What's the difference between the 57 bridge and 66 neck pickups in this set?

The 57 bridge resonates at 2.11 kHz and delivers tight, articulate attack with midrange clarity ideal for fast riffs and rhythms. The 66 neck resonates at 1.61 kHz for a warmer, fuller character that excels in lead work and sustain. Both output 3.00 V clean and 4.50 V when played hard, ensuring balanced volume between positions.

How long does the battery last and how hard is installation?

The 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of playing time per charge. Installation uses EMG's solderless system with pre-wired controls and a battery clip, requiring no traditional soldering—just connect the hardware and springs for a fast retrofit into most guitars.

Will these pickups work in my guitar without modification?

The 57/66 set is designed for standard humbucker cavities and uses Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces. Verify your guitar accepts EMG's solderless wiring system and has a standard two-humbucker configuration; the package includes all necessary hardware and springs for installation.

How quiet are these pickups compared to passive models?

Both pickups maintain –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz, delivering professional-grade hum rejection ideal for studio tracking and live performance without the noise floor issues of many passive designs. The active electronics and low-impedance output ensure clean signal transfer to your amp or interface.

What genres and playing styles are these pickups best suited for?

The 57/66 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate attack, controlled sustain, and midrange definition are priorities. They're not optimized for folk or traditional jazz, where warmer, more vintage voicing is typically preferred.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $19 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold

The EMG 57/66 set pairs a high-output bridge pickup with a balanced neck voice, delivering articulate attack and controlled sustain across the full frequency spectrum. The brushed gold finish complements modern and vintage aesthetics alike. This is a professional-grade active pickup system engineered for consistent performance and minimal noise in recording and live environments.

Tone & Electronics

The 57 bridge pickup produces 3.00 V clean and 4.50 V when strummed hard, with a resonant frequency of 2.11 KHz that emphasizes midrange definition and string clarity—ideal for cutting through a mix on stage or laying down tight studio takes. The 66 neck pickup operates at the same output levels but resonates at 1.61 KHz, yielding a warmer, fuller character that locks in sustain and articulation for both rhythm and lead work. Both pickups maintain –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz, ensuring quiet operation free of hum—essential for live rigs where noise floor directly impacts your tone.

Power & Installation

The set draws only 160 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 1500 hours of battery life per charge—practical for touring and session work without constant battery changes. Installation uses EMG's solderless system, including a split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs for rapid retrofitting without traditional wiring—get back to playing fast.

Key Features

Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces
Bridge and neck humbucker configuration
Brushed gold finish
57 Bridge: 2.11 KHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V / 4.50 V output
66 Neck: 1.61 KHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V / 4.50 V output
–100 dB output noise (60 Hz)
10 Kohm output impedance (both pickups)
160 microamps current draw at 9V
1500-hour battery life
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Solderless Install System with complete hardware
Package dimensions: 7 x 3 x 5 inches

This EMG 57/66 set combines tight, responsive bridge articulation with warm neck tonality, making it a versatile choice for players demanding low-noise active performance and straightforward installation.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance
Tonal character	Articulate attack, controlled sustain, midrange definition, warm neck voice, high output
Less specialized for	Folk, Traditional Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional