EMG514 vs EMG661 — Compare
EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG 45DC 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 89 is a guitar humbucker for metal and hard rock players seeking articulate highs with aggression, while the EMG 45DC is a 6-string bass pickup for funk and progressive bassists needing tight lows and defined midrange. These are entirely different instruments—one fits guitars, the other fits basses.
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EMG 45DC 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG 45DC 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Compact humbucker footprint fits standard guitar cavities
- ✓ Dual single-coil and dual-coil output modes from one pickup body
- ✓ AlNiCo V magnet and vacuum-sealed design ensure durability and noise rejection
- ✓ Medium output preserves high-end clarity while delivering aggressive low-end
Why choose EMG 45DC 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Purpose-built for 6-string bass with extended headroom and ultra-quiet operation
- ✓ Industry-leading -115 dBV noise floor ideal for studio tracking and high-gain live settings
- ✓ 4.3 kHz resonant peak cuts through dense mixes while maintaining full low-end extension
- ✓ Flexible power management: 18V recommended for maximum headroom, 9V for extended battery life
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the EMG 45DC in a guitar?
No. The EMG 45DC is engineered as a soapbar bass pickup for 6-string bass instruments. It will not fit standard guitar pickup cavities and is voiced specifically for bass frequency response and string spacing.
Can I use the EMG 89 in a bass?
No. The EMG 89 is a guitar humbucker designed for guitar-scale instruments. It lacks the extended low-end response, string spacing, and output characteristics required for bass guitar applications.
Which pickup is better for noise rejection in live performance?
The EMG 45DC offers superior noise rejection with an industry-leading -115 dBV noise floor and is optimized for live bass performance. The EMG 89 uses vacuum sealing and SMT technology for guitar-level noise rejection but is not designed for bass applications.
What are the power requirements for each pickup?
The EMG 89 draws approximately 160 microamps when two pickups are installed (standard guitar setup). The EMG 45DC operates on 9V for extended battery life (approximately 1200 hours) or 18V for maximum headroom, with a maximum rating of 27V DC.