitar cavity and resists fingerprints and corrosion through years of gigging.

Tone & Electronics

This active design runs on a 9V battery with 1500-hour life, killing passive pickup noise while keeping your dynamics responsive across every frequency. The dual-mode switching yields 2.00V output in single-coil mode and 3.00V in dual-coil mode for string definition, with strum outputs hitting 3.00V and 4.50V respectively—giving you clean, articulate tones on tap or aggressive drive without extra pedals or boost circuits.

Installation & Specifications

Solderless wiring with five conductors speeds up installation and lets you dial in custom switching fast, while the Alnico/Ceramic magnet blend keeps vintage character without sacrificing modern clarity. The 10K ohm DC resistance plays nicely with most amps and pedalboards straight out, and the 1.1" thickness drops into standard humbucker routes with zero modification.

Key Features

Active humbucker with dual-mode operation (single-coil and dual-coil selectable)
Three-coil internal design for flexible tonal shaping
Alnico/Ceramic magnet material
10K ohms DC resistance
5-conductor wiring for easy installation and custom switching
Solderless connection system
9V battery powered with 1500-hour battery life
Output: 2.00V / 3.00V (single mode), 3.00V / 4.50V (dual mode)
1.1" pickup thickness
Brushed chrome finish
F-spaced pole pieces for proper string alignment

The EMG 57TW stacks active reliability with switching flexibility, making it a trusted choice for bridge positions across modern and vintage-leaning instruments that demand tour-ready consistency.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Articulate single-coil clarity, thick humbucker saturation, responsive dynamics, low noise floor, high output versatility
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional