Will this pickup fit my Thunderbird bass without modification?

Yes, the TBP5 is built for Thunderbird 5-string basses and fits without modification. The maximum recommended string width is 63.5mm (2.50"), which aligns with standard Thunderbird spacing.

What's the difference between the 2.00V and 4.50V output modes?

The 2.00V mode (finger/thumb) prioritizes articulation and precision for controlled, dynamic playing. The 4.50V mode (thump) delivers aggressive output for punchy, heavy attack—ideal for metal and funk.

How long does the battery last, and what are the power specs?

The pickup draws 80 microamps at 9V and delivers 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly four months of regular use. It supports up to 27V maximum supply voltage for flexibility in different setups.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or folk bass?

No, the TBP5 is optimized for metal, rock, and funk where its aggressive tone and focused midrange punch excel. The high output and modern attack make it less suited to the warm, mellow character jazz and folk typically require.

What's included in the box?

The TBP5 includes the pickup and EMG's solderless wiring system for fast, tool-free installation.

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 TBP5 5-String Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG TBP5 is built for bass players who need aggression and punch that cuts through a live mix. This active pickup pairs a ceramic magnet with an internal preamp to deliver the focused, modern attack that defines Thunderbird tone—ideal for rock, metal, and funk players working stages where clarity matters.

Tone & Live Performance

A resonant frequency of 3.20 kHz centers the midrange punch that drives your bass line through dense band mixes. The dual output modes—2.00V finger/thumb and 4.50V thump—let you shift between precision and aggression depending on your playing approach, while the -106 dB output noise floor keeps your signal clean even pushed through high-gain rigs.

Reliability & Installation

Engineered for 5-string configuration with a maximum recommended string width of 63.5mm (2.50"), this pickup drops into Thunderbird basses without modification. The EMG solderless wiring system means fast, reliable setup with no soldering headaches, and the active design runs lean at 80 microamps @ 9V, delivering 3000 hours of battery life per charge—plenty of endurance for touring and regular gigging.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction
Active pickup with internal preamp
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
Output noise: -106 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Dimensions: 94.28mm (L) × 41.91mm (W)
Maximum recommended string width: 63.5mm (2.50")
Includes EMG solderless wiring system

The TBP5 combines high output headroom, low noise performance, and efficient battery operation into a pickup engineered for aggressive 5-string bass work.

Best suited for	Metal, Funk, Rock, Live Performance, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Aggressive, punchy, focused midrange, high output, articulate
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional