EMG3470 vs EMG3554 — Compare
EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory vs EMG 58X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The 60AX is a tighter, more articulate pickup optimized for definition and controlled gain across metal and hard rock, while the 58X prioritizes fat, compressed tone with sustain in a long-shaft format for non-standard guitar cavities. Choose the 60AX for precision and clarity; choose the 58X if your guitar requires a long-shaft potentiometer or you prefer thicker, rounder tone.
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EMG 58X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory | EMG 58X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Tighter low end with articulate midrange for cutting through dense mixes
- ✓ Lower 1.84 kHz resonant frequency yields more controlled, defined response
- ✓ 3.00V string output ensures clean single-note articulation without muddiness
- ✓ 3000-hour battery life and minimal 80 microamp draw
Why choose EMG 58X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Fat, round, compressed tone with musical sustain suits aggressive playing styles
- ✓ Long shaft design solves fitment issues in guitars with deep control cavities
- ✓ High-output character delivers thick, powerful response for saturated tones
- ✓ Includes matched 25k potentiometers tailored to the pickup's voicing
Frequently asked questions
What is the key tonal difference between these two?
The 60AX delivers tight, articulate tone with emphasis on clarity and controlled midrange, while the 58X produces a fatter, rounder, more compressed character with musical sustain. The 60AX suits note definition; the 58X suits thick, aggressive lead tones.
Will either fit my guitar without modification?
Both use solderless installation, but the critical difference is shaft length. The 60AX is standard shaft; the 58X is long shaft. Verify your guitar's control cavity depth and potentiometer threading before ordering—long shaft is essential only for non-standard cavities.
Which is better for high-gain metal recording?
The 60AX excels in studio high-gain applications because its -105 dBV noise floor, low-impedance output, and controlled headroom prevent feedback and maintain articulation at extreme volumes. The 58X works well too, but prioritizes tone character over noise rejection.
How do power and battery life compare?
The 60AX achieves exceptional 3000-hour battery life with only 80 microamps draw at 9V. The 58X spec sheet does not list equivalent runtime details, so the 60AX is the choice if minimizing battery changes matters during extended use.