What is the battery life, and how often will I need to replace it?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 1500 hours at normal 160-microramp current draw, which translates to roughly 3–6 months of regular playing depending on usage. The included battery bus connector makes swaps straightforward.

Can I configure these pickups differently than standard humbucker mode?

Yes. Both pickups feature four-conductor wiring that supports coil-splitting and series/parallel reconfiguration, allowing you to voice them beyond standard humbucker operation with the right switching setup.

Will these pickups fit my guitar without modification?

These pickups are designed for guitars with long-shaft potentiometer cavities and support solderless wiring. If your guitar uses standard short-shaft pots or requires soldering, you may need additional modifications or components.

How do the 57 bridge and 66 neck pickups differ tonally?

The 57 bridge resonates at 2.11 kHz with a brighter attack, while the 66 neck sits lower at 1.61 kHz for warmer response. Both deliver the same output levels (3.00V single-note, 4.50V strummed), providing natural tonal separation without excessive midrange coloration.

What is included in the box?

The set includes both active pickups, 2 volume potentiometers (25K split shaft), 2 tone potentiometers (25K split shaft), and a battery bus connector. No soldering required; all wiring is solderless.

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 $17 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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Red

The EMG 57/66 set delivers the signature clarity and punch of active electronics in a versatile neck-and-bridge configuration. On stage, these pickups respond with precision across dynamics—tight on pick attacks, full on strummed chords—and the long-shaft potentiometer compatibility makes retrofitting into existing guitar cavities straightforward. The red finish coordinates with darker aesthetic builds while the solderless wiring system accelerates installation for fast turnarounds between gigs.

Active Electronics & Live Tone Character

Both pickups operate on 9V battery power with a 1500-hour battery life at 160 microamps current draw, and feature Alnico V magnets with steel poles for defined high-end articulation that cuts through a live mix. The 57 bridge pickup resonates at 2.11 kHz with 3.00V output (string), 4.50V output (strum), while the 66 neck pickup sits lower at 1.61 kHz with matching output levels, providing natural tonal separation without excessive midrange coloration that muddies the stage sound.

Installation & Wiring Flexibility

Both pickups employ four-conductor wiring for coil-splitting and series/parallel reconfiguration, allowing custom voicing beyond standard humbucker operation to dial in the exact tone you need for your rig. The package includes 2 × 25K volume potentiometers (split shaft), 2 × 25K tone potentiometers (split shaft), and 1 battery bus—everything required for a complete active setup without soldering.

Key Features

Active humbucker set (HH configuration) with Alnico V magnets and steel poles
Bridge pickup: 2.11 kHz resonant frequency, 3.00V string output / 4.50V strum output
Neck pickup: 1.61 kHz resonant frequency, 3.00V string output / 4.50V strum output
9V battery operation with 1500-hour battery life at 160 microamps
10 kΩ output impedance and -100 dB output noise (60 Hz) on both pickups
10K DC resistance
Four-conductor wiring for coil-splitting and series/parallel modes
Solderless connectivity for fast installation
Includes 2 × 25K volume potentiometers and 2 × 25K tone potentiometers (split shaft)
Includes battery bus connector
27V DC supply rated
Red finish

This set combines the responsiveness of active electronics with installation convenience, making it a reliable drop-in replacement for guitars requiring long-shaft pots and solderless wiring—ideal for working musicians who need gear that performs night after night.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Tight pick attacks, full strummed chords, defined high-end articulation, minimal midrange coloration, high output clarity
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk, Acoustic-focused playing (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional