EMG4222 vs EMG4303 — Compare
EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 66 is a neck-position pickup designed for clarity and controlled sustain, while the EMG 57 is a bridge-position pickup built for aggressive high-output performance. Choose the 66 if you need articulate, balanced tone in the neck slot; choose the 57 if you want maximum output and midrange punch at the bridge.
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EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Neck-position design optimized for clarity without feedback
- ✓ Extended dynamic range and controlled sustain
- ✓ Solderless installation with included potentiometer and switch
- ✓ Lower output for balanced, articulate response across the fretboard
Why choose EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Bridge-position engineered for high-gain applications and aggressive tones
- ✓ Higher output voltage (4.50V strum, 3.00V per string) for substantial signal drive
- ✓ Exceptional battery life at 1500 hours per 9V battery
- ✓ Ultra-low noise floor (-100 dB) and vocal midrange emphasis (2.11 kHz resonance)
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between neck and bridge position?
The EMG 66 is designed for the neck position where it captures clearer, more controlled tone with extended dynamic range. The EMG 57 is a bridge-position pickup engineered for higher output and aggressive midrange presence that cuts through dense mixes and high-gain tones.
Which has higher output?
The EMG 57 delivers significantly higher output at 4.50V on strum and 3.00V per string, making it ideal for driving amplifiers hard. The EMG 66 is designed for more balanced, articulate response and is not specified with individual output voltages.
Do both require solderless installation?
The EMG 66 explicitly includes a solderless installation system with potentiometer and switch. The EMG 57 description does not mention solderless installation, suggesting it may require traditional wiring, though both are active designs powered by 9V batteries.
Which is better for metal and drop tunings?
Both are listed as suitable for metal, hard rock, and drop tunings. The EMG 57 is specifically optimized for high-gain recording with tighter low-end response and higher output, while the EMG 66 excels in providing controlled sustain and clarity without sacrificing definition in lower tunings.