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EMG 60 Black Active Electric Guitar Pickup vs EMG 81 Black Active Electric Guitar Pickup
The EMG 60 emphasizes warm, thick lows and boosted mids for rhythm work and blues-friendly tones, while the EMG 81 delivers aggressive high-end cut and articulation designed for lead playing and metal. Choose the 60 for groove-oriented, rhythm-heavy styles; choose the 81 for cutting leads and extreme genres.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 60 Black Active Electric Guitar Pickup | EMG 81 Black Active Electric Guitar Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Pickup Type | — | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60 Black Active Electric Guitar Pickup
- ✓ Fat lows and boosted mids deliver classic thick tone ideal for rhythm playing
- ✓ Rich harmonics and buttery overtones suit blues and classic rock
- ✓ Versatile enough for clean tones through heavy crunch
- ✓ Budget-friendly active pickup with full installation kit included
Why choose EMG 81 Black Active Electric Guitar Pickup
- ✓ High-end cut and aggressive presence slice through dense mixes for leads
- ✓ Tight articulation and fluid sustain excel in metal and thrash metal
- ✓ Powerful ceramic magnets handle extreme drop tunings
- ✓ Solderless install system speeds up setup compared to traditional wiring
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these in the same guitar?
Yes. The EMG 81/60 combo is explicitly recommended by the manufacturer, typically pairing the 81 in the bridge position for leads and the 60 in the neck position for rhythm and warm tones.
Which is better for blues?
The EMG 60 is better for blues. It features boosted mids and fat lows that capture classic blues character, while the 81 is specifically not ideal for blues and is designed for metal aggression.
How do the installation systems differ?
The EMG 60 includes a Quik-Connect cable system, while the EMG 81 features a solderless install system. Both eliminate the need for traditional soldering, though the 81's system is noted as faster for initial setup.
Which handles drop tunings better?
The EMG 81 is specifically recommended for drop tunings and extreme metal applications. The 60 is more versatile across genres but not marketed for low-tuning metal specifically.