What does the active design mean, and what power does it need?

The EMG 60X uses a built-in active preamp powered by a single 9V battery, which provides consistent output, improved headroom, and dynamic response compared to passive pickups. Battery life is long between changes, and the pickup includes a battery clip for easy installation and replacement.

Is this pickup good for metal and hard rock?

Yes. The EMG 60X is specifically designed for metal, hard rock, and progressive music, delivering a tight low end, focused midrange, and articulate tone that cuts through dense mixes while maintaining controlled aggression and fast transient response.

How easy is it to install?

The pickup uses EMG's solderless connection system, which streamlines wiring and reduces installation time on compatible guitars. It includes integrated potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip, making the process faster than traditional soldered pickups.

What is the VLPF active tone control?

VLPF stands for Very Low Pass Filter, a built-in active tone control that lets you attenuate high frequencies for tonal shaping without coloration, giving you flexible sculpting options during recording or live performance.

How does the EMG 60X compare to other active humbuckers?

The EMG 60X is comparable to models like the Seymour Duncan JB Jr. and DiMarzio D Activator, but it emphasizes a tighter low end and more focused midrange with fast transients and reduced noise thanks to its ceramic magnets and close aperture coils.

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 Gold

The EMG 60X delivers articulate, controlled aggression with a tight low-end and focused midrange that cuts through dense mixes on stage. This active humbucker pairs ceramic magnets with close aperture coils for fast transient response and reduced noise—essential for players who need clarity without sacrificing power in live settings. The brushed gold finish strikes a distinctive visual statement while the revised preamp architecture maintains EMG's signature presence for reliable, dependable performance night after night.

Tone & Electronics

Built-in VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter) active tone control attenuates high frequencies for tonal shaping without coloration. The revised active preamp offers improved headroom and dynamic response compared to earlier EMG designs, capturing detail across the frequency spectrum while maintaining the pickup's characteristic punch and definition—crucial for cutting through a band mix and staying articulate under distortion.

Installation & Compatibility

Solderless connection system streamlines wiring and reduces installation time on compatible guitars, minimizing downtime before a gig. Includes integrated potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip; powered by a single 9V battery for consistent output and long operational life between battery changes—no power failures mid-set.

Key Features

Gold-plated steel housing with laser-engraved EMG logo
Ceramic magnet construction
Close aperture coils for focused frequency response
Active design with revised built-in preamp
VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter) active tone control
Solderless connection system
Single 9V battery power requirement
Includes potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip
Brushed gold finish
Package dimensions: 4.96 x 3.54 x 2.36 inches

The EMG 60X combines active electronics with refined magnetic design to deliver a pickup that handles controlled rhythmic work and expressive lead playing with equal reliability, making it a road-ready choice for demanding performers.