What makes the EMG 57 good for high-gain playing?

The pickup's high output (4.50 V on full strums) and extremely low noise floor (-100 dB at 60 Hz) ensure that even heavy distortion remains articulate and punchy without hum or feedback artifacts. Its active electronics design is engineered to stay clean across all gain structures.

How easy is it to install?

The EMG 57 features solderless installation with a 1/4" mono phone jack connector, meaning you can swap it in and out without soldering. A standard 9V battery powers it, and it will run for approximately 1500 hours per cell.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The EMG 57 excels in metal, rock, hard rock, and studio sessions. Its high output and tight definition make it less ideal for traditional jazz or folk applications, where warmer, lower-output tones are typically preferred.

How does it compare to other high-output humbuckers?

The EMG 57 sits alongside comparable models like the Seymour Duncan JB, Fishman Fluence Modern, and DiMarzio Super Distortion. Its distinguishing feature is the combination of active electronics, an exceptionally low noise floor, and straightforward solderless installation.

What is the brushed chrome finish, and does it affect tone?

The brushed chrome finish is a cosmetic treatment on the pickup cover that complements both modern and classic guitar aesthetics. The finish itself does not affect the pickup's electrical performance or tone.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 57 is a high-output active humbucker that cuts through on stage with articulate, punchy tone and a noise floor so clean you'll forget it's there—essential for players running any gain structure without fighting hum or buzz. Its solderless installation makes retrofit straightforward, while the brushed chrome finish complements modern and classic instruments alike. This pickup handles both tight rhythmic work and screaming leads, making it road-tested for gigging musicians across genres.

Tone & Electronics

Built on an Alnico V magnet with steel pole pieces, the EMG 57 produces a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz that sits the midrange forward while keeping treble crisp and defined. Output specs measure 3.00 V on single strings and 4.50 V on full strums, with an exceptionally low noise floor of -100 dB at 60 Hz—active electronics that stay dead silent under stage lights and live-sound scrutiny.

Power & Installation

This active pickup draws only 160 microamps at 9V, delivering an impressive 1500-hour battery life per standard 9V cell—enough for a full tour between swaps. The solderless 1/4" mono phone jack connection means you can pull it out and swap it mid-gig if needed, while a maximum supply rating of 27 volts DC leaves headroom for optional voltage boosting to push your rig even harder.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet with steel pole pieces
Humbucker configuration (H) for 6-string guitar
Resonant frequency: 2.11 kHz
Output voltage: 3.00 V (single string), 4.50 V (strum)
Output noise: -100 dB at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current draw: 160 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 1500 hours
Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
Solderless 1/4" mono phone plug connector
Brushed chrome finish
Active electronics design

The EMG 57 combines low-noise active electronics, refined tonal character, and straightforward installation into a single package that performs with equal reliability in the studio and on the live stage.