What makes the EMG 57 different from the EMG 81?

The EMG 57 features an Alnico V magnet and is voiced for articulate string separation and punch, while the 81 uses ceramic magnets and is voiced for maximum output and sustain. The 57 works better in bridge position when you want clarity and dynamics; the 81 excels in tight, compressed high-gain tones.

Do I need to solder this pickup, and will it fit my guitar?

No soldering required—the pickup includes a solderless wiring harness for fast installation. The long-shaft design is engineered to fit deeper cavities and non-standard control layouts, but verify your guitar's cavity depth and control routing before ordering.

How long does the 9V battery last, and what output can I expect?

Battery life is approximately 1500 hours of typical playing time. The pickup delivers 4.5 V output on strum with a noise floor of -100 dB at 60 Hz, keeping hum out of high-gain rigs and maintaining clean tracking at loud volumes.

Is the EMG 57 good for jazz or blues?

No—the 57 is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and high-gain styles where aggressive output and tight dynamics are priorities. Its voice and output level are not suited to the dynamic sensitivity and tonal warmth required in jazz or blues playing.

What does the Black Chrome finish do?

Black Chrome is a cosmetic finish that integrates cleanly with modern hardware and darkly finished instruments; it does not affect tone or performance.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 57 is a bridge-position workhorse that delivers high-output aggression with controlled dynamics and articulate string separation. Its Alnico V magnet structure punches hard without sacrificing note definition, making it the go-to choice for rock, metal, and hard-hitting styles where clarity matters as much as power. On stage, this pickup cuts through a crowded mix and responds predictably under gain, keeping your tone articulate even when the volume climbs.

Active Electronics & Output

Built on active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery, this pickup produces a 4.5 V output on strum and maintains a tight -100 dB noise floor at 60 Hz—essential for high-gain rigs where hum rejection keeps your signal clean during long sets. The 27 V DC maximum supply rating gives you headroom if you experiment with stacked or modified power configurations. Battery life runs approximately 1500 hours, so one set lasts through extended touring.

Design & Installation

Solderless installation eliminates wiring complexity and reduces setup time significantly—a practical advantage when you're changing pickups on the road or between shows. The long-shaft design accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard control layouts, while Black Chrome finish integrates seamlessly with modern hardware aesthetics and darkly finished instruments. Fast, reliable swaps mean less downtime before you hit the stage.

Key Features

Magnet type: Alnico V with steel pole pieces
Active circuitry with battery operation
Output voltage (strum): 4.5 V
Output voltage (string): 3 V
Output noise floor: -100 dB at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 KOhm
Maximum supply: 27 V DC
Resonant frequency: 2.11 KHz
Battery life (set): 1500 hours
Long shaft configuration
Finish: Black Chrome
Solderless wiring harness included

The EMG 57 pairs aggressive output with the noise immunity and installation speed that active technology demands, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians who need both raw performance and practical durability.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Rock, High-gain rigs
Tonal character	High-output, aggressive, articulate string separation, tight low end, controlled dynamics
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional