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

The bridge EMG 81 uses a ceramic/steel magnet for articulate high-end clarity and tight output (10K DC resistance). The neck EMG 89R uses an alnico magnet and includes 5-conductor wiring for coil-split capability, letting you access true single-coil tones while retaining warmth and dimensionality.

Do I need to solder these pickups into my guitar?

No. The EMG Solderless Install System includes all pre-wired electronics (pots, jacks, battery bus, pickup cables), so installation requires no soldering iron. Everything connects via quick connectors and mounting hardware.

What genres and playing styles are these pickups designed for?

These are engineered for metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and drop-tuning players. The set excels in heavy, articulate contexts but the neck pickup's coil-split versatility also supports blues, rock, and alternative tones.

What's included in this package?

The set includes the EMG 81 bridge and EMG 89R neck pickups, 25K volume pot, 25K push/pull volume pot, dual 25K tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup and battery cables, mounting screws, springs, and all connector cables—everything needed for a complete retrofit.

Will these work in any guitar?

These are configured for standard 6-string humbucker spacing. They fit any guitar with standard dual-humbucker routing; the solderless system adapts to most wiring configurations, though your guitar must support humbucker-size cavities.

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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $16 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG GH Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black

The EMG GH pairing delivers articulate high-end clarity from the bridge while the neck pickup retains warmth and dimensionality—a balanced active setup built for modern players who demand both precision and versatility. This is Kirk Hammett's signature configuration, engineered for tight, responsive output with the option to dial in traditional single-coil character when needed.

Pickup Configuration & Output

The set combines a bridge EMG 81 (ceramic/steel magnet, 10K DC resistance) with a neck EMG 89R (alnico magnet, 5-conductor wiring). The 89R's coil-split capability unlocks true single-coil tones from the neck position, while both pickups run on active circuitry powered by battery for consistent output and controlled dynamics across the frequency spectrum.

Live Reliability & Setup

The Solderless Install System gets you stage-ready fast—no soldering iron required. The complete electronics package includes 25K volume pot, 25K push/pull volume pot, dual 25K tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, and all necessary cables (pickup, connect, output, and battery), plus mounting hardware, making this a turnkey retrofit for 6-string guitars with standard humbucker spacing.

Key Features

Bridge: EMG 81 active humbucker (ceramic/steel magnet)
Neck: EMG 89R active humbucker (alnico magnet, 5-conductor wiring)
10K DC resistance (bridge pickup)
Coil-split capability on neck pickup for single-coil voicing
Battery-powered active circuitry
Made in the USA
Solderless Install System with push/pull volume pot integration
Complete electronics: pots, jacks, bus connectors, battery cable, output cable, and pickup cables included
Standard 6-string humbucker spacing
Mounting screws and springs included

This configuration delivers the cut and sustain needed for heavy music on stage, while the 89R's versatility ensures the neck voice adapts to blues, rock, and alternative playing styles—dependable performance night after night.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings
Tonal character	Articulate high-end clarity, tight output, warm neck voice, responsive dynamics, controlled sustain
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional