EMG5262 vs EMG5263 — Compare
EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome vs EMG 60-7H Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The 81-7H is a high-output aggressive pickup built for metal and djent with maximum gain and minimal noise, while the 60-7H offers a more balanced, versatile tone suited to progressive and studio work. Choose the 81-7H for pure metal aggression; choose the 60-7H if you need flexibility across genres and play styles.
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EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
EMG 60-7H Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | EMG 60-7H Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ 1.75V peak output delivers maximum gain for metal and heavy drop-tuning tones
- ✓ Ultra-low –91 dBV noise floor ensures clean signal at extreme gain settings
- ✓ Tuned to 2.25 kHz for tight lows and aggressive articulate highs ideal for djent
Why choose EMG 60-7H Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Balanced response suits studio, live performance, and progressive styles equally well
- ✓ Smooth, focused midrange character works across more genres than metal-only designs
- ✓ Lower 80 microamp draw conserves battery life relative to higher-output alternatives
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tone difference between these two pickups?
The 81-7H is voiced for tight, aggressive lows and controlled highs optimized for palm-muted metal riffs, while the 60-7H provides a more balanced midrange character and smooth response that translates better across jazz fusion, progressive, and clean studio tones. The 81-7H prioritizes focused aggression; the 60-7H prioritizes versatility.
How do the output levels and noise floors compare?
The 81-7H delivers 1.75V peak output with a –91 dBV noise floor, making it louder and cleaner at extreme gain levels. The 60-7H has a lower, more moderate output level suited to players who don't push amplifiers to maximum distortion.
Are these pickups equally easy to install?
Both use EMG's solderless wiring system and include all necessary cables and controls, making installation straightforward for both beginners and experienced players. No soldering knowledge required for either model.
Which pickup works better for extended-range tunings below drop-D?
The 81-7H is specifically engineered for extended-range and drop-tuning applications with its tight low-end response and high output, making it the better choice for Drop-C, Drop-B, or lower tunings. The 60-7H handles extended range but prioritizes balanced tone over extreme low-end control.