EMG5361 vs EMG5433 — Compare
EMG James Hetfield Het Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome vs EMG 57/66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
The Het set is signature-tuned for extreme metal aggression with James Hetfield's preferences, while the 57/66 is a more balanced, versatile workhorse for metal and studio use. Choose Het for dedicated thrash/drop-tuning rigs; choose 57/66 for flexibility across genres and settings.
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EMG James Hetfield Het Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome
EMG 57/66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG James Hetfield Het Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome | EMG 57/66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $269.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG James Hetfield Het Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Chrome
- ✓ Signature collaboration designed specifically for Metallica's tone and drop-tuning demands
- ✓ Steel pole pieces on bridge deliver maximum articulate attack and string separation
- ✓ Oversized bobbins on neck exceed standard EMG 60 specs for enhanced sustain
- ✓ Long shaft potentiometers fit Les Paul controls without modification
Why choose EMG 57/66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Balanced Alnico V magnet pairing works well across high-gain and clean tones
- ✓ Neck pickup's 4.50V output provides noticeably warmer, fuller tone than Het neck
- ✓ Bridge and neck resonate at different frequencies (2.11 kHz vs 1.61 kHz) for natural tonal separation
- ✓ Studio-grade clarity with lower noise floor suits recording and live mixing
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup set is better for drop-tuning and extreme metal?
The Het set is purpose-built for this application, with steel pole pieces on the bridge designed for tight low-end definition and reduced feedback in dense mix scenarios. The 57/66 handles metal well but is more general-purpose.
Are both sets truly solderless and do they fit Les Pauls?
Both use EMG's solderless Quick Connect installation. The Het specifically features long shaft 19mm potentiometers that mount directly into Les Paul controls without modification; the 57/66 comes with standard potentiometers that may require cavity work depending on your guitar.
What's the tonal difference between neck pickups on these sets?
The Het neck has oversized bobbins for added sustain and warmth but is optimized for metal aggression. The 57/66 neck uses Alnico V magnets with ceramic poles and outputs 4.50V—noticeably warmer and fuller—making it more suited to clean and semi-clean tones.
Which set works better for studio recording?
The 57/66 is specifically mentioned as studio-grade with a lower noise floor and balanced bridge-neck pairing, making it the safer choice for mixing and recording across multiple takes and tones.