EMG1669 vs EMG1967 — Compare
EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome vs EMG 45HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 60A is an active humbucker delivering warm articulation and consistent low-noise performance across rock, metal, and fusion genres, while the EMG 45HZ is a passive soapbar designed for studio work and high-gain applications with extended midrange control and no battery dependency. Choose the 60A if you want professional active performance in a traditional humbucker format; choose the 45HZ if you prefer passive operation, soapbar aesthetics, and straightforward retrofit flexibility.
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EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | EMG 45HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics ensure consistent impedance and minimal loading effects from downstream gear
- ✓ Alnico magnet construction delivers warmer, more nuanced tone with natural compression
- ✓ 3000 hours battery life per 9V cell with efficient 80 microamp power draw
- ✓ Solderless connectivity system eliminates soldering during installation
Why choose EMG 45HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or active circuit maintenance
- ✓ Extended soapbar housing suits retrofit installations and modern body styles
- ✓ Includes all wiring and potentiometer controls for immediate integration
- ✓ Resonant frequency flexes between 2.40 kHz and 4.05 kHz depending on control load
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for high-gain applications?
The EMG 45HZ is explicitly listed as suitable for high-gain applications and includes humbucking design to minimize 60-cycle hum in those contexts. The EMG 60A is warm and articulate but optimized for balanced modern rock and metal tones rather than extreme high-gain saturation.
Do I need to solder either pickup into my instrument?
The EMG 60A uses EMG's Solderless connectivity system and requires no soldering. The EMG 45HZ includes all necessary wiring and controls but does not specify whether soldering is required—you should verify your instrument's existing wiring configuration.
What is the main electrical difference between these two?
The EMG 60A is active (requires a 9V battery, delivers 1.0V RMS output, -89 dBV noise floor) with 10 kOhm output impedance. The EMG 45HZ is passive (no battery needed) with 11 kOhm DC resistance and variable resonant frequency depending on control load, making it load-dependent while the 60A maintains consistent impedance.
Which is better for blues or traditional jazz?
The EMG 60A is explicitly listed as not ideal for blues or traditional jazz, as its moderate output and vocal midrange peak favor modern articulate tones. The EMG 45HZ, designed for controlled articulation and balanced output, may be more versatile for vintage or blues-oriented players seeking smoother integration.