EMG4556 vs EMG4559 — Compare
EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The 66-7H is a bridge pickup engineered for 7-string guitars with aggressive upper-midrange bite ideal for tight, articulate metal tones, while the 66-8H is a neck-voiced pickup for 8-string guitars that prioritizes warmth and sustain across a wider frequency range. Choose the 66-7H if you play 7-string extended-range guitars and want maximum pick attack; choose the 66-8H if you own an 8-string and need a versatile neck pickup that balances definition with musicality.
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EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 66-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Engineered specifically for 7-string instruments
- ✓ Higher aggression and pick attack with 1.61 kHz peak response
- ✓ Strum output of 4.5V delivers maximum gain clarity
- ✓ Compact 7-string housing ensures proper fit
Why choose EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Built for 8-string guitars with proper extended-range balance
- ✓ Neck voicing adds warmth and sustain without losing clarity
- ✓ Solderless installation system speeds setup
- ✓ Warm tonality suits lead work and clean passages alongside heavy riffing
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these pickups?
The 66-7H emphasizes aggressive upper midrange and pick attack optimized for 7-string bridge positioning, while the 66-8H offers a warmer, more sustained neck voicing designed for 8-string guitars. The 66-7H peaks at 1.61 kHz for maximum clarity; the 66-8H balances midrange clarity with warmth.
Will either pickup fit my guitar if I have a different string count?
No. The 66-7H is engineered in a compact 7-string housing, and the 66-8H uses an 8-string humbucker cap. Installing a 7-string pickup in an 8-string guitar or vice versa will result in improper fit and tonal imbalance across strings.
How much easier is the 66-8H to install?
The 66-8H uses EMG's solderless installation system, which eliminates traditional wiring and reduces setup time significantly. The 66-7H does not mention solderless capability, implying it may require standard wiring.
Which pickup has lower noise and better battery life?
The 66-7H specifies a -100 dB noise floor and up to 600 hours of battery life per charge. The 66-8H's battery life and noise specifications are not detailed in the provided information.