What does active humbucker mean, and why is this one good for metal and high-gain?

An active humbucker has a built-in preamp (powered by a 9V battery) that boosts and shape the signal before it reaches your amp, giving you higher output and more consistent gain. The EMG 58X's X-series preamp, combined with its AlNiCo and steel magnet design, delivers tight lows and articulate highs that stay clear even in dense, distorted mixes where passive pickups can turn to mud.

What's included in the box, and do I need to buy anything else to install it?

The package includes the pickup itself, two 25k volume potentiometers, one 25k tone potentiometer, a stereo output jack, battery bus, wiring harness, mounting screws, and springs. You'll need to have a soldering iron if you're upgrading an existing guitar with passive electronics, but the solderless quick-connect system eliminates the most complex wiring; if you're building from scratch or replacing an existing active setup, you have everything you need.

How does the EMG 58X compare to the EMG 81, and which should I choose?

The 81 is EMG's most iconic high-output active humbucker with a more scooped midrange and punchy response; the 58X is based on the 58 platform and offers a more focused, articulate tone with tighter lows and brighter highs. Choose the 58X if you want clarity and definition in fast picking and complex riff work; choose the 81 if you prefer the classic aggressive-but-scooped EMG character.

Will this pickup work in jazz or blues guitars?

The 58X is optimized for metal, hard rock, and modern rock—its high output, tight low end, and aggressive character are not suited to jazz or blues playing, which typically benefit from lower-output pickups and warmer, more vocal midrange response. If you play those styles, a passive humbucker or a different active design would be a better fit.

Does this come with a battery, and how long does one last?

The box includes the battery bus and wiring harness but not the 9V battery itself; you'll need to supply a standard 9V battery separately. Battery life depends on how much you play, but typical 9V batteries last several months to a year with regular use before needing replacement.

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 58X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 58X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate tone with minimal noise—built on the proven 58 platform and equipped with the X-series preamp. This pickup excels in modern rock, metal, and high-gain applications where clarity and sustain are non-negotiable. On stage, it delivers the punch and definition needed to cut through dense mixes without losing tightness, and the solderless connection system means you can get it installed and gig-ready without complex wiring.

Tone & Electronics

The combination of AlNiCo and steel magnets produces high output with tight, focused response that stays responsive even at high volumes. The integrated X-series preamp runs on 9V battery power, delivering consistent gain and headroom that maintains definition during fast picking and sustains clearly through your signal chain. Built for live reliability and the demands of touring and session work.

Installation & Hardware

The solderless connection system eliminates complex wiring—drop it in and connect, no soldering iron required. The complete electronics package includes two 25k volume potentiometers and one 25k tone potentiometer (all short shaft, 10mm thread length), plus battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, springs, and necessary cables—everything you need for a complete retrofit or new build in one box.

Key Features

Active humbucker pickup type
AlNiCo and steel magnet construction
High output for aggressive, cutting tone
X-series active preamp
9V battery operation
Solderless quick-connect system
Two 25k volume potentiometers (short shaft, 10mm)
One 25k tone potentiometer (short shaft, 10mm)
Stereo output jack included
Battery bus and wiring harness included
Mounting screws and springs included
Black finish

The EMG 58X is a complete, plug-and-play active pickup solution built for reliability, fast installation, and the aggressive tone signature that gigging musicians and session players depend on from the EMG name.