EMG4534 vs EMG4556 — Compare

EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The 57-8H is built for eight-string guitars with steel pole pieces for balanced articulation, while the 66-7H targets seven-string instruments with ceramic pole pieces for aggressive midrange punch. Choose the 57-8H if you play eight-string; choose the 66-7H if you play seven-string.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

$149.00
View EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

$149.00
View EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

Specs side by side

EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in GoldEMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Price$149.00$149.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

  • ✓ Designed specifically for eight-string guitars with extended frequency range
  • ✓ Steel pole pieces deliver balanced, articulate midrange without harshness
  • ✓ Tight low end maintains clarity across all eight strings in drop tunings

Why choose EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

  • ✓ Engineered for seven-string guitars with aggressive midrange for djent and metal
  • ✓ Ceramic pole pieces emphasize pick attack and harmonic definition
  • ✓ Exceptional battery efficiency delivers up to 600 hours per charge
Bottom line: Buy the EMG 57-8H if your guitar has eight strings; buy the EMG 66-7H if you play a seven-string instrument. Both are active pickups at budget price points, but each is optimized for its respective string count and tonal character.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between these two pickups?

The 57-8H is engineered for eight-string guitars while the 66-7H is designed for seven-string guitars. They have different magnet and pole piece combinations: the 57-8H uses steel pole pieces for balanced tone, and the 66-7H uses ceramic pole pieces for aggressive midrange presence.

Which pickup has higher output?

The 66-7H specifies 4.5V output on strum and 3V per single string. The 57-8H describes high output and controlled clarity but does not provide specific voltage measurements in its description.

Are both pickups easy to install?

The 57-8H includes EMG's solderless installation system with all wiring components. The 66-7H also includes an electronics package with all necessary wiring and batteries, though the description does not specify the solderless system.

Which genres suit each pickup best?

The 57-8H excels in drop tunings, extended range, progressive, and metal. The 66-7H is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and extended-range styles. Both avoid jazz, blues, and traditional acoustic genres.

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