EMG4303 vs EMG4304 — Compare
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Both are EMG 57 active humbuckers with identical electrical specs and tone character—the only meaningful difference is the brushed gold finish on Product B versus brushed black chrome on Product A, making this purely an aesthetic choice. Pick based on which finish matches your guitar's visual style.
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EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Brushed black chrome finish suits modern and vintage aesthetics
- ✓ Tight low-end response emphasized in description
- ✓ Identical core specs to Product B at same price
Why choose EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Brushed gold finish provides distinctive visual character
- ✓ Includes solderless installation system with cables and connectors
- ✓ Same electrical performance and battery life as Product A
Frequently asked questions
Are the electrical specs and tone identical between these two?
Yes. Both use Alnico V magnets, share a 2.11 kHz resonant frequency, deliver 4.50V on strum and 3.00V per string, and operate on 1500-hour 9V batteries with -100 dB noise floor. Tone character is articulate, controlled, and high-output on both.
What's the practical difference between these pickups?
The brushed gold model includes a solderless installation system with potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, and cables. The brushed black chrome model does not mention included hardware. Visually, it's finish preference—gold versus black chrome.
Which is better for metal and high-gain?
Both are equally suited to metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications. The tight low-end and articulate midrange at 2.11 kHz work identically in both models to cut through saturation and maintain clarity.
Do I need soldering to install either pickup?
The brushed gold model explicitly includes a solderless install system. The brushed black chrome model's installation requirements are not detailed, so confirm with the retailer if soldering-free installation matters to your decision.