EMG4058 vs EMG4059 — Compare
EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome vs EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 57 is a versatile high-output bridge or neck pickup suited for players across skill levels seeking punch and clarity in metal and rock; the EMG 66 is a neck-position specialist engineered for articulate, controlled tone at intermediate to professional levels. Choose the 57 for flexibility and all-around performance, or the 66 if you prioritize neck-position clarity and have soldering experience to manage setup.
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EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Neck-position optimized design for clear, articulate lead work
- ✓ Compact covered construction fits most guitar cavities seamlessly
- ✓ Alnico V with ceramic poles for defined midrange and controlled highs
- ✓ Professional-grade active circuit with low noise floor
Why choose EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Higher output voltage (up to 4.50 V on full strums) for aggressive tones
- ✓ Exceptional battery life of 1500 hours per 9V cell
- ✓ Solderless 1/4" mono jack connection for easier installation and troubleshooting
- ✓ Accessible to beginners while scaling to professional use
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between these two pickups?
The EMG 57 is a versatile high-output pickup with solderless 1/4" jack installation suitable for any position and skill level, while the EMG 66 is a neck-position active humbucker optimized for articulate clarity using ceramic poles and designed for intermediate to advanced players.
Which pickup has better battery life?
The EMG 57 delivers approximately 1500 hours of battery life per standard 9V cell due to its low 160-microamp current draw, making it more economical for gigging musicians.
Which is easier to install?
The EMG 57 uses a solderless 1/4" mono phone jack connection that simplifies swap-outs and troubleshooting, while the EMG 66 also features solderless connectivity but with a 2-wire plus battery connection format. The 57's standard jack design is more straightforward for most users.
Are these pickups suitable for genres other than metal and rock?
Both are primarily voiced for metal, hard rock, and studio/live performance and are not ideal for folk or traditional jazz. The EMG 57 is described as more genre-agnostic, but both maintain tight, articulate characters less suited to jazz warmth or folk transparency.