EMG4901 vs EMG4903 — Compare
EMG 57-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black vs EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The 57-8 is optimized for bridge position with steel pole pieces for aggressive punch and tight articulation, while the 66-8 is designed for neck position with ceramic pole pieces for warm, expansive lows with upper clarity. Choose the 57-8 if you need bridge-position firepower; choose the 66-8 if you need a neck pickup or prefer warmer, fuller tones.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 57-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black | EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Steel pole pieces deliver aggressive articulation and focused response ideal for modern metal
- ✓ Bridge-position optimized with controlled dynamics and high output
- ✓ Maximum clarity and definition across dense 8-string tunings
Why choose EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Ceramic pole pieces provide warm, smooth mid-range with expansive low-end character
- ✓ Neck-position design captures fuller frequencies without muddiness
- ✓ Upper register clarity prevents loss of definition in saturated signal chains
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between steel and ceramic pole pieces?
Steel pole pieces (57-8) deliver tighter, more articulate response with aggressive punch. Ceramic pole pieces (66-8) provide warmer, smoother character with expanded low-end while maintaining upper clarity.
Can I use either pickup in any position, or are they position-specific?
The 57-8 is engineered specifically for bridge position to maximize aggression and control. The 66-8 is designed for neck position to capture fuller, warmer frequencies without muddiness.
Which pickup is better for drop-tuned 8-string metal?
The 57-8 excels in bridge position for drop-tuned metal, delivering the tight articulation and punch needed to cut through dense tunings. The 66-8 can complement it as a neck pickup for fuller, more textured tones.
Do both pickups include everything needed for installation?
Yes, both include solderless installation systems with 25k volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, cables, and mounting hardware—no soldering required.