What makes the 60X different from the EMG 81?

The 60X uses a ceramic magnet with close-aperture coils tuned to a 2.28 kHz resonant frequency for a more balanced, articulate midrange; the 81 is voiced differently and typically favored for more aggressive high-gain tones. Both are active designs with low noise, but the 60X excels when you need clarity and definition across rock and metal without harshness.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 60X draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell—roughly 4 months of regular playing. Solderless Quik-Connect wiring makes battery swaps quick and straightforward.

Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?

No. The 60X is voiced for rock, metal, and high-gain applications with a defined, articulate character that doesn't suit jazz or blues playing styles, which typically benefit from warmer, less aggressive humbucker voicings.

What's included and how do I install it?

The 60X includes the active tone control and split-shaft volume pot wired with a solderless Quik-Connect system for easy plug-and-play installation. You'll need a 9V battery to power the active circuit, and standard guitar soldering skills are not required.

What output level and noise performance should I expect?

String output is 3.00 V and strum output is 8.00 V with an output noise floor of -107 dB, ensuring clean signal drive into any amp and minimal hum even in electrically noisy venues or studios.

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 60X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 60X delivers tight, articulate humbucker tone with minimal noise floor and extended headroom. This active pickup uses close-aperture coils and ceramic magnets to capture defined attack and controlled sustain, making it a solid choice for players working across rock, metal, and high-gain applications who demand consistency and clarity on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Frequency Response

A resonant frequency of 2.28 kHz positions the 60X for controlled midrange presence without harshness. The ceramic magnet design paired with covered coil construction yields a balanced output that avoids the brittleness common to ceramic-based pickups, while string output of 3.00 V and strum output of 8.00 V provide adequate signal drive into tube or solid-state amplifiers without excessive compression. Live or recorded, the 60X cuts through a mix without sacrificing note definition.

Electronics & Installation

This active design operates on a 9V battery with an exceptionally efficient current draw of 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell—reliable power for extended gigging without midset battery swaps. The included solderless Quik-Connect system simplifies installation and troubleshooting, while the split shaft volume and active tone control set allows onboard EQ shaping; the output noise floor of -107 dB ensures minimal hum even in electrically noisy venues and live-sound rigs.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction
Close aperture coil design
Resonant frequency: 2.28 kHz
String output: 3.00 V
Strum output: 8.00 V
Output noise: -107 dB (60 Hz)
Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
Active tone control with split shaft volume pot included
Solderless Quik-Connect wiring system
9V battery operation with 80 µA current draw
Battery life: 3000 hours per cell
Covered pickup design; brushed chrome finish

The 60X combines low noise performance with straightforward active-circuit operation, delivering predictable tone and reliable battery longevity for touring and session musicians who value both signal integrity and minimal setup hassle.