Is the EMG 66 a neck or bridge pickup?

The EMG 66 is voiced and designed specifically for neck position, delivering warm and articulate tones that work best in that location.

What do I need to install this pickup?

The EMG Solderless Install System is included and contains a split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, springs, and everything else needed for installation. You'll also need one 9V battery to power the active circuit.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The EMG 66 has a standard 49mm string spacing (Tune-O-Matic) and compact footprint that accommodates most traditional guitar builds without modification. It measures 4.00" wide and uses a standard 10mm potentiometer shaft length.

How does the EMG 66 compare to other active humbuckers like the EMG 81?

The EMG 66 is a neck pickup with Alnico V magnets and warm, articulate voicing suited to jazz, blues, and rock, while the EMG 81 is a bridge pickup with a ceramic magnet design voiced for higher output and tighter response. The 66 emphasizes refined vintage character; the 81 prioritizes modern aggression and sustain.

What genres is the EMG 66 best for?

The EMG 66 excels in jazz, blues, rock, and studio sessions where clarity and vintage warmth are valued. It is not recommended for metal or thrash metal, where tighter, higher-output bridge pickups are typically preferred.

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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG 66 delivers the tight, controlled response of an active humbucker with the sophistication of Alnico V magnets paired with ceramic pole pieces. This neck-position pickup produces articulate, warm tones with excellent clarity—a staple for players seeking refined vintage character without sacrificing modern definition. The brushed gold finish adds distinctive visual appeal to any instrument.

Design & Build Quality

Built with a brushed steel cap and precision-engineered magnet configuration, the EMG 66 maintains structural integrity while delivering consistent magnetic field characteristics. The compact footprint and standard 49mm string spacing accommodate most traditional guitar builds without modification.

Installation & Power

EMG's Solderless Install System includes everything needed for fast, reliable integration: split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs. A single 9V battery powers the active circuit, offering extended headroom and low-impedance output for clean signal transmission to your amplifier.

Key Features

Alnico V magnets with ceramic pole pieces
Brushed steel cap construction
Neck position voicing
Active humbucker design
Requires 1 × 9V battery
EMG Solderless Install System included
Standard 49mm string spacing (Tune-O-Matic)
10mm potentiometer shaft length (Standard)
Split shaft volume/tone control set included
Output jack and battery clip set included
Dimensions: 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D
Brushed gold finish

The EMG 66 combines the tactile warmth of Alnico magnets with active circuit precision, making it a solid choice for gigging musicians who demand both vintage character and modern reliability in their neck pickup. On stage, this pickup holds up to the demands of consistent performance while delivering the tonal versatility that serves everything from blues to modern rock.