EMG4635 vs EMG4672 — Compare

EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The 85X uses Alnico V magnets for a more compressed, articulate midrange with note separation, while the 60X employs ceramic magnets for higher output voltage and aggressive clarity. The 85X suits players prioritizing definition and tonal control in complex arrangements; the 60X is ideal for those seeking raw output and cutting highs in high-gain metal and modern rock.

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EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

$139.00
View EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

$139.00
View EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

Specs side by side

EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black ChromeEMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Price$139.00$139.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

  • ✓ Alnico V magnets deliver compressed, focused midrange character
  • ✓ Excellent note separation in dense tunings and effects chains
  • ✓ Close aperture coils provide tight, controlled low end
  • ✓ Presence-peak highs cut through mixes without harshness

Why choose EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

  • ✓ Higher output voltage (8.00 V) for aggressive high-gain clarity
  • ✓ Ceramic magnet construction provides punchy, articulate mids
  • ✓ Lower noise floor (-107 dB) ensures clean signal at extreme gain
  • ✓ Solderless Quik-Connect system simplifies installation
Bottom line: Choose the 85X if you want refined note definition and dynamic control across moderate to high-gain contexts. Choose the 60X if you prioritize maximum output volume and cutting aggression in dedicated high-gain metal and modern rock applications.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main tonal difference between Alnico V and ceramic magnets in these pickups?

Alnico V (85X) produces a compressed, articulate midrange with excellent note separation and presence-peak highs, favoring clarity and definition. Ceramic (60X) delivers higher raw output with punchy mids and aggressive, cutting highs optimized for modern high-gain tones.

Which pickup has higher output and how does that affect tone?

The 60X outputs 8.00 V on strum, providing more signal volume and aggressive clarity ideal for tight, defined high-gain tones. The 85X uses compressed output circuitry, prioritizing focused midrange character and note separation over raw volume.

Are both pickups suitable for metal and hard rock?

Yes, both excel in metal and hard rock. The 85X suits progressive metal and contexts requiring dynamic note articulation, while the 60X is optimized for straight-ahead modern metal and high-gain aggression with maximum cutting clarity.

Do both come with full installation parts?

Yes, both include solderless installation systems, split-shaft volume and active tone control sets, battery clips, and mounting hardware. The 60X features EMG's Quik-Connect system for additional wiring simplicity.

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