What skill level do I need to install this pickup?

The 2-wire plus battery solderless connectivity is designed for quick installation, making it accessible to intermediate players and above. No soldering required, though familiarity with basic electronics and cavity routing for the long shaft design is recommended.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No. The EMG 66 is engineered specifically for metal, hard rock, and high-gain contexts. Its hot output and articulate character are not optimized for jazz, blues, or clean tones.

What guitars is the long shaft design compatible with?

The long shaft accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard cavity geometries, making it suitable for guitars that require extended routing. Verify your guitar's cavity depth before purchase to ensure fit.

How does the EMG 66 compare to the EMG 81 and 85?

All three are professional active humbuckers. The 66 balances output and articulation with a tight low end, while the 81 is hotter and more aggressive, and the 85 offers more midrange color. Choose based on your tuning, genre, and desired tonal character.

What does the 9V battery power, and how long does it last?

The active electronics are powered by a single 9V battery that amplifies the signal and provides the noise-free, consistent output. Battery life typically ranges from months to a year depending on playing frequency and tone settings.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 66 is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who need clarity, punch, and consistent output night after night. Its brushed chrome cover delivers a refined look while the long shaft design accommodates deeper guitar cavities without compromise. This is a professional-grade pickup engineered to cut through live mixes with articulate definition and rock-solid reliability.

Active Electronics & Output

Powered by a single 9V battery, this active design generates a hot, focused signal with minimal noise floor—essential for high-gain stages where signal integrity keeps your tone locked in. The 10K ohm DC resistance coupled with Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces produces a balanced tone that avoids mud while preserving note separation and the dynamics you need to be heard.

Construction & Installation

The pickup features solderless connectivity for quick installation and fast troubleshooting on the road, while the stainless steel housing and brushed chrome covering withstand the wear of touring and professional use. Its covered design and long shaft profile make it compatible with deeper routes and non-standard cavity geometries, giving you flexibility across different instrument builds.

Key Features

Active humbucker with powered 9V operation
Alnico V magnet with steel pole pieces
10K ohm DC resistance for controlled output
Long shaft design for deep guitar cavities
Stainless steel housing with brushed chrome cover
2-wire plus battery solderless connectivity
6-string configuration
Covered humbucker design
EMG part number 4058.00

This EMG 66 delivers the active clarity and output consistency that gigging musicians depend on for reliable performance.