What makes the EMG 60 different from EMG's 81/85 pickups?

The EMG 60 is voiced with warmer undertones and more traditional character compared to the hotter, more aggressive 81/85 series, making it better suited to players who want clarity and definition without sacrificing musicality in high-gain and moderate-gain settings. The 60's compact coil design and lower output characteristics give it a more articulate, responsive feel.

Do I need to solder this pickup into my guitar?

No. The EMG 60 uses a solderless installation design and connects via a straightforward wiring scheme compatible with standard 25 kOhm potentiometers with 9.5 mm ribbed shafts. You can complete installation without any soldering.

How long does a 9V battery last in this pickup?

A single 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time, with the pickup drawing only 80 microamps. That translates to several months of regular use before a battery change is needed.

Is the EMG 60 good for metal and hard rock?

Yes. The EMG 60 excels in high-gain applications and is designed for metal and hard rock, delivering the tight, defined output and minimal noise floor those genres demand. Its warm undertones prevent harshness while maintaining clarity and articulation.

What genres or playing styles is this pickup NOT suited for?

The EMG 60's active circuit and articulate character make it less ideal for traditional jazz and folk applications, where vintage passive pickups with different tonal coloration are often preferred.

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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG 60 delivers articulate, defined output with minimal noise floor—a workhorse active humbucker that balances clarity with traditional warm undertones. Its compact close-aperture coil design and ceramic magnet produce a responsive pickup suited to players seeking precision in both high-gain and moderate-gain applications. The long shaft design accommodates standard potentiometer installations without modification.

Electrical Performance & Output

This pickup generates 3.00 V string output and 4.50 V strum output with an exceptionally low noise floor of -101 dBV at 60 Hz, ensuring clean signal transmission with minimal hum. A 2.20 kHz resonant frequency and 10 kOhm output impedance provide the tonal character and headroom typical of EMG's active designs.

Power & Installation

Powered by a standard 9V supply, the pickup draws only 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell. Installation requires no soldering—the pickup connects via a straightforward wiring scheme compatible with 25 kOhm volume and tone potentiometers with ribbed 9.5 mm shaft threading.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet with close-aperture coil design
Long shaft configuration for standard potentiometer compatibility
3.00 V string output voltage
4.50 V strum output voltage
-101 dBV output noise at 60 Hz
2.20 kHz resonant frequency
10 kOhm output impedance
80 microamps current draw at 9V
3000-hour battery life
Maximum supply rating: 27 Volts DC
Solderless installation design
Durable molded plastic top with metal body construction

The EMG 60 delivers the road-tested reliability gigging musicians depend on—clean, quiet signal transmission through a full set with minimal battery drain and no soldering required. Built for players who need their gear to perform night after night without fuss.

Best suited for	High-gain applications, Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Metal, Hard Rock
Tonal character	Articulate, defined output, minimal noise floor, warm undertones, responsive
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional