EMG4597 vs EMG4598 — Compare
EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 60 prioritizes clarity and controlled output for mixed-gain recording and studio work, while the EMG 81 is tuned for aggressive midrange punch and maximum sustain in metal and drop-tuning contexts. Choose the 60 for versatility across genres; choose the 81 for dedicated high-output aggression.
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EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Higher resonance frequency (2.95 kHz) yields tighter, more articulate treble and clearer note definition
- ✓ Lower peak output (3.0V vs 1.75V) provides better headroom and less compression in high-gain chains
- ✓ Studio-grade noise floor (-89 dBV) ideal for recording and sensitive amplification
- ✓ Excellent bridge or neck flexibility across clean and crunch tones
Why choose EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Substantially higher RMS output (1.25V vs 1.0V) and peak voltage (1.75V) for maximum sustain and aggression
- ✓ Lower resonance frequency (2.25 kHz) emphasizes vocal midrange and upper harmonics favored in metal
- ✓ Solderless installation system eliminates soldering requirement
- ✓ Long shaft (19mm) confirmed for Les Paul and set-neck instruments without modification
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better for metal?
The EMG 81 is designed specifically for metal, hard rock, and drop tunings. Its higher output voltage (1.75V peak), lower resonance frequency (2.25 kHz), and midrange emphasis deliver the aggression and sustain metal demands. The EMG 60 is more versatile across mixed genres but less tailored to extreme high-gain contexts.
Can I use either pickup in a Les Paul without modification?
Both are long-shaft designs (19mm), but the EMG 81 explicitly confirms compatibility with Les Paul and set-neck instruments. The EMG 60 specifications do not confirm long-shaft compatibility, so verify your guitar's pickup cavity depth before ordering.
Which has a lower noise floor for recording?
The EMG 60 delivers a studio-grade noise floor of -89 dBV, significantly lower (quieter) than the EMG 81's +91 dBV specification. For recording and high-fidelity amplification, the EMG 60 is the superior choice.
How much louder is the EMG 81 in output?
The EMG 81 delivers 1.75V peak output versus the EMG 60's 3.0V peak output. However, the EMG 81's RMS output is higher (1.25V vs 1.0V), meaning it sustains greater average signal strength. Both share identical battery life (3000 hours) and current draw (80 µA).