EMG4323 vs EMG4324 — Compare
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The 85X is tuned for articulate midrange punch and upper-frequency presence using an Alnico V magnet, making it ideal for players who want their pick attack to cut through gain. The 60X emphasizes a broader, more balanced midrange with ceramic magnets and a higher noise floor spec, suiting players who prioritize overall clarity and consistency without boosted mids.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Alnico V magnet delivers warm, defined tone with natural character
- ✓ 1.87 kHz resonant peak emphasizes upper midrange articulation and pick attack clarity
- ✓ Tight low end cuts through dense mixes in modern rock and metal
Why choose EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Higher string and strum voltage (3.00 V and 8.00 V) provides stronger signal to amplifiers
- ✓ Superior noise floor at -107 dB versus 85X's -89 dB ensures quieter operation
- ✓ Ceramic magnet with close-aperture coils offers balanced tone without midrange coloration
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual difference in output between these two?
The 85X delivers 1.25V RMS peak output optimized for midrange articulation, while the 60X provides 3.00 V string output and 8.00 V strum output, making it significantly hotter and better suited for driving amplifier input stages without compression.
Which one is quieter in a noisy studio or live environment?
The 60X has a -107 dB noise floor compared to the 85X's -89 dB, making the 60X substantially quieter and more suitable for electrically noisy recording studios or venues where hum rejection matters.
Are these pickups positioned differently in the guitar?
Both are 6-string humbuckers compatible with bridge or neck position, so placement isn't a constraint—your choice comes down to tonal character and output level rather than guitar position.
Do either of these include onboard controls?
The 60X includes a split-shaft volume and active tone control for onboard EQ shaping, while the 85X description does not mention onboard tone controls, giving the 60X more tonal flexibility without reaching for amplifier knobs.