Is this pickup good for blues or jazz?

No—the EMG 57 is voiced for metal, hard rock, and modern rock with a focused, articulate midrange that works best in high-gain applications. For blues and jazz, you'll want a warmer, more resonant pickup designed for those genres.

Do I need to solder this into my guitar?

No. The EMG 57 includes a solderless install system with all potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, cables, screws, and springs—you can swap it in without soldering.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery lasts approximately 1500 hours of playing time on a single 9V battery. The pickup also supports supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC if you want extended headroom.

What's the output compared to the EMG 81?

The EMG 57 delivers 3.00V on single-note string attacks and 4.50V on full strums with a more controlled, articulate character. The 81 is hotter and more compressed; the 57 emphasizes clarity and note definition across the strings.

Will this work in my existing guitar's electronics?

Yes. The EMG 57 has 10 kΩ output impedance and is fully compatible with standard guitar wiring and amplifier inputs. The solderless system includes everything you need to wire it in.

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 Gold

The EMG 57 is a bridge-position active humbucker built for articulate, controlled aggression without muddiness. Its compact footprint and solderless installation system make it accessible for players upgrading from passive designs, while the brushed gold finish delivers distinctive visual character on any guitar. This pickup excels in modern rock, metal, and high-gain applications where note definition and string-to-string clarity are non-negotiable—essential for cutting through a live mix and maintaining definition under gain.

Tone & Electronics

The EMG 57 uses Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces to deliver a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz, yielding focused midrange presence and reduced feedback in high-volume stage settings. Output measurements of 3.00V (string) and 4.50V (strum) with -100dB noise floor ensure articulate transients and minimal hum, while the 10 kΩ output impedance maintains compatibility with standard guitar electronics and amplifiers for dependable live use.

Installation & Power

This active design operates on a single 9V battery with a 1500-hour battery life and supports supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC for extended headroom. The included solderless install system provides potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, cables, screws, and springs—eliminating soldering requirements and enabling quick swaps between guitars or configurations on the road.

Key Features

Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces
Resonant frequency: 2.11 kHz
Output voltage (string): 3.00V
Output voltage (strum): 4.50V
Output noise floor: -100 dB (60 Hz)
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Operating current: 160 microamps (set)
Battery life: 1500 hours
Maximum supply: 27 Volts DC
Powered by single 9V battery
Brushed gold finish
Solderless install system included with potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, cables, screws, and springs

The EMG 57 in brushed gold combines proven active-pickup engineering with straightforward installation and distinctive cosmetics for performers demanding precision and on-stage reliability.