EMG5039 vs EMG5040 — Compare

EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome vs EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold

Both are identical EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker sets with the same electronics, output, and specs—the only difference is finish color (Chrome vs. Gold). Choose Chrome for a standard, classic look or Gold for a premium aesthetic on higher-end builds.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

$269.00
View EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold

$269.00
View EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold

Specs side by side

EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in ChromeEMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold
Price$269.00$269.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome

  • ✓ Classic chrome finish suits most guitar styles
  • ✓ Identical active electronics and tonal characteristics
  • ✓ Solderless installation with complete wiring package

Why choose EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold

  • ✓ Premium gold finish for upscale instrument builds
  • ✓ Covered design for refined appearance
  • ✓ Identical active electronics and balanced frequency response
Bottom line: If appearance doesn't matter, either set is functionally identical; choose Chrome for standard builds or Gold if you want a premium look to match high-end guitar aesthetics.

Frequently asked questions

Are the electronics and tone exactly the same between Chrome and Gold versions?

Yes. Both feature identical active 10K DC Resistance circuits, 160 mA draw, 1500-hour battery life, -100 dB noise floor, and matching output specs: 3V single-note / 4.5V strummed on bridge, with 2.11 KHz resonance on bridge and 1.61 KHz on neck.

What's the actual difference between these two sets?

Finish only: Chrome (standard look) vs. Gold (premium finish). The Gold set includes a covered design, while specs, components, and installation are otherwise identical.

Are these good for metal and high-gain genres?

Yes. Both sets deliver tight articulation, low noise, high headroom, and aggressive bridge response—ideal for metal, hard rock, and progressive genres. Not recommended for jazz or blues.

Is soldering required for installation?

No. Both sets include a solderless connectivity system with all necessary cables, potentiometers, battery bus, and mounting hardware for straightforward installation.

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