EMG4793 vs EMG4796 — Compare
EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Red vs EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The 57-8H is a bridge-position pickup with steel pole pieces designed for aggressive lead definition, while the 66-8H is a neck-position pickup with ceramic pole pieces voiced for controlled, even response. Choose the 57-8H if you need bridge-position aggression; choose the 66-8H if you need a neck-position pickup or want a smoother, more compressed character.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
Specs side by side
| EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145.00 | $145.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ Bridge-position design optimized for lead clarity and punch
- ✓ Steel pole pieces for articulate, defined high-end response
- ✓ Complete wiring package included (potentiometers, output jack, battery bus)
- ✓ Proven for tight low-end definition in extended tunings
Why choose EMG 66-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ Neck-position voicing for balanced, even response across all strings
- ✓ Ceramic pole pieces deliver classic EMG compressed character
- ✓ Simplified battery cable connection to standard active circuitry
- ✓ Focused dynamics ideal for high-gain rhythm and lead work
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between these two pickups?
Position and pole-piece design. The 57-8H is a bridge pickup with steel pole pieces for tight, articulate response. The 66-8H is a neck pickup with ceramic pole pieces for compressed, even dynamics. They serve different roles in a two-pickup 8-string setup.
Which one includes more installation hardware?
The 57-8H includes a complete solderless wiring system with volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware. The 66-8H includes the battery cable but expects you to use standard EMG active circuitry already in place or to purchase additional components.
Are these pickups suitable for the same genres and tunings?
Yes, both excel in metal, djent, and progressive music with extended tunings and drop-tuned contexts. Both are unsuitable for jazz, blues, or folk. The key difference is position (bridge vs. neck) rather than genre fit.
Which pickup has a tighter low end?
Both deliver tight, controlled lows essential for 8-string extended-range playing. The 57-8H emphasizes articulate definition; the 66-8H emphasizes compressed, even response. Choice depends on whether you prioritize bridge-position clarity or neck-position balance.