What makes the EMG 60 different from the EMG 81?

The EMG 60 delivers a more articulate, punchy response with defined midrange and tight low-end, while the 81 focuses on high output and scooped tone. The 60 suits modern rock and metal players seeking clarity and precision; the 81 is preferred for extreme high-gain and scooped character. Both are active designs with low noise, but the 60's compact coil geometry provides tighter control.

What genres work best with this pickup?

The EMG 60 excels in metal, hard rock, and modern rock, particularly in high-gain applications where cutting through dense mixes matters. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from passive pickups with warmer, more vintage response.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The EMG 60 is rated for approximately 3000 hours of operation at 80 microamps current draw. This translates to roughly 4–5 months of typical daily use before replacement.

Does this pickup come with everything needed to install it?

Yes, the EMG 60 includes the EMG Quik-Connect cable, a pre-wired split shaft volume and tone control set, output jack, and battery clip set. You will need a 9V battery to power the active electronics and may need soldering equipment if your guitar doesn't already have a compatible cavity and wiring harness.

What is the long-shaft design, and do I need it?

The 18.7mm threaded long-shaft potentiometer design fits control plates that require extended shaft dimensions—typically found on guitars with thicker pickguards or specific control cavity designs. Check your guitar's control plate before ordering; standard short-shaft pickups may not fit properly.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 60 delivers articulate, punchy response with tight low-end and defined midrange—a workhorse active humbucker that cuts through dense mixes without sacrificing clarity. Its compact coil geometry and ceramic magnet construction produce controlled output ideal for modern rock, metal, and aggressive playing styles. The brushed gold finish pairs functional long-shaft construction with visual distinction.

Tone & Electronics

This active design operates at 2.95 kHz resonant frequency with 1.0V RMS and 3.0V peak output, delivering consistent signal to your preamp with minimal noise floor at -89 dBV. The 10 Kohm output impedance ensures clean transmission with tight control and reduced feedback, particularly valuable in high-gain applications and live rigs where signal integrity matters.

Build & Installation

The 18.7mm threaded long shaft potentiometer design integrates seamlessly with control plates requiring extended shaft dimensions. Housed in epoxy casing with ceramic magnets and close-aperture coils, this pickup runs on a single 9V battery (rated for approximately 3000 hours operation at 80 microamps current draw)—predictable battery life keeps you onstage without surprise failures.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction for defined, controlled response
Close aperture coils similar to mini-humbucker geometry
Active electronics with 1.0V RMS / 3.0V peak output voltage
10 Kohm output impedance
2.95 kHz resonant frequency
Output noise: -89 dBV
18.7mm threaded long shaft potentiometer design
Single 9V battery operation (3000-hour battery life)
80 microamps current draw @ 9V
Includes EMG Quik-Connect cable
Includes pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, and battery clip set
Brushed gold finish

This EMG 60 combines proven active electronics, low-noise operation, and straightforward installation into a gig-ready pickup suited to players demanding reliability and tonal precision night after night.