EMG4988 vs EMG5010 — Compare
EMG 66-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red vs EMG 57-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
The 66-7 is designed for neck position with ceramic pole pieces and a 1.61 kHz resonant peak for extended clarity, while the 57-7 is a bridge-position pickup with steel pole pieces optimized for controlled aggression and tight cavities. Choose the 66-7 if you prioritize articulate extended-range definition across all seven strings; choose the 57-7 if you need a high-output bridge pickup for metal riffs with aggressive punch.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 66-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red | EMG 57-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 66-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
- ✓ Neck-position configuration with balanced response across all seven strings
- ✓ Ceramic pole pieces with 1.61 kHz resonant peak for extended clarity and controlled upper mids
- ✓ Measured single-string output (3.00V) supports precise extended-range articulation
- ✓ Approximately 1500 hours of battery life per 9V battery set
Why choose EMG 57-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
- ✓ Bridge-position soapbar design fits tight modern seven-string cavities
- ✓ Integrated 25k volume and tone potentiometers for onboard control
- ✓ Steel pole pieces with Alnico V magnets for reliable magnetic coupling and tonal consistency
- ✓ High-output design delivers controlled aggression ideal for locked-in riff work
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup should I choose for a seven-string guitar—neck or bridge position?
The 66-7 is engineered for neck position to deliver articulate extended clarity across all seven strings, while the 57-7 is optimized for bridge position with a compact form factor for tight cavities. Your choice depends on which position you're upgrading or replacing.
What's the difference in output voltage between these two pickups?
The 66-7 generates 4.50V on strum with 3.00V single-string output. The 57-7 is described as high-output but specific voltage measurements are not provided in the available specifications, making direct strum-output comparison impossible.
Do these pickups include onboard controls?
The 66-7 is a passive-style active design without onboard potentiometers. The 57-7 includes integrated 25k volume and tone potentiometers built into the pickup assembly for real-time sound shaping.
What's the difference in pole piece material, and does it matter?
The 66-7 uses ceramic pole pieces paired with Alnico V magnets to control upper mids at 1.61 kHz. The 57-7 uses steel pole pieces with Alnico V magnets for reliable coupling and consistent tonal response over time. Ceramic tends toward tonal definition; steel toward consistency and aggression.