What's the difference between the EMG 60A and other EMG models like the 81 or 85?

The 60A delivers a more balanced, articulate midrange character suited to rock and alternative, whereas the 81 and 85 are hotter, more aggressive pickups optimized for high-gain metal. All three use active electronics for noise rejection, but the 60A's alnico construction and 2.95kHz resonant frequency favor clarity over sheer output.

How long does the battery last, and is it easy to replace?

A single 9V battery provides approximately 3,000 hours of typical use (roughly one year of regular playing). The solderless Quik-connect design makes battery swaps straightforward—no soldering required.

What genres and playing styles is the 60A best suited for?

The 60A excels in metal, rock, hard rock, and alternative contexts, where its focused midrange and upper-frequency clarity cut through high-gain rigs and dense arrangements. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk, where warmer, less articulate voicings are typically preferred.

Does it come with everything I need to install it?

Yes, the EMG 60A includes a pre-wired volume/tone control set, output jack, hardware, and a Quik-connect cable—all you need for a plug-and-play installation without soldering.

What is the noise floor, and why does it matter?

The pickup maintains a noise floor of -89dBV at 60Hz, which is exceptionally clean and means you'll hear minimal hum or hiss even at high gain settings. This active noise rejection makes it ideal for studio sessions and loud live environments where signal integrity is critical.

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 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 60A delivers the articulate, focused character of an alnico-magnet humbucker with the consistency and low noise floor that active electronics provide. This covered pickup maintains a balanced midrange presence and natural sustain, making it a reliable workhorse for rock, metal, and alternative stages. The brushed black chrome finish complements modern and classic guitar aesthetics alike.

Tone & Electronics

A ceramic magnet construction paired with active circuitry produces output of 1.25V per string and 3.5V on strum, with exceptionally clean signal integrity—–89dBV noise at 60Hz. The 2.95kHz resonant frequency positions the pickup's peak response in the upper-midrange, yielding clarity and definition without brittleness. On a live stage, that translates to articulate note separation and cutting presence through any PA system.

Design & Specifications

This covered humbucker operates on a single 9V battery with a 3,000-hour battery life under typical use, drawing only 80 microamps of current. Installation is streamlined via solderless connectivity with a Quik-connect cable, and the included pre-wired volume/tone control set, output jack, and hardware minimize setup time. For touring or frequent swaps between instruments, the plug-and-play design keeps you off the workbench and ready to gig.

Key Features

Active Humbucker type with covered design
Ceramic magnet construction
DC Resistance: 10K
Output: 1.25V per string / 3.5V on strum
Noise floor: –89dBV at 60Hz
Resonant frequency: 2.95kHz
Output impedance: 10kOhms
2-wire plus battery connectivity
Solderless Quik-connect installation
Battery life: 3,000 hours on single 9V
Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC

The EMG 60A combines the warmth and articulation of alnico response with active noise rejection and output consistency. Built for gigging reliability and backed by EMG's Quik-connect system for hassle-free swaps and upgrades, it's a solid choice for players who demand dependable tone night after night.