EMG5838 vs EMG5839 — Compare
EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra vs EMG Super 77 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
The Fat 55 uses an Alnico 2 magnet for warmer, naturally complex harmonics ideal for rock and studio work, while the Super 77 employs a ceramic magnet for punchy, focused midrange clarity better suited to metal and high-gain contexts. Choose the Fat 55 for balanced, sustain-focused tones; pick the Super 77 for articulate, modern aggression.
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EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
EMG Super 77 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
Specs side by side
| EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra | EMG Super 77 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnet delivers warm sustain and natural harmonic complexity
- ✓ Slightly higher string output (4.50V vs 4.25V) for more presence
- ✓ Better noise floor at -106 dB for recording-critical sessions
- ✓ Solderless installation with paired 25k controls for easy retrofit
Why choose EMG Super 77 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
- ✓ Ceramic magnet produces punchy, focused midrange for modern metal and djent
- ✓ Quik-Connect header simplifies installation and future maintenance
- ✓ Stainless steel construction with copper-wound coils for durability
- ✓ 3.12 kHz resonant frequency sculpts controlled, cutting tone
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for heavy metal and djent?
The Super 77 is optimized for metal and djent, with its ceramic magnet and focused 3.12 kHz midrange providing the articulate, punchy response those genres demand. The Fat 55's warmer character is less suited to extreme high-gain applications.
What's the actual tonal difference between Alnico 2 and ceramic magnets in these pickups?
Alnico 2 (Fat 55) produces warmer, more natural harmonic complexity with smoother sustain, while ceramic (Super 77) delivers punchier attack and more focused midrange presence. The Fat 55 sounds more organic; the Super 77 sounds more modern and aggressive.
Is there a significant output difference between these two?
Output is nearly identical (Fat 55 at 4.50V string, Super 77 at 4.25V string), with both maxing at 8.0V on strum. The Fat 55 edges slightly higher but the real difference is tonal character, not volume.
Which has better noise performance for recording?
The Fat 55 has a cleaner noise floor at -106 dB versus the Super 77's -98 dB, making it the better choice if recording-grade silence is a priority. Both are genuinely quiet for live and studio use.