What's the difference between the bridge and neck pickups in this set?

The 57 bridge pickup has a 2.11 kHz resonant frequency tuned for articulate attack and pick definition, while the 66 neck pickup uses 1.61 kHz for warmer, more complex harmonic response suited to sustained notes and lead work. Both are active humbuckers with switchable single- and dual-coil modes via included push-pull potentiometers.

How long does the battery last and what's the output noise level?

At 9V, the battery delivers approximately 1500 hours of runtime with standard current draw (160 mA across the set). The noise floor is -100 dB at 60 Hz, making it ideal for high-gain and studio applications where signal-to-noise ratio is critical.

Do I need to solder these pickups, or is installation straightforward?

No soldering required—the set includes a solderless wiring harness and push-pull potentiometers pre-assembled for mode switching. Installation is plug-and-play, and you can switch between single- and dual-coil voicing without rewiring.

What genres and playing styles is this set best suited for?

These pickups are optimized for metal, hard rock, high-gain applications, and studio sessions. They are not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, as their aggressive articulation and high output are engineered specifically for modern rock and metal tones.

Can I run these on a higher voltage supply for more headroom?

Yes, the circuit accepts up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage, allowing you to increase headroom beyond the standard 9V if needed.

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 $19 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 F-57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

The EMG 57/66 set delivers articulate, controlled high-output tone with the flexibility of single- and dual-coil voicing from a single pickup configuration. Chrome covers provide classic aesthetics while the active electronics ensure consistent signal integrity and extended playing sessions. This set cuts through live mix with aggressive clarity and dynamic response across pickup modes, making it road-ready for gigging and studio work alike.

Tone & Electronics

Active circuitry produces 3V output on single notes and 4.5V on strummed chords, with a noise floor of -100 dB at 60 Hz—ideal for high-gain applications, tight stage sound, and studio recording where signal-to-noise ratio matters. The 57 bridge pickup (2.11 kHz resonant frequency) emphasizes articulation and pick attack for cutting solos, while the 66 neck pickup (1.61 kHz resonant frequency) delivers warmer, more complex harmonic response for lead work and sustained notes that project on stage.

Installation & Performance

Solderless design with included wiring harness and push-pull potentiometers on each pickup eliminates complicated soldering and allows mode switching without rewiring—critical for reliability during touring and quick troubleshooting in the field. The 9V battery delivers 1500 hours of runtime at standard current draw (160 mA across the set), and the circuit accepts up to 27V DC for users running higher-voltage supplies for increased headroom and tonal flexibility.

Key Features

Active Humbucker set with Single- and Dual-coil modes
HH configuration (2-piece set)
Covered pickups in chrome finish
Alnico/Ceramic magnet (bridge), Alnico/Steel magnet (neck)
5-wire plus ground and battery connectivity
10K DC resistance
3V output on single notes; 4.5V output on strummed chords
-100 dB output noise floor at 60 Hz
1500-hour battery life at 9V
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Solderless wiring harness and push-pull potentiometers included
1.1 inch thickness (standard EMG humbucker profile)

The combination of controlled output, low noise, and instant mode-switching capability makes this set a straightforward upgrade path for players transitioning to active electronics without extensive rewiring—and without worrying about reliability on the road.