EMG5041 vs EMG6392 — Compare
EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black vs EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
Both are budget-tier active EMG humbucker sets for metal and hard rock, but the 57/66 emphasizes articulate clarity across genres within its scope, while the Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker is optimized specifically for extreme metal with mid-forward aggression. Choose the 57/66 for versatility in lead work and studio flexibility; choose the Bone Breaker if you play thrash metal or djent and want maximum cut in dense mixes.
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EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black | EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.00 | $219.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
- ✓ Bridge 57 uses Alnico V magnets for punchy, defined midrange suited to lead work
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency on neck (1.61 kHz) produces warmer, more chord-friendly tone
- ✓ Tighter low end and minimal noise ideal for studio recording and mixed genres
Why choose EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
- ✓ Ceramic bridge pickup with 1.63 kHz resonance cuts through thick, saturated tones in metal
- ✓ Mid-forward character delivers surgical precision in dense mixes and djent applications
- ✓ Neck Alnico magnet preserves sustain and harmonic complexity at high gain settings
Frequently asked questions
How do the resonant frequencies differ and why does it matter?
The 57/66 has a bridge resonance of 2.11 kHz (punchy attack) and neck of 1.61 kHz (warm, chord-focused). The Bone Breaker reverses this with bridge at 1.63 kHz and neck at 1.80 kHz, emphasizing mids across both pickups for aggressive metal. The 57/66 offers more tonal separation between neck and bridge; the Bone Breaker delivers consistency in extreme genres.
Which set is better for lead solos?
The 57/66 is marketed for lead work with its articulate 57 bridge pickup. The Bone Breaker's high-output bridge and neck also support leads with sustain at saturation, making it equally capable but tuned specifically for thick, distorted metal rather than clean articulation.
Do both support studio recording?
Both deliver identical output specs (3V single string, 4.5V strum) and –100 dB noise floors suitable for recording. The 57/66's tighter low end and greater tonal warmth on the neck make it more naturally studio-friendly; the Bone Breaker excels when tracking heavy, saturated tones.
Are installation and wiring identical?
Both use solderless connectors and include complete harnesses (2×25K volume pots, 2×25K tone pots, stereo output jack). The Bone Breaker explicitly supports up to 27V DC input for extended headroom; both run on standard 9V batteries with similar draw.