EMG 57-TW - User Manual

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Warranty

All EMG Pickups and accessories are warranted for a period of two years. This warranty does not cover failure due to improper installation, abuse or damage. If

upon examination the pickup is determined to be defective, a replacement will be made. Warranty replacement products are covered by this same warranty. This

warranty covers only those pickups and accessories sold by authorized EMG Dealers. This warranty is not transferable.

PO BOX 4394

SANTA ROSA, CA

95402 USA

(707) 525-9941

(707) 575-7046

EMGPICKUPS.COM

0230-0369rB

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

EMG MODELS: 57-TW/66-TW SET

OUTPUT CABLE 6” (15cm)

4 CONNECT CABLES 5.5” (14cm)

BATTERY CABLE 7” (18cm)

- 9V +

Installation notes:

All EMG Pickups are compatible with each other. EMG accessories, the VLPF, EXG, SPC or RPC Controls can be added to any EMG Pickup System

without requiring an extra battery. DO NOT reconnect the bridge ground wire, EMG Pickups do not require string grounding. Use the 25K Ohm

controls that are included for best results. If your output jack is a long panel style you will need a stereo jack, use a SwitchCraft 152B , soldering

will be required (see the bottom of page 2). Adjust the pickup level to the strings, and at a distance that works for you, experiment. Alternate

wiring diagrams are available at; emgpickups.com.

B245

BATTERY

BUSS

2 PICKUP IN/ OUT

BATTERY BUSS

STEREO OUTPUT

JACK

2 TONE CONTROLS (25K)

ADJUSTMENT

SCREWS & SPRINGS (2 pr)

EMG 57-TW

2 TW P/P SWITCH

W/POT (25K)

TW PICKUP CABLE 16” (40.64cm)

SPECIFICATIONS: MODEL:

57-TW Single-Coil Dual-Coil 66-TW Single-Coil Dual-Coil

Logo Color Copper Copper

Magnet Type* A/S A/C

Resonant Frequency (KHz) 3.47 1.77 3.47 1.77

Output Voltage (String) 2.00 3.00 2.00 3.00

Output Voltage (Strum) 3.00 4.50 3.00 4.50

Output Noise (60 Hz) -107 -107 -107 -107

Output Impedance (Kohm) 10 10 10 10

Current @9V (Microamps) 160

Battery Life (Hours) 1500

Maximum Supply (Volts DC) 27

*Note: Magnet Type: A (Alnico) A/S (Alnico/Steel) C (Ceramic) C/S (Ceramic/Steel)

**Note: Logo Colors are not distinguished on the Metalworks Sets

2.75

1.50

3.09

3/48 MOUNTING HOLES

(69.8)

(38.1)

(78.5)

1.087*

.900 (22.8)*

2.75

1.50

3.09

(69.8)

(38.1)

(78.5)

* The TW is taller than the typical EMG Pickup,

Be sure to it will fit in your guitar before you start the installation.

In Dual-coil mode, coils L1 and L2 are active.

The 57-TW in Single-coil mode, coils L2 and L3 are active.

The 66-TW in Single-coil mode, coils L1 and L3 are active..

EMG 66-TW

TW PICKUP CABLE 11” (27.94cm)

Included IN THE SYSTEM:

Need help?

Do you have a question about the EMG 57-TW and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

EMG Pickup Models and Specifications

Model Overview (57-TW;66-TW)

Overview of the 57-TW and 66-TW pickup models, including dimensions and coil modes.

Technical Specifications Table

Detailed electrical and physical specifications for 57-TW and 66-TW pickups.

Installation Guidance

General notes and advice for installing EMG pickups, including wiring and grounding.

Included System Components

Lists all the parts included in the EMG 57-TW/66-TW pickup set.

Product Warranty

Details the warranty terms and conditions for EMG pickups and accessories.

Using the TW Push-Pull Switch

Push-Pull Switch Functionality

Explains how the push-pull switch selects between single-coil and dual-coil modes.

Wiring Diagrams for Push-Pull Switch

Provides diagrams for connecting the push-pull switch for different coil mode selections.

Using the TW Push-Pull Pot Section

Pot Section Options

Outlines the four possible uses for the push-pull pot section (Volume/Tone).

Pot as Volume Control

Details how to wire the pot for Master Volume or Pickup Volume control.

Using the Pot Section as Tone Controls

Pot as Pickup Tone Control

Explains wiring the pot as a passive tone control for the pickup.

Pot as Master Tone Control

Details wiring the pot as a master tone control for the instrument.

Wiring Diagrams for Dual Pickup Setup

Diagram 8: Master Volume & Tone Configuration

Shows wiring for two pickups with one master volume and one master tone.

Advanced Wiring Configurations

Diagram 9: Independent Volumes, Master Tone

Wiring diagram for independent volume controls and a passive master tone.

Diagram 10: Independent Volumes and Tones

Wiring diagram for independent volume and tone controls for both pickups.

