What genres and playing styles is the EMG 57-B designed for?

The 57-B excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain recording applications, especially with drop tunings. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The active electronics draw only 160 microamps, delivering approximately 1500 hours of playing time per 9V battery—roughly 3–4 months of regular use.

How does the output and noise floor compare to passive pickups?

The 57-B delivers 4.50V on strum and 3.00V per string with a -100 dB noise floor, providing high output and signal drive without brittleness or hum common to oversaturated designs.

Is the EMG 57-B a drop-in replacement for standard humbucker cavities?

The 57-B features a compact footprint and 1/4 inch mono phone plug connector; compatibility depends on your guitar's wiring and cavity dimensions—confirm your guitar supports active pickups and standard humbucker spacing before purchase.

What makes the tone profile different from the comparable EMG 81?

The 57-B emphasizes a tight low end and vocal midrange presence with a 2.11 kHz resonant frequency, delivering articulation and clarity suited for bridge positions in high-gain contexts where definition is as important as output.

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 $10 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 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 57-B is a bridge-position active humbucker built for aggressive, articulate tones with tight low-end response and controlled midrange presence. Its compact footprint and brushed black chrome finish integrate seamlessly into modern and vintage guitar aesthetics alike. On stage, this pickup excels in high-gain applications where clarity and definition cut through the mix as much as output matters.

Tone & Output Character

Built on Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces, the 57-B delivers a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz that emphasizes vocal midrange and string articulation. Bridge output reaches 4.50V on strum and 3.00V per string, providing substantial signal drive to preamps and amplifiers without the brittleness common to oversaturated pickups. Live sound engineers appreciate the consistent, defined output that translates well through mixing consoles and venue rigs.

Electronics & Power Efficiency

This active design operates on 9V DC supply with a maximum rating of 27V, drawing only 160 microamps for exceptional battery longevity—expect roughly 1500 hours of playing time per battery. Ultra-low noise floor at -100 dB output noise and 10 kohm output impedance ensure clean signal transmission to your amplifier chain, critical for touring and venue reliability where ground loops and interference can sabotage a set.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico V with steel pole pieces
Resonant Frequency: 2.11 kHz
Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50V
Output Voltage (String): 3.00V
Output Noise: -100 dB
Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
Current Draw @ 9V: 160 Microamps
Battery Life: Approximately 1500 hours
Maximum Supply Voltage: 27V DC
Connector: 1/4" (6.35mm) mono phone plug
Finish: Brushed Black Chrome
Position: Bridge

The EMG 57-B remains the go-to bridge pickup for gigging musicians demanding articulate, high-output tones with minimal noise and the power efficiency to get through night after night without surprises.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, High-gain recording, Drop Tunings
Tonal character	Tight low end, articulate mids, high output, controlled compression, minimal noise
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional