What's included in the box?

The TBTW comes with a push/pull pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, dual connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything you need for installation into a Thunderbird bass.

How do the two modes differ?

JCS single-coil mode delivers articulate, defined lows ideal for funk and tight playing; CS dual-coil (humbucker) mode adds thick, aggressive midrange for rock and progressive styles. The push/pull pot switches between them on the fly without rewiring.

Can this pickup fit in neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the TBTW is bridge or neck position compatible and maintains a compact soapbar form factor (94.3 × 22.9 × 41.9 mm) that won't interfere with hand position.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The TBTW excels in studio sessions, live performance, funk, rock, and progressive music where tonal versatility and aggressive midrange are assets; it is less suited for traditional jazz or folk applications.

What are the key electronics specs?

Active dual-mode design with ceramic magnets and steel pole pieces for responsive dynamics and controlled sustain; includes a 25K tone pot for further shaping, active battery-powered operation for consistent output.

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 TBTW Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG TBTW is a purpose-built active pickup engineered for the Thunderbird bass, delivering versatile tonal control through its dual-mode architecture. This soapbar-style pickup combines the clarity of single-coil operation with the punch of humbucker mode, giving you immediate access to two distinct sonic characters without rewiring.

Tone & Electronics

The active dual-mode design switches between JCS single-coil mode and CS dual-coil (humbucker) mode via push/pull engagement, letting you dial in anything from articulate, defined lows to thick, aggressive midrange for any stage or studio session. Ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces ensure responsive dynamics and controlled sustain across the frequency spectrum, keeping your bass cutting through the mix with definition and power.

Design & Build

Housed in a compact soapbar form factor measuring 94.3 × 22.9 × 41.9 mm, this USA-manufactured pickup integrates seamlessly into Thunderbird bass routing and maintains a slim profile that won't interfere with hand position during live play. The included electronics package—push/pull pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and all necessary cables—provides everything required for installation, so you're ready to gig right out of the box.

Key Features

Active dual-mode pickup with single-coil (JCS) and humbucker (CS dual-coil) modes
Ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces for responsive tone
Soapbar pickup design
Dimensions: 94.3 × 22.9 × 41.9 mm
Bridge or neck position compatible
USA-manufactured
Black finish
Includes push/pull pot and 25K tone pot
Battery bus and stereo output jack included
Mounting screws, pickup cable, dual connect cables, output cable, and battery cable included

The TBTW delivers the tonal flexibility and road-tested build quality expected from EMG's active electronics, making it the upgrade choice for Thunderbird players seeking expanded sonic range and reliable performance on the stage.