The EMG 57-TW/66-TW Set is a versatile pickup system designed for electric guitars, offering both single-coil and dual-coil modes to provide a wide range of tonal options. This set is part of EMG's Metalworks series, known for its active electronics and consistent performance. The "TW" in the model name signifies its "Two-Way" functionality, allowing users to switch between humbucking and single-coil sounds via a push-pull pot.

Function Description:

The EMG 57-TW and 66-TW are active humbucking pickups that can be switched into a single-coil mode. The 57-TW is typically used in the bridge position, while the 66-TW is designed for the neck position. Both pickups utilize active circuitry, which provides a high-output, low-noise signal, making them suitable for various musical genres, from clean jazz to high-gain metal.

In dual-coil (humbucking) mode, the pickups offer a full, powerful sound with excellent sustain and clarity, characteristic of EMG's active humbuckers. The 57-TW, with its Alnico/Steel magnet combination, delivers a classic PAF-like tone with a modern edge, featuring pronounced mids and a tight low end. The 66-TW, with its Ceramic/Steel magnets, provides a warm, articulate tone in the neck position, with rich harmonics and smooth highs.

When switched to single-coil mode via the included push-pull pot, the pickups emulate the brighter, snappier sound of traditional single-coil pickups. This allows guitarists to access a wider sonic palette without changing instruments. The single-coil mode is achieved by deactivating one of the coils within the humbucker, offering a distinct tonal contrast to the humbucking mode. The specific coils active in single-coil mode vary between the 57-TW and 66-TW: for the 57-TW, coils L2 and L3 are active, while for the 66-TW, coils L1 and L3 are active.

The system is designed for solderless installation, simplifying the setup process for most users. It includes all necessary components such as push-pull pots, tone controls, battery bus, output jack, and various cables, all designed to connect easily without soldering, except in specific cases like long panel output jacks or existing battery holders.

Important Technical Specifications:

Dimensions: The TW pickups are slightly taller than typical EMG pickups, measuring 1.087 inches (27.61mm) in height, with a width of 2.75 inches (69.8mm) and a length of 3.09 inches (78.5mm). The mounting holes are spaced 3/48 inches apart.
Magnet Types:
- EMG 57-TW: Alnico/Steel (A/S)
- EMG 66-TW: Ceramic/Steel (C/S)
Logo Color: Copper (Note: Logo colors are not distinguished on Metalworks Sets).
Resonant Frequency (KHz):
- Single-Coil: 3.47 KHz
- Dual-Coil: 1.77 KHz
Output Voltage:
- String (Single-Coil): 2.00V
- String (Dual-Coil): 3.00V
- Strum (Single-Coil): 3.00V
- Strum (Dual-Coil): 4.50V
Output Noise (60 Hz): -107 dB (both modes)
Output Impedance (Kohm): 10 Kohm (both modes)
Current @9V (Microamps): 160 microamps
Battery Life (Hours): Approximately 1500 hours
Maximum Supply (Volts DC): 27 Volts

Usage Features:

Push-Pull Pot Functionality: The core feature is the push-pull pot, which allows seamless switching between humbucking (dual-coil) and single-coil modes. The switch section (DPDT) of the pot determines the active coils. Users can choose whether the single-coil sound is in the up or down position of the pot shaft.
Versatile Control Options: The push-pull pot's pot section (25KA) offers four distinct usage options:
1. Master Volume for the instrument.
2. Volume control specifically for the TW Pickup.
3. Master Tone control for the instrument.
4. Tone control specifically for the TW pickup. These options are configured by installing shunts on specific headers (H1-H6) on the PC board, as detailed in the wiring diagrams.
Solderless Installation: The system is designed for ease of installation, with most connections made using quick-connect cables and headers. This significantly reduces the need for specialized tools or soldering skills for most setups.
Compatibility: All EMG pickups and accessories (VLPF, EXG, SPC, RPC Controls) are compatible with the TW set and can be added without requiring an extra battery.
No String Grounding Required: EMG pickups do not require the bridge ground wire to be reconnected, simplifying wiring and eliminating potential noise issues related to string grounding.
Included Components: The system comes with two 25K tone controls, two 25K push-pull pots (for TW switching), a battery bus, adjustment screws and springs, and various cables of different lengths (pickup cables, 4-connect cables, output cable, battery cable). A stereo output jack is also included for single-pickup guitars without a tone control.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Power: As active pickups, the EMG 57-TW/66-TW set requires a 9V battery for operation. The battery life is approximately 1500 hours, depending on usage. Users should monitor battery performance and replace it when necessary to maintain optimal sound quality.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides clear wiring diagrams and instructions for configuring the push-pull pot and connecting the pickups. In case of issues, users can refer to these diagrams or consult alternate wiring diagrams available on the emgpickups.com website.
Warranty: All EMG pickups and accessories come with a two-year warranty covering defects. This warranty does not cover failures due to improper installation, abuse, or damage. Replacement products are covered by the same warranty. This ensures support for manufacturing defects.
Cleaning: While not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpt, general maintenance for guitar pickups typically involves keeping them clean and free of dust or debris, which can be done with a soft, dry cloth. Given the active nature, care should be taken to avoid moisture.