What's the battery life, and how often will I need to replace it?

The EMG 60 draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3,000 hours of battery life—roughly 2–3 years for typical playing schedules. A single 9-volt battery powers the active circuitry, and the pickup includes a battery clip set for easy installation and replacement.

Can I use the EMG 60 in both neck and bridge positions?

Yes. Its moderate output and compact profile make it equally suitable for neck or bridge positions, offering clarity in either location without excessive aggression. This versatility lets you pair it with other pickups or use it as a standalone upgrade.

Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?

The EMG 60 is optimized for metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications; it's not designed for jazz or blues styles, which typically benefit from passive pickups with warmer, less articulate character.

What comes in the box, and is it ready to install?

The EMG 60 arrives production-ready with a Quik-Connect cable, volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs—everything needed for installation without additional purchases.

How does the EMG 60 compare to the EMG 81?

The EMG 60 offers more articulate clarity and moderate aggression with a lower output profile, making it better suited to balanced high-gain tones; the EMG 81 delivers higher output and more aggressive character. Choose the 60 for definition and versatility, the 81 for maximum presence and edge.

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 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 60 is a workhorse active humbucker that cuts through live mixes with articulate, controlled response. Its moderate output and balanced character work equally well in neck or bridge positions, giving you clarity in high-gain contexts without losing note definition. The gold finish stands out on stage, while stainless steel construction holds up to the demands of touring and regular gigging.

Tone & Output Character

At 1.0V RMS output with a peak voltage of 3.0V, this pickup delivers enough punch for aggressive playing while maintaining articulation across the frequency spectrum. The resonant frequency of 2.95 kHz keeps mids present and defined, and the –89 dBV output noise floor stays clean and quiet, essential when running high-gain chains or dealing with venue interference.

Power & Reliability

A single 9-volt battery powers the active circuit with remarkable efficiency—drawing only 80 microamps at 9V translates to 3,000 hours of battery life, meaning you'll go years between battery swaps on a normal touring or gigging schedule. The 10 kΩ output impedance stays compatible with any standard pedalboard, amp input, or mixing console without signal loss or loading issues.

Key Features

Ceramic magnets with close aperture coils
Active circuitry requiring one 9-volt battery
Resonant frequency: 2.95 kHz
RMS output voltage: 1.0V
Peak output voltage: 3.0V
Output noise: –89 dBV
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3,000 hours
Stainless steel construction housed in epoxy casing
Includes Quik-Connect cable, volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws and springs

The EMG 60 ships complete with all necessary electronics and hardware for drop-in installation, ready to deliver reliable active tone night after night.