EMG3386 vs EMG3388 — Compare
EMG PAX Active Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The PAX is a compact single-coil active pickup optimized for tight spaces and aggressive articulation in funk and slap contexts, while the 60A is a full-sized humbucker engineered for metal, hard rock, and fusion with upper-midrange punch and visual chrome finish. Choose the PAX if you need retrofit flexibility and modern bass clarity; choose the 60A if you want traditional humbucker footprint with heavier genre bite.
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Specs side by side
| EMG PAX Active Bass Pickup in Black | EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG PAX Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Compact single-coil design fits into tight pickup cavities without routing modifications
- ✓ Articulate mids and controlled lows excel at slap bass and fingerstyle techniques
- ✓ Retrofitting capability into existing bass bodies
- ✓ Aggressive transient capture cuts through dense mix environments
Why choose EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Full humbucker configuration delivers polished chrome aesthetic and traditional form factor
- ✓ 2.95 kHz resonant frequency optimized for metal, hard rock, and fusion clarity
- ✓ Ceramic magnet and stainless steel cap provide tight articulation without excessive brightness
- ✓ Exceptionally clean electronics with -89 dBV output noise floor and 3,000-hour battery life
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for metal and hard rock?
The EMG 60A is purpose-built for metal and hard rock, with a 2.95 kHz resonant frequency positioned for upper-midrange definition and cut that works well in high-gain contexts. The PAX is optimized for funk and slap bass.
Can the PAX fit into any bass body, or do I need routing?
The PAX is a compact single-coil design that retrofits into tight pickup cavities without routing modifications for most modern bass bodies. The 60A is a standard humbucker size requiring standard humbucker routing.
What is the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The PAX delivers punchy, articulate mids with controlled lows and aggressive transients ideal for slap and fingerstyle, while the 60A emphasizes upper-midrange presence with tight articulation suited to metal and fusion. Both are active with high output, but the PAX is leaner and the 60A is more scooped in the low end.
How long do the batteries last in each pickup?
Both pickups run on a single 9V battery. The 60A is rated for approximately 3,000 hours of continuous operation; the PAX specifications emphasize consistent output and reduced noise floor characteristic of active design but do not specify exact battery life.