EMG2919 vs EMG2921 — Compare
EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Gold
The EMG 60 offers balanced articulation and moderate output ideal for versatile high-gain work, while the EMG 85 delivers higher output, tighter lows, and greater upper midrange presence for aggressive, cutting tones in dense mixes. Choose the 60 for clarity and neck/bridge flexibility; choose the 85 for maximum output and punch in heavy genres.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Lower output (1.0V RMS) provides cleaner articulation without excessive aggression
- ✓ Compact profile works equally well in neck or bridge positions
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design offers balanced frequency response across the spectrum
- ✓ Slightly lower current draw contributes to battery efficiency
Why choose EMG 85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Higher output voltage (3.10V RMS, 4.50V peak) delivers more sustain and punch
- ✓ Even lower noise floor (-101 dBV vs -89 dBV) for ultra-quiet high-gain operation
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet emphasizes upper midrange, cutting through dense mixes better
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (1870 Hz vs 2950 Hz) provides tighter low-end control
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup has more output?
The EMG 85 delivers significantly higher output at 3.10V RMS and 4.50V peak compared to the 60's 1.0V RMS and 3.0V peak. This makes the 85 better suited for high-gain applications requiring sustain and presence.
Can I use either pickup in neck and bridge positions?
The EMG 60 is specifically designed to work equally well in both neck and bridge positions due to its moderate output and compact profile. The EMG 85, with its higher output, is typically optimized for bridge position use where its aggressive character shines.
What's the difference in noise performance?
The EMG 85 has a -101 dBV noise floor versus the 60's -89 dBV, meaning the 85 is 12 dB quieter. This difference becomes noticeable at extreme gain settings in studio or live high-gain applications.
How do the magnets affect tone?
The EMG 60 uses ceramic magnets for balanced definition across frequencies, while the EMG 85 uses Alnico 5 magnets to emphasize warmth and upper midrange presence. The 85's lower resonant frequency (1870 Hz vs 2950 Hz) produces tighter lows and more cutting highs.