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

The 60AX excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio high-gain recording where tight articulation and controlled output are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from the warmer, more dynamic character of passive pickups.

How long does a 9V battery last, and how difficult is battery replacement?

A single 9V battery provides 3000 hours of play time. The solderless design and included battery bus system make swapping batteries straightforward—no soldering or complex wiring required.

What comes included with the EMG 60AX?

The pickup ships with a 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cables, mounting screws, and solderless connectors ready for installation. All wiring components are included so you can wire it immediately into your guitar.

How does the 60AX compare to EMG's 81/85 models?

The 60AX sits between the 81 and 85 in output character, offering a balanced blend of articulation and power. With its 8.00V strum output and -105 dBV noise floor, it provides the clarity and low-noise performance needed for studio recording and high-gain live work, while remaining less aggressive than the 81.

Will this pickup work in my existing guitar without major modification?

Yes. The solderless installation system and included connectors eliminate the need for traditional wiring or heavy modification. It fits standard humbucker cavities and installs cleanly into most electric guitars.

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 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory

The EMG 60AX delivers articulate, controlled output with the punchy character that active electronics bring to humbucker designs. This Ivory finish version offers a clean aesthetic while maintaining the same tight low-end response and midrange clarity that make the 60AX a workhorse for genres demanding definition without sacrificing power. The solderless installation system makes swapping into an existing guitar straightforward, with no heavy modification work required.

Tone & Output Performance

With a 1.84 kHz resonant frequency and 8.00V strum output, this pickup sits in the sweet spot between aggressive gain and harmonic articulation. The 3.00V string output ensures clean articulation on single notes, while the 2.00 Kohm output impedance and -105 dBV noise floor deliver low noise with high headroom—critical for gigging musicians who need reliable stage presence and studio tracking without unwanted hum or feedback.

Installation & Power

The solderless connectors and included battery bus system eliminate the need for traditional wiring. The pickup runs on a standard 9-volt battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life, and it supports supply voltages up to 27 volts DC for players pushing toward extreme output levels. Current draw sits at just 80 microamps at 9V, keeping battery consumption minimal during extended play sessions and tour schedules.

Key Features

Alnico magnet type for warm, defined tone
1.84 kHz resonant frequency
8.00V output voltage (strum)
3.00V output voltage (string)
-105 dBV output noise at 60 Hz
2.00 Kohm output impedance
80 microamps current draw at 9V
3000-hour battery life per 9V cell
27 volts DC maximum supply rating
Solderless installation with included connectors
Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cables, and mounting screws
Ivory finish

A proven, low-noise active humbucker that delivers the transparency and control needed for both studio sessions and live stage reliability.