What's the difference between the 60AX and EMG's 81 pickup?

The 60AX is warmer and more articulate with a smoother midrange character, while the 81 is darker and more aggressive. The 60AX also offers higher headroom and is more responsive to picking dynamics, making it better suited for players who want clarity without sacrificing warmth.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours under typical playing use, with an extremely low current draw of 80 microamps. That works out to many months of regular use before replacement.

Is the 60AX good for jazz or traditional tones?

No—the 60AX is voiced for hard rock, metal, and progressive music with a focused, articulate character. Traditional jazz and folk players should look for warmer, smoother pickup designs.

What output level does the 60AX deliver?

The pickup outputs 8.00 V on strum and 3.00 V per string with a -105 dBV noise floor, ensuring clean, high-headroom signal to your amp or preamp without noise interference.

What skill level is this pickup for?

The 60AX suits intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its articulate response and controlled output reward refined playing technique and demand understanding of active electronics.

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 White

The EMG 60AX is a versatile active humbucker that balances the warmth of passive tone with the clarity and headroom of active circuitry. This white-finished pickup bridges the gap between traditional and modern pickup designs, making it a reliable choice for players seeking flexible, controlled output without sacrificing dynamics or articulation.

Tone & Electronics

Built on Alnico magnets and close aperture coils, the 60AX delivers a focused, articulate response with smooth midrange character. The X series design increases headroom while maintaining the responsiveness of a passive pickup, yielding 8.00 V output on strum and 3.00 V output per string with remarkably clean signal integrity at -105 dBV noise floor. On stage, this means punchy string definition, controlled sustain, and the kind of low-noise performance that keeps your tone locked in during live sets.

Power & Performance Specs

This active design runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—80 microamps current draw translates to approximately 3000 hours of battery life under typical use. The pickup handles supply voltages up to 27 V DC, offering flexibility for custom wiring schemes, while 2.00 KOhm output impedance ensures stable, consistent signal to your preamp or amplifier. For gigging musicians, that battery life means real-world reliability without frequent changes mid-tour.

Key Features

Alnico magnet construction
Close aperture coils for focused response
X series design bridging passive and active characteristics
8.00 V output voltage (strum)
3.00 V output voltage (per string)
1.84 KHz resonant frequency
-105 dBV output noise at 60 Hz
2.00 KOhm output impedance
80 microamps current draw at 9V
3000 hours typical battery life
Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
White finish

The 60AX delivers articulate, controlled tone with the efficiency and low noise floor expected from professional active electronics. Built for the player who needs a pickup that responds to touch, cuts through a mix, and stays dependable night after night.