EMG4551 vs EMG4595 — Compare
EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 66 is a neck-position pickup optimized for balanced midrange clarity and controlled response, while the EMG 81 is a high-output bridge or front pickup engineered for aggressive tones and heavy genres. Choose the 66 if you need articulate neck clarity; pick the 81 if you want maximum output and noise rejection for metal and drop tunings.
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EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 66 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Neck-position voicing with balanced low-end and midrange clarity
- ✓ Lower 1.61 kHz resonant frequency for warmer, defined character
- ✓ Compact stainless steel housing for easy retrofitting
- ✓ Excellent for studio recording and progressive styles
Why choose EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Higher 1.75-volt peak output for aggressive, cutting tones
- ✓ Long shaft design accommodates modern guitar controls without modification
- ✓ 2.25 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper harmonics and midrange presence
- ✓ Superior noise rejection at -91 dBV, ideal for high-gain and drop tunings
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both pickups together in the same guitar?
Yes. The 66 is designed for neck position and the 81 for bridge or front position, making them complementary in a two-pickup setup. Both use solderless active circuits and the included pots can be mixed for a complete active system.
Which is better for drop tunings and metal?
The EMG 81 is engineered specifically for metal and drop tunings. Its higher output (1.75V peak), tighter low end, and -91 dBV noise floor make it ideal for heavy genres where articulation and noise rejection at high gain matter most.
What is the main tonal difference between the two?
The 66 emphasizes midrange clarity with a lower 1.61 kHz resonant frequency for balanced warmth, while the 81 pushes midrange presence and upper harmonics at 2.25 kHz for more aggressive, cutting aggression. The 81 also delivers significantly higher output.
Are both solderless and easy to install?
Yes, both feature EMG's solderless installation system with all necessary wiring and potentiometers included. The main difference is that the 81 uses long shaft components to accommodate modern guitar controls without modification.