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EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 60 offers a more balanced, versatile tone suitable for hard rock, fusion, and studio work, while the EMG 81 is a high-output, aggressive pickup designed specifically for metal and extreme rock genres. Choose the 60 for tonal flexibility; choose the 81 for maximum cut and aggression.
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EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Higher output (3.5V vs 1.25V RMS) for cleaner, more headroom-friendly signal
- ✓ Warmer, more balanced midrange (2.95 kHz) makes it suitable for fusion and progressive styles
- ✓ Versatile across genres without losing clarity or articulation
Why choose EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Aggressive focused midrange (2.25 kHz) cuts through dense mixes in metal contexts
- ✓ Steel bar pole pieces deliver stronger string definition and reduced feedback
- ✓ Covered design offers rugged protection and aggressive aesthetic
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup has more output?
The EMG 60 produces 3.5V output versus the EMG 81's 1.25V RMS, making the 60 significantly hotter. Despite this, the 81 is marketed as high-output because its focused character and aggressive voicing compensate for lower raw voltage in rock and metal contexts.
Can either pickup work for jazz or blues?
Neither is ideal for traditional jazz or blues according to their descriptions. The 60 is slightly more neutral in tone and could work in fusion contexts, but both are voiced for aggressive genres. Look elsewhere for warm, bluesy humbucker tones.
What's the difference in battery life?
Both pickups draw 80 microamps and offer approximately 3,000 hours of battery life from a single 9V battery, so battery performance is essentially identical between them.
Which is better for metal?
The EMG 81 is specifically engineered for metal with its aggressive midrange character, steel bar pole pieces, and covered design. The EMG 60 can handle metal but is more balanced overall, making it less specialized for extreme tones.