What bass guitar is this pickup designed for?

The EMG TBCS is engineered specifically for Thunderbird-style bass bodies, with dimensions of 94.28mm length and 41.91mm width that match that body contour precisely. It accommodates standard 4-string configurations with a maximum recommended string width of 63.5mm (2.50").

Is this an active or passive pickup, and what does that mean for my setup?

This is an active pickup, meaning it includes onboard circuitry powered by a 9V battery and draws 235 microamps at 9V. Active pickups deliver lower noise (–109 dB @ 60 Hz), higher output voltage (2.00V standard, 6.00V on thump), and more consistent tone across different playing dynamics than passive pickups.

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

The TBCS excels in funk, hard rock, metal, and studio sessions where punchy midrange, thick low end, and articulate attack are priorities. Its aggressive character and dynamic range make it less ideal for folk or jazz applications where a smoother, more subdued tone is typically preferred.

How does the output voltage change between different playing techniques?

The pickup produces 2.00V output during standard finger or thumb playing, but reaches 6.00V during aggressive thump techniques, giving you dynamic range and definition without losing impact. The 3.95 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes punchy midrange across all playing intensities.

What magnet type is used, and how does it affect the tone?

The TBCS uses ceramic and steel magnets paired with a dual coil humbucker design to create focused, controlled output while maintaining the aggressive character EMG active pickups are known for. This combination keeps noise minimal while delivering the thick, articulate bass response the pickup is engineered to produce.

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 TBCS Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG TBCS is a high-output active humbucker engineered for thick, aggressive bass response and controlled articulation. Built for Thunderbird-style instruments, this pickup delivers the punchy character players expect from EMG's active system, with minimal noise and reliable performance across dynamic playing techniques.

Tone & Electronics

This active pickup system produces 2.00V output during standard finger or thumb playing and reaches 6.00V during aggressive thump techniques, giving you dynamic range without losing definition. The 3.95 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes the punchy midrange that defines modern bass tone, while –109 dB output noise keeps hum virtually undetectable even in high-gain live environments or when running through high-impedance signal chains.

Design & Build

The 94.28mm length and 41.91mm width fit the Thunderbird body contour precisely, with a maximum recommended string width of 63.5mm (2.50") to accommodate standard 4-string configurations. Ceramic and steel magnets paired with the dual coil humbucker design create focused, controlled output that stays articulate and present on stage without sacrificing the aggressive character active pickups are known for. Low current draw at 235 microamps keeps battery life extended across long gigs and rehearsals.

Key Features

Active pickup system with low-noise design (–109 dB @ 60 Hz)
Ceramic and steel magnet construction
4-string dual coil humbucker configuration
Length: 94.28mm (3.712")
Width: 41.91mm (1.650")
Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50")
Resonant frequency: 3.95 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
Output voltage (thump): 6.00V
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw @ 9V: 235 microamps
Black finish

The TBCS combines Thunderbird-specific dimensions with EMG's proven active electronics, making it a dependable upgrade for gigging musicians who need reliable, articulate output night after night.