What does the solderless connector mean for installation?

The EMG 57 uses a 1/4" mono phone plug connector that eliminates the need to solder wires into your guitar's electronics. This speeds up installation and works seamlessly with compatible guitar systems.

Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?

The EMG 57 is engineered for metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate, high-output tone is essential. It's not designed for jazz or blues, where softer, more nuanced pickup characteristics are typically preferred.

How long does the battery last?

At 9V operation, the EMG 57 delivers approximately 1500 hours of battery life. The pickup also accepts up to 27 Volts DC, allowing you to power it through other external supply options if you prefer.

What makes the active electronics quiet?

The active circuitry achieves -100 dB output noise at 60 Hz, eliminating hum during recording or amplified performance. This low-noise design makes the pickup reliable for studio tracking and live use without unwanted background noise.

How does the EMG 57 compare to the EMG 81?

The 57 is slightly more balanced with focused mids and articulate response, while the 81 leans toward tighter, brighter character. Both are high-output active humbuckers; choice depends on whether you prefer the 57's resonant tone or the 81's sharper edge.

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 Brushed Chrome

The EMG 57 is a bridge pickup built for players who demand articulate attack and tight definition at high output. Its active electronics deliver consistent, controlled tone night after night—no signal loss, no hum, no surprises on stage. The solderless installation keeps setup fast, and the brushed chrome finish sits clean in any guitar's cavity without fuss.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an Alnico V magnet with steel pole pieces, the 57 centers its resonant frequency at 2.11 kHz, locking down tight lows and cutting through a crowded mix with focused midrange punch. Active circuitry pushes 3.00 V single-string output and 4.50 V strum output, paired with -100 dB (60 Hz) noise floor—the kind of silence that matters in a live rig or recording session.

Design & Build

The solderless 1/4" mono phone plug connector plugs straight into compatible systems without rewiring, saving setup time before gigs. Run it off a single 9V battery with 1500-hour battery life, or feed it up to 27 Volts DC for extended headroom; this active design handles the voltage range without breaking a sweat. Output impedance of 10 Kohm pairs with any standard guitar amp or pedalboard without loading issues.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet with steel pole pieces
Active humbucker configuration
Brushed chrome finish
Resonant frequency: 2.11 kHz
Output voltage (single string): 3.00 V
Output voltage (strum): 4.50 V
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Output noise: -100 dB at 60 Hz
1500-hour battery life at 9V operation
Maximum supply voltage: 27 Volts DC
Solderless 1/4" mono phone plug connector
Current draw: 160 microamps at 9V

The EMG 57 pairs reliable active electronics with dead-simple installation and transparent tonal control, making it the bridge pickup for gigging musicians and collectors who need consistency and clarity without complications.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Home Recording
Tonal character	Tight low end, focused midrange, high output, articulate, low 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