What guitars does the M-50 fit without modification?

The M-50 uses the Gibson mini humbucker footprint and fits ES-335, SG Special, Firebird, and similar routed cavities without any routing work.

How long does a 9V battery last in the M-50?

A two-pickup M-50 system draws only 1.3 milliamps from a single 9V battery, providing extended playing time between changes.

Do I need to solder or modify wiring to install the M-50?

No—the M-50 uses EMG's solderless connection system and requires no string grounding, making installation straightforward even for beginners.

What tone should I expect from the M-50 compared to passive pickups?

The M-50 delivers tight low end, punchy mids, and articulate high-gain clarity with zero hum. It's voiced for hard rock and metal, not jazz or blues.

Is the M-50 suitable for studio recording?

Yes—the new preamp design offers a low noise floor and high headroom, making it ideal for capturing clean, defined tones during high-gain recording sessions.

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 M-50 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG M-50 is a high-output active mini-humbucker built for gigging players who need articulate, noise-free performance in compact routing spaces. This pickup marries classic magnetic design with modern preamp technology, delivering punchy mids and controlled output without the hum that compromises passive alternatives on stage. The solderless installation system means you can retrofit it quickly, even without extensive wiring experience.

Tone & Electronics

Built around a classic "U" shaped magnetic layout with Alnico 5 bar magnet and steel poles, the M-50 produces tight, focused tones with excellent definition—critical for cutting through live mixes. The new preamp design is measurably quieter than earlier iterations while maintaining ample headroom—ideal for high-gain applications where clarity and reliability matter on the gig.

Installation & Compatibility

The Gibson mini humbucker footprint fits ES-335, SG Special, Firebird, and similar routed cavities without modification. Powered by a single 9V battery with negligible draw (1.3 mA for a two-pickup system), the low-impedance output and solderless connection system eliminate the need for extensive wiring work or string grounding, getting you back on stage faster.

Key Features

High-output active mini-humbucker design
Classic "U" shaped magnetic layout with Alnico 5 bar magnet and steel poles
Gibson mini humbucker footprint—fits ES-335, SG Special, Firebird, and similar routes
Maximum string width of approximately 2 inches (51mm)
Powered by 9V battery
Two-pickup system requires 1.3 milliamps of 9V battery power
Low-impedance output
Compatible with EMG's solderless installation system
No string grounding required
New preamp design with low noise floor and high headroom
Available in Black finish

The M-50 delivers active-pickup reliability and output in a format that respects vintage guitar cavities while offering modern noise rejection and clarity for working musicians.

Best suited for	Hard Rock, Metal, Studio Sessions, High-gain applications
Tonal character	Tight low end, punchy mids, articulate, noise-free, high output
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk, Blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional