EMG S/S/81TW Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3357
Description
EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that bridges the gap between tight, articulate single-coil clarity and full-bodied humbucker punch. Its push/pull switching system lets you toggle between single-coil and dual-coil modes on the fly, making it a versatile choice for players who demand tonal flexibility without swapping pickups. The solderless installation and compact form factor integrate cleanly into most humbucker cavities.
Tone & Output Characteristics
In dual-coil mode, the 81TW delivers a 3.00 V string / 4.50 V strum output with a 1.77 kHz resonant frequency, producing the aggressive, compressed response EMG's active designs are known for—ideal for cutting through a live mix with authority. Switch to single-coil mode and you get a brighter 2.00 V string / 3.00 V strum output with a 3.47 kHz resonant frequency, opening up snap and articulation for clarity on stage. Both modes maintain a -107 dBV noise floor, preserving clean signal integrity across gain levels even in high-noise venue environments.
Design & Power
The ceramic and steel magnet construction paired with 10 Kohm output impedance in both modes ensures consistent tonal character and compatibility with standard guitar electronics. Power consumption sits at 160 microamps at 9V, translating to 1500 hours of battery life—roughly two years of regular gigging—while the pickup supports up to 27 volts DC maximum supply for those running higher-voltage preamps or multichannel systems.
Key Features
- Dual-mode active humbucker with push/pull switch for single-coil and dual-coil operation
- Ceramic and steel magnet design
- 10 Kohm output impedance (both modes)
- Single-coil mode: 3.47 kHz resonant frequency, 2.00 V (string) / 3.00 V (strum) output
- Dual-coil mode: 1.77 kHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V (string) / 4.50 V (strum) output
- -107 dBV output noise floor
- 160 microamps current draw at 9V; 1500-hour battery life
- Maximum supply rating: 27 volts DC
- Includes 25K potentiometer with push/pull switch
- Solderless installation system for quick setup
- Dimensions: 2.75" W × 1.50" H × 1.087" thick (69.8 × 38.1 × 27.6 mm)
- Mounting hole distance: 3.09" (78.5 mm)
- Black cover
The 81TW gives you two distinct voices in a single pickup, backed by EMG's proven active electronics and legendary reliability on the road.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW is a dual-mode active humbucker that flips between tight, articulate single-coil snap and full-bodied humbucker punch via an onboard push/pull switch—no pickup swaps needed. Built for intermediate to pro players chasing metal, hard rock, and progressive tones, it delivers aggressive compression, high output, and a locked-in low end that cuts through a mix on stage and in the studio. Solderless installation and two years of battery life make it road-ready and hassle-free.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Country
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil modes on this pickup?
Single-coil mode (push/pull engaged) delivers a brighter 3.47 kHz resonant frequency and 2.00 V string / 3.00 V strum output, emphasizing snap and articulation. Dual-coil mode (default) produces a tighter 1.77 kHz resonant frequency and higher 3.00 V string / 4.50 V strum output with aggressive compression and full-bodied punch.
How long does the battery last, and how difficult is installation?
At 160 microamps draw, a 9V battery delivers roughly 1500 hours of use—about two years of regular playing. Installation is solderless, so the pickup wires into your existing pot and switch system without soldering, making setup fast and clean into most standard humbucker cavities.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 81TW excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and extended-range playing, where its aggressive compression, high output, and articulate single-coil snap serve both chunky rhythms and cutting leads. It's not designed for folk, country, or traditional jazz tones.
Will this fit my guitar, and what's included?
The 81TW fits standard humbucker cavities with a 3.09-inch mounting-hole distance. The pickup comes with a 25K potentiometer and push/pull switch pre-wired, so you just connect it to your guitar's electronics and battery cavity.
How does the noise floor compare to passive pickups?
The 81TW maintains a clean -107 dBV noise floor in both modes, which is typical for EMG active pickups and significantly lower than most passive designs—preserving signal clarity even at high gain levels.
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 $21 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.
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