What is the long shaft design, and does my guitar need it?

The long shaft design accommodates long-shaft potentiometers found in some guitar models. Check your current pots before ordering; standard short-shaft guitars will require short-shaft pot conversion or a different pickup.

How does the EMG 66 compare to the EMG 81?

The 66 is more midrange-focused and articulate with balanced output, while the 81 is brighter and more aggressive, favoring extreme treble. The 66 works better across jazz, fusion, and moderate-gain styles; the 81 suits higher-gain and metal applications.

Is this pickup quiet enough for recording without noise issues?

Yes—the active circuitry operates at –100 dB output noise, virtually eliminating hum and 60 Hz interference in both clean and distorted recording scenarios.

What does the solderless installation mean, and how easy is it to swap?

Solderless wiring uses connectors instead of solder joints, reducing installation time and lowering the risk of heat damage during setup. Four-conductor wiring also allows flexible circuit design if you plan onboard electronics later.

How long does the battery last, and what supply voltage does this pickup need?

Battery life is 1500 hours for a full pickup set (roughly 2 months of daily 4-hour use). It operates at a standard 9 V supply but can handle up to 27 V DC maximum, providing headroom for future upgrades.

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 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red

The EMG 66 is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who need clarity and articulation without giving up thickness. Its balanced output and virtually silent noise floor perform across jazz, fusion, and heavier styles alike, and the red finish brings visual punch to any rig. The long shaft design fits guitars spec'd for long-shaft potentiometers, making installation straightforward and hassle-free.

Tone & Output Characteristics

This pickup cuts with a resonant frequency of 1.61 kHz, serving up a midrange-forward response that sits in a live mix without muddying clarity or single-note definition. Single-string output hits 3 V, while strum output reaches 4.5 V—plenty of drive for stage volume and recording without pushing your preamp into the red.

Electronics & Installation

Active circuitry operates at –100 dB output noise, crushing hum and interference in both clean and high-gain tones. Four-conductor wiring and solderless installation mean faster setup and less downtime in the shop or on the road, while a 27 V DC maximum supply rating leaves room for future onboard electronics or power upgrades.

Key Features

Active humbucker with Alnico (Type A) magnet and ceramic pole pieces
Resonant frequency: 1.61 kHz
Single-string output: 3 V
Strum output: 4.5 V
Output noise: –100 dB at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kOhm
Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
Four-conductor wiring for flexible circuit design
Solderless installation for quick setup
Long shaft potentiometer compatibility
Current draw: 160 mA (for set)
Battery life: 1500 hours (for set)
Designed for neck position
Red finish

The EMG 66 pairs refined midrange response, bulletproof stage reliability, and silent operation—a no-compromise choice for neck position across any genre or setting.