EMG4133 vs EMG4535 — Compare

EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome vs EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Black Chrome

Both are signature Het pickups with identical electronics and tone characteristics—the only difference is finish. Choose Chrome for a classic look or Brushed Black Chrome for a modern aesthetic that matches contemporary guitar designs.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

$269.00
View EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Black Chrome

$269.00
View EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Black Chrome

Specs side by side

EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in ChromeEMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Black Chrome
Price$269.00$269.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

  • ✓ Classic chrome finish matches traditional metal instrument styling
  • ✓ Identical tone and electronics to the black chrome version
  • ✓ USA-made active humbuckers with ceramic magnets and 1500+ hour battery life
  • ✓ Tight low end and searing highs engineered for drop tunings and palm-muted riffs

Why choose EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Black Chrome

  • ✓ Brushed black chrome finish complements modern guitar aesthetics
  • ✓ Same aggressive articulate tone and high output as chrome version
  • ✓ Controlled feedback rejection ideal for high-gain chains
  • ✓ Includes wiring harness with potentiometers and battery bus for easy installation
Bottom line: Both pickups deliver identical performance and tone—your choice depends entirely on finish preference. Chrome suits classic metal aesthetics; brushed black chrome suits contemporary instrument designs.

Frequently asked questions

Are the electronics and tone identical between these two sets?

Yes. Both feature the same 2.11 kHz neck and 1.61 kHz bridge resonant frequencies, 3.00V string and 4.50V strum output, ceramic magnets, 9V battery system with 1500+ hour life, and vacuum-sealed epoxy construction. The only difference is cosmetic finish.

Which finish looks better on modern guitars?

The brushed black chrome finish is described as complementing contemporary instrument aesthetics. The chrome finish offers a classic look. Choose based on your guitar's existing hardware and your personal preference.

Do these pickups work well for genres beyond metal?

These are specialized for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and drop tunings. They are not recommended for jazz, blues, folk, or country due to their aggressive, high-output character and tight low-end voicing.

What's the noise performance in high-gain setups?

The brushed black chrome version specifies a -100 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, ensuring minimal hum in high-gain chains. Both versions use active electronics designed to reject feedback while maintaining articulate attack.

✨
🎸

Welcome! Before we chat…

Drop your name and email so we can follow up if you reach us after hours.

We never share your info.

✨
🟢 Specialist connected