EMG4865 vs EMG4866 — Compare
EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold vs EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 60X prioritizes articulate treble and balanced midrange for versatile rock and studio work, while the EMG 81X delivers high output with tight lows and punchy mids optimized for metal and high-gain live settings. Choose the 60X for clarity across multiple genres; choose the 81X for aggressive, cut-through tone in dense band mixes.
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EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Balanced midrange with full treble response suits clean and driven tones
- ✓ Versatile across rock, metal, and studio recording applications
- ✓ Solderless Install System with all components included for easy setup
- ✓ Refined active preamp provides consistent output and noise rejection
Why choose EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ High output with tight, controlled low-end cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Ceramic and steel magnet system produces focused, punchy articulation
- ✓ X-Series preamp with -105 dB noise floor ideal for high-gain and recording
- ✓ Quick-Connect system enables faster installation and wiring flexibility
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The 60X emphasizes articulate treble and balanced midrange for versatile, refined tone. The 81X prioritizes high output with tight lows and punchy mids designed to cut through aggressive high-gain settings.
Which pickup is better for metal?
The EMG 81X is explicitly engineered for metal and djent with its high output, tight low-end, and -105 dB noise floor. The 60X can handle metal but leans more versatile across genres.
Are the installation systems different?
Both use solderless systems, but the 60X includes split shaft controls and standard wiring, while the 81X uses the Quick-Connect 3-pin header system for more flexible wiring options.
Which suits studio recording better?
The 60X offers balanced, articulate tone suitable for capturing detail across multiple takes. The 81X's -105 dB noise specification and focused output excel in high-gain recording where clarity under saturation is critical.