EMG4660 vs EMG4661 — Compare

EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 57 is a bridge-position specialist optimized for metal and high-gain with a presence peak at 2.11 kHz for cutting through dense mixes, while the EMG 66 is a neck-position pickup designed for articulate midrange and tight lows with broader harmonic complexity. Choose the 57 for aggressive bridge-position tones in rock and metal; choose the 66 for neck-position versatility in studio work and extended-range guitars.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

$149.00
View EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

$149.00
View EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

Specs side by side

EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black ChromeEMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Price$149.00$149.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

  • ✓ Bridge-position design optimized for high-gain attack and definition
  • ✓ Presence peak at 2.11 kHz cuts through dense mixes without muddiness
  • ✓ 3.00V string output / 4.50V strum output delivers punchy, articulate response
  • ✓ Straightforward retrofit for most modern and vintage bridge cavities

Why choose EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

  • ✓ Neck-position specialized with long shaft for deeper-routed cavities and semi-hollow bodies
  • ✓ Stainless steel housing provides shielding and extended durability
  • ✓ Complete accessory kit included with volume/tone pots, battery bus, and output jack
  • ✓ Articulate midrange with tight low end and harmonic complexity for studio recording
Bottom line: Buy the EMG 57 if you need a bridge pickup for metal, hard rock, or high-gain live performance. Buy the EMG 66 if you're retrofitting a neck position in a semi-hollow guitar or prioritize studio recording versatility with included electronics.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the EMG 66 in a bridge position?

The EMG 66 is specifically designed for neck-position installation in deeper-routed cavities like semi-hollow and archtop guitars. The EMG 57 is the proper bridge-position choice for standard guitar bodies.

What's the main tone difference between these two pickups?

The EMG 57 emphasizes a presence peak at 2.11 kHz for cutting attack, ideal for palm-muted metal tones. The EMG 66 prioritizes articulate midrange and tight lows with harmonic complexity, suited for recording and neck-position playing.

Which pickup requires more installation work?

Both use solderless connectors to simplify installation. The EMG 66 includes a complete accessory kit with pots and output jack, making it a full retrofit solution, while the EMG 57 is a straightforward drop-in for existing electronics.

Are these pickups suitable for beginners?

Both are rated for intermediate to professional skill levels. Their active electronics and solderless installation are beginner-friendly, but they're voiced for high-gain and studio contexts rather than classic tone exploration.

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