Is the EMG 60A suitable for blues or jazz?

No—the EMG 60A is optimized for rock, metal, and fusion where articulation and punch are priorities. Its active voice and defined character are not designed for the smooth, warm, breathy tones blues and jazz players typically seek.

What comes in the box?

The package includes the pickup itself, a Quik-Connect cable, a pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs. You'll have everything needed for installation.

How long does a battery last?

At 80 microamps current draw from a 9V battery, expect approximately 3000 hours of playing time before replacement—roughly 3–4 months of moderate to heavy use.

How does the EMG 60A compare to the EMG 81?

The 60A offers a more balanced, articulate midrange tone with better note separation, while the 81 is darker and more aggressive. Choose the 60A for clarity across genres or the 81 if you want maximum thickness and aggression.

Is this a passive or active pickup?

The EMG 60A is active—it requires a 9V battery and includes an onboard preamp that delivers low noise, controlled output, and consistent response across a wide range of playing dynamics.

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 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Red

The EMG 60A sits in the sweet spot between passive warmth and aggressive bite—a balanced, articulate active humbucker that cuts through live mixes without losing definition. Built for rock, metal, and fusion players who need clarity and controlled output, this pickup delivers punchy note separation that holds its own on stage and in the studio. The red finish catches the light while the proven active electronics stay rock-solid reliable night after night.

Tone & Electronics

A 2.95 kHz resonant frequency and 1.0 RMS output voltage give you a focused, defined character with excellent articulation. The 3.0 peak output voltage and -89 dBV output noise floor mean dynamic range you can trust and hum rejection that keeps your signal clean, while the 10 kOhm output impedance integrates seamlessly with standard guitar preamps and amp inputs.

Design & Build

Ceramic magnets paired with close aperture coils deliver the core tone, while a shielded preamp housed in epoxy casing keeps noise out and reliability in. At 80 microamp draw at 9V, you're looking at approximately 3000 hours of battery life—enough gigs between battery swaps to keep your focus on playing, not maintenance.

Key Features

Resonant Frequency: 2.95 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 1.0
Peak Output Voltage: 3.0
Output Noise: -89 dBV
Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
Current Draw @ 9V: 80 Microamps
Battery Life: 3000 hours
Magnet Type: Ceramic
Coil Configuration: Close aperture coils
Housing: Epoxy casing with shielded preamp
Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.4 x 2.75 inches
Includes: Quik-Connect cable, pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs

The EMG 60A is a road-tested choice for players who want active-pickup responsiveness and stage-ready midrange character without the hassle of complex installation.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Fusion, Hard Rock
Tonal character	Balanced, articulate midrange, punchy, defined, controlled output
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional