What's the difference between the Fat 55 and EMG's 81 pickup?

The Fat 55 is voiced for neck position with warmer, more balanced articulation and natural harmonic complexity using an Alnico 2 magnet, while the 81 is a bridge-position powerhouse with higher output and more aggressive presence. Both are active circuits; choose the Fat 55 for responsive, nuanced tone in the neck and the 81 for hard-hitting lead attack in the bridge.

How long does the battery last, and how do I know when it's dying?

Each 9V battery provides approximately 715 hours of playing time at 350 microamps current draw, roughly 3–4 weeks of daily use. As the battery weakens, you'll notice reduced output and increased noise; it's good practice to keep a spare 9V on hand for gigs and sessions.

Is this pickup easy to install in my existing guitar?

Yes—the EMG solderless installation system requires no soldering, and the short-shaft potentiometers (9.9 mm) fit most standard guitars. If your guitar already has EMG electronics or compatible wiring cavities, installation is straightforward; otherwise, you may need to route or adapt the cavity slightly.

Will this work well paired with a bridge pickup from another brand?

The Fat 55's balanced, articulate character pairs well with many bridge pickups, including Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio models. Since it's active and outputs 4.50V string level, matching it with a similarly output-level bridge pickup will maintain consistent volume and tone between positions; test for impedance compatibility with your chosen bridge model.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The Fat 55 excels in rock, metal, and hard rock—both live and in the studio. Its articulate, warm sustain and natural harmonic complexity make it less ideal for jazz or folk, where traditional passive pickups are typically preferred.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra

The EMG Fat 55 neck pickup cuts through a live mix with articulate presence while maintaining the dynamics and responsiveness that define working musicians' rigs. The open-coil humbucker design and Alnico 2 magnet deliver natural harmonic complexity from the neck position, giving you the retro character and sustain of passive electronics backed by active circuit reliability for gig-after-gig dependability.

Tone & Output Characteristics

This neck pickup generates a 4.50V string output and 8.0V maximum strum output with a 3.0 kHz resonant frequency, keeping your articulate lead lines and responsive rhythm tones locked in the pocket on stage. The -106 dB output noise floor means clean amplification with virtually no hum—essential when you're running through a full PA or recording direct to a console during soundcheck.

Electronics & Installation

The EMG solderless installation system with short shaft potentiometers (9.9 mm) lets you drop this into an existing setup fast; paired 25k volume and tone controls give you full tonal range with minimal noise floor. Active operation at 9V DC draws 350 microamps and delivers approximately 715 hours of battery life per cell, with support up to 27V DC maximum supply if you're running higher rails for extra headroom.

Key Features

Alnico 2 magnet; open-coil humbucker configuration
4.50V string output; 8.0V maximum strum output
3.0 kHz resonant frequency
-106 dB output noise (60 Hz)
3.1 kΩ output impedance
EMG solderless installation system
Short shaft 25k volume potentiometer (9.9 mm)
Short shaft 25k tone potentiometer (9.9 mm)
Active operation at 9V DC; 350 microamps current draw
Approximately 715 hours battery life
Maximum supply 27V DC
Stainless steel construction; zebra finish

The Fat 55 neck combines classic tonal character with modern active-circuit reliability, making it ideal for players upgrading a single position or building a hybrid setup.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Studio Sessions, Live Performance
Tonal character	Articulate, balanced, natural harmonic complexity, warm sustain, cut-through presence
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional