EMG4664 vs EMG4665 — Compare
EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 57 is a bridge-position pickup designed for maximum aggression and punch in metal and hard rock, while the EMG 66 is a more refined, balanced option suited for neck position and studio work where articulate clarity and noise control take priority. Choose the 57 if you want raw power and string separation for high-gain bridge applications; choose the 66 if you need versatility across positions and studio-quality signal integrity.
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EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Higher output voltage (4.5 V strum) delivers aggressive punch ideal for metal and hard rock
- ✓ Alnico V with steel pole pieces optimized specifically for bridge-position power and tight low end
- ✓ Designed explicitly for high-gain rigs demanding maximum clarity under distortion
Why choose EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Alnico V with ceramic pole pieces provides balanced, articulate response across frequency spectrum
- ✓ Includes complete control components (25K pots, battery bus, stereo jack) for streamlined wiring
- ✓ Versatile neck-position design with lower noise floor suitable for studio sessions and mixed applications
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the EMG 66 in the bridge position instead of the neck?
The EMG 66 is explicitly designed for neck-position installation on 6-string guitars. The EMG 57 is the bridge-position workhorse. Using the 66 in the bridge position will not deliver the aggression and tight low-end response optimized for that role.
Which pickup is better for beginners?
The EMG 66 supports beginner skill levels per its listing, while the EMG 57 targets intermediate and above. Both include solderless installation to simplify setup, but the 66's lower output and balanced response make it less demanding for players still developing high-gain technique.
What is the main tonal difference between the two?
The EMG 57 prioritizes aggressive output, punchy dynamics, and articulate string separation through steel pole pieces, making it cut through heavy distortion. The EMG 66 uses ceramic pole pieces for a smoother, more balanced articulate response that sits well in mixes without excessive midrange coloration.
Do both pickups require a battery?
Yes, both are active designs powered by a standard 9V battery. The EMG 57 offers 1500 hours of battery life per set, and both maintain excellent noise rejection (-100 dB at 60 Hz for the 57) essential in high-gain applications.