What does the Active Tone Control actually do?

The VLPF (Variable Low-Pass Filter) in the Active Tone Control lets you roll off high-frequency content in real time, giving you hands-on control over brightness and aggression without changing amp settings. This is especially useful in high-gain contexts where you can tame harshness or add sizzle on the fly.

Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?

No—the 58X is voiced aggressively for metal, hard rock, modern rock, and fusion. Its high output and punchy character are optimized for hard-hitting styles rather than the warm, nuanced tones jazz and blues players typically pursue.

Do I need to solder this pickup into my guitar?

No. The EMG 58X uses a solderless installation system with included potentiometers (two 25k volume, one 25k tone) that integrate into your existing wiring without modification. You'll also receive mounting screws, springs, cables, and a battery cable for a straightforward drop-in installation.

What kind of battery does it need, and how long does it last?

The 58X operates on a single 9V battery. The description does not specify battery life, so you should consult EMG's user manual or contact EMG directly for expected runtime details.

How does the white finish compare to other EMG 58X colors?

The white finish is a visual option that provides distinction and appearance; the sonic character and performance are identical across all color finishes, so your choice is purely aesthetic.

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 White

The EMG 58X cuts through live mixes with aggressive, articulate output and responsive dynamics that stay tight even under extreme gain. This active humbucker sits naturally in modern rock, metal, and fusion setups, delivering clarity and punch without the mud that plagues lesser pickups at high volumes. The white finish stands out on stage while delivering the same sonic character as its darker counterparts.

Active Electronics & Tone Shaping

Built around EMG's X series preamp architecture, the 58X features an Active Tone Control (VLPF) for real-time high-frequency roll-off, giving you onboard brightness and aggression adjustment without reaching for the amp. The increased headroom of the X series means the pickup stays articulate and punchy even at extreme gain settings, preventing signal compression and keeping your tone defined in a loud band context.

Installation & Integration

The solderless installation system gets you road-ready fast with drop-in mounting on most guitar platforms. Everything arrives ready to work: mounting screws, springs, cables, battery cable, and matching potentiometers (two 25k volume, one 25k tone with 10 mm short shaft thread) integrate directly into your existing wiring with zero modification required.

Key Features

Active humbucker with high-output performance
AlNiCo/steel magnet construction
X series preamp with increased headroom
Active Tone Control (VLPF) for frequency shaping
Solderless installation system
Two 25k volume potentiometers included
25k tone potentiometer (short shaft, 10 mm thread)
Battery bus and stereo output jack
9V battery operation
Mounting screws, springs, cables, and battery cable included
White finish option

The 58X pairs aggressive voicing with studio-grade headroom and hands-on tone control, built for gigging musicians who need output that cuts, articulation that holds, and reliability that doesn't quit.