What comes in the box?

The set includes both pickups, two 25k volume potentiometers, two 25k tone potentiometers, a complete wiring harness with battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup and connect cables, mounting hardware, and all connectors needed for installation. No additional components are required.

What guitar will these fit?

The M-72 is engineered for Gibson Tune-o-matic bridge width and fits any humbucker-routed instrument with standard Gibson pickup spacing. The compact footprint and .156 diameter rod magnets are designed for standard electric guitar installations.

How long does the 9-volt battery last?

The system draws only 1.3 milliamps across both pickups, delivering excellent efficiency and extended battery life. Typical use spans several months before battery replacement is needed, depending on playing frequency.

How do these compare to EMG 81/85 pickups?

The M-72 shares EMG's active low-impedance design and noise rejection but emphasizes articulate midrange and punchy response with a tighter low end, making it a natural choice for players seeking added clarity and definition over the warmth of the 81/85 pairing.

Do I need to ground the strings?

No. The M-72 requires no string grounding, eliminating shock hazard and simplifying installation compared to passive pickup systems. The active design handles noise rejection without grounding.

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. On this item that is roughly $16 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 M-72 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black

The EMG M-72 delivers articulate, punchy output with the clarity characteristic of active electronics and minimal noise floor. This dual-pickup set pairs tight low-end definition with responsive mid-range presence, making it ideal for players seeking precision and consistency across varied playing dynamics. The compact footprint and low-impedance design integrate smoothly into most humbucker-routed instruments.

Electronics & Power

These active pickups run on a single 9-volt battery, drawing just 1.3 milliamps for the complete 2-pickup system—excellent efficiency that extends battery life considerably. The low-impedance output minimizes susceptibility to RF interference and cable capacitance, preserving clarity and definition across long cable runs—critical on stage where wireless systems and other RF sources compete for clean signal.

Design & Installation

Engineered for Gibson Tune-o-matic bridge width, these pickups require no string grounding, eliminating shock hazard and simplifying wiring. The complete package includes all necessary components to get up and running: potentiometers, battery bus, switching hardware, mounting hardware, and a full loom of connecting cables—meaning fewer trips back to the tech bench before a gig.

Key Features

Individual Alnico 2 rod magnets in dual-coil humbucker format
Mini-rod magnet profile (.156 diameter)
Pole pieces spaced .395 inches (10 mm) apart
Overall pickup width 1.975 inches (50.1 mm)
Maximum string width coverage approximately 2 inches (51 mm)
Active electronics with low-impedance output
9-volt battery power requirement at 1.3 mA draw
No string grounding needed—zero shock hazard
Includes 2×25k volume pots and 2×25k tone pots
Complete wiring harness: battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus, mounting hardware, pickup cables, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable

The M-72 combines active-pickup responsiveness with straightforward installation and a comprehensive parts package, making it a reliable drop-in upgrade for gigging musicians who demand noise rejection, tonal definition, and the confidence that their pickups will deliver consistent output night after night.