EMG4965 vs EMG4973 — Compare
EMG 60-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold vs EMG 85-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The 60-7XH emphasizes upper-midrange clarity and articulation for cutting through dense mixes, while the 85-7XH delivers a warmer, compressed midrange with controlled treble for punchy rhythm work. Choose the 60-7XH if you need maximum note definition and cut; choose the 85-7XH if you prefer a warmer, more compressed tone with extended low-end presence.
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EMG 60-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
EMG 85-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 60-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | EMG 85-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Upper-midrange presence cuts through high-gain contexts
- ✓ Higher clarity and articulation for lead work
- ✓ Extended frequency response across full spectrum
- ✓ Best for djent and tightly defined note separation
Why choose EMG 85-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Compressed midrange delivers punchy, focused rhythm tone
- ✓ Controlled treble reduces harshness in high-gain settings
- ✓ Extended low-end clarity tailored for low B-string articulation
- ✓ Warmer character balances aggression with musicality
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two?
The 60-7XH is brighter with emphasized upper-midrange presence and articulation, while the 85-7XH is warmer with a compressed midrange and controlled treble. The 60 series cuts more; the 85 punches harder with less harshness.
Which is better for rhythm vs. lead playing?
The 85-7XH excels at heavy, punchy rhythm work due to its compressed character. The 60-7XH works well for both, but its clarity advantage shines in intricate lead passages and djent-style picking.
Are there any installation or compatibility differences?
Both use long shaft design for 7-string guitars, require 9-volt batteries, and use EMG's solder-free connection system. The 85-7XH is specifically noted as compatible with modern deep-cavity bridge posts, while the 60-7XH accommodates standard 7-string bridge spacing.
Which handles low B-string articulation better?
The 85-7XH is specifically engineered for extended low-end clarity on the low B-string. The 60-7XH provides tight low end overall, but the 85-7XH has a tonal advantage in that frequency range for definition on downtuned material.