EMG4536 vs EMG4539 — Compare
EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold vs EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold
Both are the same EMG James Hetfield Het pickup set at the same price tier—the only substantive difference is the finish (Brushed Gold vs. Gold) and minor wording variations in the descriptions. Either will suit metal and high-gain players seeking aggressive, articulate tone with minimal noise; choose based solely on aesthetic preference between the two finishes.
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 Brushed Gold
EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold | EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $269.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Brushed gold finish offers a distinct matte visual aesthetic
- ✓ Identical active electronics and 1500-hour battery life
- ✓ Complete wiring harness included (volume, tone pots, cables)
Why choose EMG James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold
- ✓ Polished gold finish for traditional gleaming appearance
- ✓ Solderless installation system reduces setup complexity
- ✓ Neck and bridge pickups optimized at different frequencies (2.11 kHz vs. 1.61 kHz)
Frequently asked questions
What is the actual tonal difference between these two sets?
There is no tonal difference—both use identical ceramic magnets, active circuitry, and voltage specifications (4.50V strum, 3.00V string, -100 dB noise floor). Product B's description mentions different resonant frequencies per pickup (2.11 kHz neck, 1.61 kHz bridge), but Product A does not specify bridge frequency separately. The core tone characteristics remain aggressive, articulate, and high-output for metal applications.
Do I have to solder either of these sets?
Product B explicitly features EMG's solderless installation system. Product A's description does not mention solderless installation, suggesting it may require traditional soldering or hard-wiring, though both include complete wiring components. If solderless retrofit is important, Product B is the clearer choice.
Are these suitable for genres other than metal?
Both sets are optimized for metal, thrash metal, and hard rock with high-gain amplification. They are not ideal for jazz, blues, or clean-tone-focused playing due to their aggressive character and high output. Intermediate to professional players with high-gain rigs will get the best results.
What is the battery life and power requirement?
Both sets use a single 9V battery providing approximately 1500 hours of battery life. The active circuit draws only 160 microamps, and Product A notes support for up to 27V DC maximum supply for flexible powering configurations.