What genres and tunings is the Fat 55 designed for?

The Fat 55 excels in metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications. It is not optimized for jazz, folk, or country styles. Its aggressive midrange and high output make it ideal for high-gain rhythm work and cutting lead tones in dense band mixes.

How does the Fat 55 compare to other high-output bridge pickups?

The Fat 55 sits between passive and active designs—it combines the harmonic complexity of a passive pickup with the noise rejection and punch of active electronics. Comparable models include the Seymour Duncan JB, DiMarzio Crunch Lab, and EMG 81, though the Fat 55's 2.8 kHz resonance and Alnico 5 magnet offer a warmer, more defined midrange than the brighter 81.

How long does the battery last, and what's involved in installation?

A single 9V battery powers two pickups for 715 hours of continuous use. EMG's solderless system with exclusive connectors eliminates traditional wiring and solder work—simply plug the pickup in and connect the battery, making installation straightforward for intermediate to professional players.

What is the noise floor, and will it work with high-gain settings?

The Fat 55 has a -102 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, ensuring clean signal transmission even at extreme gain levels. Combined with 3.1 Kohm output impedance, it integrates seamlessly with standard guitar electronics and amplifier inputs without hum or unwanted noise.

What are the specifications for output and power?

The Fat 55 delivers 4.0V nominal output, peaks at 8.0V on hard strum, and operates on a 9V battery with 350 microamps current draw. It supports up to 27V DC maximum supply for stacked or modified configurations, offering flexibility for custom builds.

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 Fat 55 Bridge Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra

The EMG Fat 55 bridge pickup delivers the aggressive, focused attack that defines modern active electronics while retaining the harmonic complexity of a passive design. This Alnico 5 retro-active humbucker occupies the sweet spot between vintage character and contemporary punch, making it equally capable of driving heavy rhythms or cutting through dense live mixes on lead. On stage or in the studio, this pickup responds with clarity and punch that sits right in the pocket.

Tone & Output Performance

A 2.8 kHz resonant frequency combined with 4.0V nominal output and 8.0V max strum voltage ensures this pickup delivers clarity without sacrificing body or definition. The -102 dB noise floor keeps your signal clean and tight even when pushing your amp or running through high-gain effects, while 3.1 Kohm output impedance works transparently with standard guitar electronics and any amplifier input.

Build & Installation

Built as an open coil humbucker with stainless steel components, the Fat 55 stands up to road use and the mechanical demands of gigging. Installation is streamlined through EMG's solderless system with exclusive connectors, eliminating traditional wiring complexity and making pickup swaps or repairs straightforward. The bridge pickup operates on a single 9V battery shared across a two-pickup set, delivering 715 hours of battery life at 350 microamps draw and supporting up to 27V DC maximum supply for stacked or modified configurations.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico 5
Configuration: Open coil humbucker
Resonant Frequency: 2.8 kHz
Output Voltage (nominal): 4.0V
Output Voltage (max strum): 8.0V
Output Noise: -102 dB at 60 Hz
Output Impedance: 3.1 Kohm
Active Preamp: 9V battery-powered
Battery Life: 715 hours per set
Current Draw: 350 microamps at 9V
Material: Stainless steel construction
Installation: EMG solderless system with exclusive connectors

The Fat 55 bridge pickup combines retro-active responsiveness with the reliability and noise rejection that working musicians depend on, whether performing live or recording.