Will the EMG TBJ fit my Thunderbird bass?

Yes, the TBJ is engineered specifically for Thunderbird cavities with dimensions of 94.28mm length × 41.91mm width and accommodates standard bass string spacing up to 63.5mm. It is a direct replacement that requires no routing or modification.

What tone character should I expect?

The TBJ delivers punchy articulation with aggressive midrange presence and tight low end, emphasized by its 3.95 kHz resonant frequency and bridge-positioned coil design. Output reaches 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, making it suitable for both controlled playing and aggressive slap technique.

How long will the battery last?

The active circuitry draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering up to 3000 hours of battery life on a single 9V battery. The pickup also supports supply voltages up to 27V DC if you prefer external power.

What's included in the pickup package?

The package includes the active pickup, a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for installation and integration.

Is the TBJ suitable for jazz or folk music?

The TBJ is voiced specifically for funk, rock, and hard rock with punchy, aggressive midrange character. Its tonal profile is not ideally suited to jazz or folk applications, where smoother, warmer pickup responses are typically preferred.

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 TBJ Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG TBJ is a purpose-built active pickup engineered specifically for Thunderbird bass cavities, delivering the articulate, punchy character that defined the classic Thunderbird voice. Its compact footprint and bridge-positioned coil design cut through dense mixes with clarity and definition, making it the go-to choice for players seeking aggressive midrange presence without sacrificing low-end authority. This is a direct replacement that restores or upgrades authentic Thunderbird tone for gigging musicians and studio work.

Design & Specifications

The pickup uses a ceramic bar magnet with the coil positioned toward the bridge for enhanced pick attack and articulation. Its dimensions—94.28mm length × 41.91mm width—fit the Thunderbird cavity precisely, while the 63.5mm maximum recommended string width accommodates standard bass string spacing without compromise. The active circuitry draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering exceptional battery life of up to 3000 hours—ideal for touring bassists who need reliable power between gigs.

Tone & Performance

Output reaches 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, providing substantial headroom and dynamic range for both controlled fingerstyle work and aggressive slap technique on stage or in the studio. The 3.95 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper midrange clarity while the -101 dB output noise floor ensures clean signal integrity through any rig. With 10 kΩ output impedance and support for supply voltages up to 27V DC, the TBJ integrates seamlessly into active and passive preamp configurations.

Key Features

Active pickup with ceramic magnet
Length: 94.28mm (3.712 inches)
Width: 41.91mm (1.650 inches)
Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50 inches)
Resonant frequency: 3.95 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
Output noise: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Includes 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable

The EMG TBJ combines tight engineering tolerance with aggressive voicing—a direct-fit solution that transforms Thunderbird response into a modern, high-output instrument ready for live performance or the session room.