EMG3572 vs EMG3573 — Compare
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome vs EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81X is a high-output metal and hard-rock workhorse with aggressive upper-midrange focus and tight lows, while the EMG 60AX is a warmer, more balanced Alnico-based design suited to studio work, blues, and jazz. Choose the 81X for extreme gain and cut-through clarity; choose the 60AX for articulate, vocal sustain across diverse genres.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Higher output voltage (8.50V strum) cuts through dense mixes with exceptional definition
- ✓ Tight low-end and singing treble tailored for high-gain metal and hard rock
- ✓ 1.72 kHz resonant peak delivers aggressive upper-midrange punch even at extreme gain
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry to EMG's pro-level active technology
Why choose EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Alnico magnet construction produces warmer, more vocal character ideal for blues and jazz
- ✓ Balanced output (8.00V strum, 3.00V per string) works across studio and live applications
- ✓ 1.84 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes midrange articulation and sustain
- ✓ Lower per-string output (3.00V) offers refined response without aggressive bite
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup handles high-gain better?
The 81X delivers 8.50V on strum with a 1.72 kHz peak in the upper midrange, making it specifically voiced to remain punchy and articulate at extreme gain. The 60AX's warmer character and lower per-string output (3.00V) make it better suited to moderate gain and clean tones.
Are these compatible with the same guitars?
Both are long-shaft active humbuckers with standard mounting rings. The 81X is 19mm (Les Paul spec) and the 60AX is 18.7mm threaded (Gibson-style), so either will fit most traditional humbucker cavities, though the 60AX is the more precise standard Gibson fit.
What's the noise floor difference?
Both maintain −105 dBV noise floor, making either suitable for professional recording and live use. The difference in perceived noise will be negligible; tone character and output level are the real differentiators.
Which is better for jazz and blues?
The 60AX's Alnico magnet delivers the warmer, more sustain-oriented character that blues and jazz players prefer. The 81X's aggressive upper-midrange focus is not ideal for these genres according to its design intent.