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

The bridge pickup uses a ceramic magnet and produces 8.0V max output with tight, focused articulation centered at 2.33 kHz for cutting attack and definition. The neck pickup uses alnico 5 for a warmer response peaking at 3.0 kHz, delivering 8.0V max and suited for smoother lead work. Both maintain matched output impedance for consistent tonal integration.

How long does the 9-volt battery last?

The included 9V battery provides approximately 1400 hours of continuous use. The set also supports supply voltage up to 27V DC, so you can integrate it into custom builds or pedalboard-based signal chains if needed.

Is soldering required to install these pickups?

No. The EMG Solderless Install System is included, which eliminates solder work and speeds up mounting and wiring for a more reliable installation.

How quiet are these pickups compared to passive humbuckers?

Both pickups deliver exceptionally low noise floors: the bridge sits at –96 dB and the neck at –106 dB (60 Hz), making them ideal for high-gain applications, thick tracking, and studio sessions where noise is a concern.

What genres and playing styles is this set designed for?

The EMG Hot 70 excels in hard rock, metal, progressive, and studio session work where articulate, controlled output and tight low-end definition are essential. It is not recommended for acoustic folk or traditional jazz applications.

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 $15 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 Hot 70 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black

The EMG Hot 70 delivers articulate, controlled output with traditional open-coil aesthetics and modern active electronics. This set pairs a ceramic bridge pickup with an alnico 5 neck pickup, each equipped with a dedicated plug-in FET preamp for low-impedance performance and quiet operation. Built for stage players and session work where clarity cuts through a dense mix without surrendering classic humbucker character and warmth.

Electronics & Tone Profile

The bridge pickup produces a maximum output of 8.0V with tight, focused articulation at 2.33 kHz resonance, ideal for cutting leads and rhythm definition on a crowded stage. The neck pickup delivers warmer response peaking at 3.0 kHz for smooth, singing leads that sit well in a live mix. Both channels maintain exceptionally low noise floors (bridge –96 dB, neck –106 dB at 60 Hz)—critical for reliable wireless systems and line-level performance—and the matched 3.1 kΩ output impedance on each pickup ensures consistent tonal integration and amp responsiveness across the set.

Installation & Power

The Solderless Install System makes gigging faster and more dependable: no soldering required, which means less downtime between sessions and fewer connection points that can fail on the road. A single 9-volt battery powers the set for approximately 1400 hours of continuous use, with supply voltage rated up to 27V DC for flexible integration into custom builds or pedalboard-based signal chains.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet (bridge) and alnico 5 magnet (neck)
Traditional open-coil design with plug-in FET preamp per pickup
Bridge output impedance: 3.1 kΩ
Neck output impedance: 3.1 kΩ
Bridge output voltage: 4.0V string / 8.0V max strum
Neck output voltage: 4.50V string / 8.0V max strum
Bridge resonant frequency: 2.33 kHz
Neck resonant frequency: 3.0 kHz
Output noise: Bridge –96 dB, Neck –106 dB (60 Hz)
9-volt battery operation with 1400-hour battery life
25kΩ potentiometers for volume and tone control
Solderless Install System included

This pickup set combines the visual appeal and tonal character of vintage design with the reliability and exceptionally low-noise performance demanded by live performers and touring musicians.

Best suited for	Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Articulate, tight low end, focused midrange, low noise, warm neck response
Less specialized for	Acoustic Folk, Traditional Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional