EMG5283 vs EMG5287 — Compare
EMG RTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red vs EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
The RTX is a versatile bridge or neck pickup with detailed treble and controlled mids suited for studio clarity and extended range work, while the FTX is optimized specifically as a neck pickup emphasizing upper-midrange snap and tight articulation. Choose the RTX for brightness and frequency balance across positions; choose the FTX if you need a dedicated neck pickup with punchy midrange focus.
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Specs side by side
| EMG RTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG RTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Bright treble and defined string separation ideal for studio recording
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (3.70 kHz) adds warmth beneath the articulation
- ✓ Specified output levels (1.00V string / 3.00V strum) provide concrete signal reference
- ✓ Suitable for both extended range and traditional tunings
Why choose EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Purpose-built neck-position design for seamless dual-pickup setups
- ✓ Upper-midrange voicing delivers snappy note definition and clarity
- ✓ Designed explicitly for high-gain and extended-range applications
- ✓ Active hum rejection across all playing dynamics without specification trade-offs
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better in high-gain or extended-range guitars?
The FTX is explicitly designed for extended range and high-gain environments with emphasis on upper-midrange clarity that cuts through heavy processing. The RTX performs well in both extended and traditional tunings but prioritizes balanced treble and midrange control rather than high-gain optimization.
Can either pickup work in both neck and bridge positions?
The RTX is versatile across positions with balanced tone and extended frequency response. The FTX is positioned as a neck-specific pickup, though EMG-standard mounting allows bridge installation if needed; however, its upper-midrange voicing is voiced for neck-position application.
What are the noise and output specifications?
The RTX specifies output noise of –101 dB at 60 Hz with 1.00V string output and 3.00V strum peak. The FTX specifies hum-free active operation across playing dynamics but does not publish detailed noise floor or output voltage figures in the provided description.
Which is better for studio recording?
The RTX excels in studio sessions with its articulate treble, bright tone character, and controlled midrange that translates clearly to recording. The FTX suits studio high-gain work where punchy midrange articulation and hum rejection matter most, but the RTX offers more detailed frequency response documentation for technical mixing scenarios.