What styles and genres is the EMG 57 best suited for?

The 57 excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain styles where articulate midrange and tight definition are priorities. It is not designed for blues, jazz, or folk playing, where warmer, more dynamic response is typically preferred.

How long does the battery last, and how do I install it?

Each 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of operating life. The pickup features solderless quick-connect installation, simplifying wiring and minimizing assembly time without requiring extensive soldering.

How does the EMG 57 compare to other active humbuckers like the EMG 81?

The 57 shares the proven active circuit architecture of the 81 but is voiced with emphasis on vocal mids and articulate pick attack rather than maximum output. It delivers a more balanced, controlled response suited to players seeking clarity and definition over sheer gain.

What output levels and specifications should I expect?

The 57 produces 3.00 V string output and 4.50 V strum output with a 2.11 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange clarity. Its 10K DC resistance and active design ensure minimal noise floor ideal for palm-muted and high-gain applications.

Is this pickup suitable for both bridge and neck positions?

Yes, the EMG 57 delivers tight definition and controlled output across both bridge and neck positions, making it a versatile choice for players who want consistent articulate response throughout their guitar.

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. 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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 57 is a road-proven active humbucker engineered for articulate, punchy midrange response with controlled output. This black-finished pickup delivers tight definition across bridge and neck positions, making it a dependable choice for players seeking clarity without excessive gain or noise—perfect for gigging musicians who need consistency on stage.

Tone & Electronics

Built on Alnico 5 magnets with steel pole pieces, the 57 produces a 3.00 V string output and 4.50 V strum output with a 2.11 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes vocal mids and articulate pick attack. The 10K DC resistance and active circuit architecture ensure tight, responsive performance with minimal noise floor—ideal for high-gain and palm-muted applications that demand clean signal integrity in any venue.

Power & Installation

This active pickup runs on a 27 Volts DC supply at 160 microamps current draw, delivering approximately 1500 hours of battery life per 9V battery—enough uptime for touring and regular gigging. Solderless installation simplifies wiring and minimizes assembly time, while the 2-conductor configuration provides straightforward integration into most control schemes for quick maintenance on the road.

Key Features

Alnico 5 magnet construction
Steel pole pieces for articulate response
Active circuit design (27V DC supply)
3.00 V string output / 4.50 V strum output
10K ohm DC resistance
2.11 kHz resonant frequency
160 microamps current draw at 9V
Approximately 1500 hours battery life
Solderless quick-connect installation
2-conductor configuration
Made in USA
Black finish

The EMG 57 combines the proven reliability of EMG's active platform with balanced output and midrange focus, making it a straightforward upgrade for players prioritizing definition, control, and live-performance dependability.