What's the difference between the 60A and EMG's 81/85 pickups?

The 60A uses alnico magnets for a warmer, more organic tone with articulate midrange clarity, while the 81/85 pair use ceramic magnets and deliver higher output and aggression. The 60A is better suited for players who want definition and note separation in high-gain contexts; the 81/85 excel when maximum drive and raw power are the priority.

How long does the battery last, and what's the installation like?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours—roughly one year of typical use. Installation is straightforward: the 18.7mm threaded long shaft fits standard guitar potentiometer holes, and the pickup comes with a battery bus, volume and tone potentiometer, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware.

Will this pickup work in a high-gain rig without noise or feedback?

Yes. The -101 dBV noise floor and active circuitry virtually eliminate hum, and the controlled 3–4.5V output remains tight and focused even in high-gain and studio applications. The 80 microamp current draw is efficient, and the pickup tolerates up to 27 volts DC, so it integrates cleanly with effect chains and alternative power solutions.

What genres and playing styles suit the 60A best?

The 60A excels in metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and studio sessions where articulate midrange clarity and controlled output matter. Its warm, organic character makes it less suited for traditional jazz or acoustic folk, where a different tonal approach is expected.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG 60A is an active humbucker built for players who need articulate midrange punch without losing the aggression that defines modern active tone. Its alnico magnet construction delivers a warmer, more organic character than standard ceramic designs while maintaining the controlled output and noise-free operation that makes EMG active pickups live-stage reliable. The long shaft configuration fits standard guitar potentiometer holes, so installation works cleanly on most instruments without modification.

Tone & Output Characteristics

With a resonant frequency of 2.20 kHz, this pickup sits right in the zone for cutting clarity without shrill edges. Output runs 3.00V on single-string plucking and 4.50V on full strums, giving you consistent, articulate response across your dynamic playing range. The 10 Kohm output impedance and -101 dBV noise floor lock in signal integrity with zero hum—essential for high-gain rigs, studio tracking, and venues where electrical noise can ruin a take.

Power & Reliability

This active system runs on a standard 9V battery with a rated battery life of 3000 hours, roughly one year under typical playing conditions before you need a fresh cell. The 80 microamp current draw keeps power drain minimal, and the pickup handles a maximum supply of 27 volts DC, giving you headroom if you're stacking effects chains or exploring alternative power solutions without tone degradation.

Key Features

Active humbucker with alnico magnet for warm, organic tone
18.7mm threaded long shaft for standard potentiometer compatibility
Resonant frequency: 2.20 KHz
Output voltage: 3.00V (string) / 4.50V (strum)
Output noise: -101 dBV at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours
Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
Connector: 1/4" mono phone plug
Includes 25 kOhm volume and tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
Color: White

The EMG 60A pairs active-system precision with alnico musicality, delivering the controlled output and dependable operation that working musicians count on night after night.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, High-Gain Applications
Tonal character	Articulate midrange clarity, warm and organic, controlled output, low noise floor, tight and focused
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Acoustic Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional