EMG5970 vs EMG5972 — Compare
EMG Hot 70 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black vs EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
The Hot 70 prioritizes maximum bridge output (8.0V) and ultra-low noise for high-gain hard rock and metal, while the Fat 55-F balances neck and bridge dynamics (both 8.0V max) with slightly longer battery life and warmer Alnico 2 neck character for players who want articulation without aggressive dominance. Choose Hot 70 for pure power and clarity; choose Fat 55-F for tonal versatility and sustained dynamics.
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EMG Hot 70 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG Hot 70 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black | EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.00 | $209.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Hot 70 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
- ✓ Higher bridge output voltage (8.0V max) delivers aggressive, cutting tone ideal for heavy genres
- ✓ Exceptionally low noise floor (bridge –96 dB, neck –106 dB) for studio-quality clarity
- ✓ Ceramic bridge magnet provides tight, focused articulation at 2.33 kHz resonance
Why choose EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
- ✓ Balanced output between neck and bridge (both 8.0V max) offers greater tonal flexibility for varied playing styles
- ✓ Alnico 2 neck pickup delivers warmer, more complex harmonic character than ceramic designs
- ✓ 50% longer battery life (approximately 715 hours vs. 1400 hours total system runtime)
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup set has longer battery life?
The Fat 55-F draws only 350 microamps at 9V compared to higher consumption in the Hot 70, yielding approximately 715 hours per battery versus the Hot 70's 1400-hour total system rating. However, the Hot 70 uses matched dual preamps, so direct hour-per-battery comparison depends on your specific wiring configuration.
What's the main tonal difference between these two sets?
The Hot 70 emphasizes bridge dominance with maximum 8.0V output and ceramic magnet tightness for high-gain clarity. The Fat 55-F balances neck and bridge at 8.0V max with Alnico 2 warmth in the neck (3.0 kHz) and slightly lower bridge aggression (2.8 kHz), suiting players who need articulation without extreme treble.
Are both suitable for studio recording?
Yes, both feature low noise and retro open-coil aesthetics. The Hot 70 excels in high-gain metal contexts with its ultra-low noise floor (–106 dB neck). The Fat 55-F offers more harmonic complexity and warmth for recording that benefits from balanced neck-bridge dynamics.
Do these use different magnet types?
Yes. Hot 70 uses ceramic (bridge) and Alnico 5 (neck). Fat 55-F uses Alnico 5 (bridge) and Alnico 2 (neck), making the Fat 55-F warmer overall and the Hot 70 tighter and more aggressive.