EMG4626 vs EMG4627 — Compare
EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 57 is a bridge-position pickup engineered for maximum articulation and cut in high-gain contexts, while the EMG 66 is a neck-position pickup designed for balanced midrange response and versatility across genres. Choose the 57 if you need aggressive clarity and punch in heavy music; choose the 66 if you want a balanced neck pickup that pairs well with bridge models in rock and metal.
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EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Bridge-position optimized for high-gain, metal, and progressive genres
- ✓ Brighter resonant frequency (2.11 kHz) emphasizes note definition and articulation
- ✓ Higher output voltage (3.00V string / 4.50V strum) cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Superior noise floor at -100 dB for clean high-impedance signal chains
Why choose EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Neck-position tuned for balanced midrange without excessive low-end mud
- ✓ Versatile character between single-coil brightness and passive humbucker body
- ✓ Excellent pairing option with bridge pickups across multiple genres
- ✓ Streamlined installation with long-shaft design fitting standard pot heights
Frequently asked questions
Can these pickups be used together in the same guitar?
Yes. The 57 is engineered as a bridge-position pickup while the 66 is designed for neck position, making them complementary choices for a complete active pickup set. Many players pair them together for balanced output and tonal versatility across the neck.
What's the main tonal difference between the 57 and 66?
The 57 is brighter and more aggressive with emphasis on midrange punch and clarity, optimized for cutting through high-gain contexts. The 66 offers a more balanced character sitting between single-coil and passive humbucker, prioritizing articulation without excessive brightness.
Which pickup is better for metal and hard rock?
The EMG 57 is specifically engineered for metal, hard rock, and progressive genres with its punchy midrange and controlled output. The 66 works well in rock and metal but is designed more for neck-position versatility rather than the aggressive bridge-position character the 57 delivers.
Do both pickups require batteries and how long do they last?
Both are active designs requiring a 9V battery. The 57 draws 160 microamps and provides approximately 1500 hours of battery life per 9V cell. The 66 also operates on a single 9V battery with similar longevity typical of EMG active designs.