Is the EMG TBP solderless, and what does that mean for installation?

Yes—the pickup includes solderless wiring for plug-and-play installation into Thunderbird bass bodies. No rewiring or soldering is required, making retrofitting quick and straightforward even for beginners.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The single 9V battery delivers 3000 hours of playing time per charge. The pickup also accommodates dual-battery setups at up to 27V DC for extended headroom if you want additional power margin.

What output levels does this pickup deliver?

The EMG TBP produces 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, providing substantial gain staging without pushing modern bass amplifiers into unwanted distortion.

Will this pickup work with my bass if I play traditional jazz or folk?

The EMG TBP is optimized for funk, studio sessions, and gigging styles where punchy attack and articulate midrange clarity are priorities. Its ceramic magnet and active design are less suited to the warm, vintage tone character typical of traditional jazz or folk playing.

What is the maximum string width this pickup accommodates?

The maximum recommended string width is 63.5mm (2.50 inches). Verify your Thunderbird body dimensions match this specification before ordering.

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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Ivory

The EMG TBP is a compact active pickup engineered for Thunderbird bass bodies, delivering tight, punchy low-end response with minimal noise floor. Its dual offset coil design and solderless installation make it a straightforward retrofit for touring and session players seeking modern clarity without rewiring complexity. The ivory finish offers a distinctive aesthetic departure from standard black offerings.

Active Electronics & Road-Ready Power Efficiency

This active design operates on a single 9V battery with remarkable longevity—3000 hours per charge—while drawing only 80 microamps at idle. The 27V DC maximum supply voltage accommodates dual-battery setups for extended headroom, giving you the flexibility to power through longer gigs and festival runs without compromising the pickup's performance envelope.

Sonic Character & Live Cutting Power

The ceramic magnet and 3.20 kHz resonant frequency generate articulate midrange definition that cuts through dense band mixes and stage monitoring. Output reaches 4.50V in thump mode and 2.00V in finger mode, providing substantial gain staging for clean integration with modern bass amplifiers and front-of-house rigs.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction for defined harmonic response
Dual offset coil configuration
3.20 kHz resonant frequency
Output voltage: 2.00V (finger/thumb mode) / 4.50V (thump mode)
10 kOhm output impedance
80 microamps current draw @ 9V
3000-hour battery life per charge
27V DC maximum supply voltage
Length: 94.28mm (3.712"), Width: 41.91mm (1.650")
Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50")
Solderless wiring included for plug-and-play installation
Ivory finish

The EMG TBP combines proven active electronics with minimal power draw and straightforward installation, making it a dependable retrofit choice for Thunderbird players who prioritize signal integrity, long battery life between changes, and hassle-free gigging reliability.

Best suited for	funk, studio sessions, home recording, gigging
Tonal character	Tight low end, articulate midrange, punchy attack, minimal noise floor, high output
Less specialized for	traditional jazz, folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional