EMG57 vs EMG5838 — Compare
EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
The EMG HB is a compact, efficient hybrid bass pickup optimized for funk and studio clarity with exceptional battery life, while the EMG Fat 55 Neck is a full-sized guitar humbucker built for rock and metal with warmer harmonic character and higher output. Choose the HB for bass-specific funk and articulate low-end work; choose the Fat 55 for guitar-driven rock and metal contexts.
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EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black
EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
Specs side by side
| EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black | EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Exceptional 3000-hour battery life with minimal 80-microamp current draw
- ✓ Compact 69.8mm × 38.1mm footprint fits most bass configurations
- ✓ Hybrid P-style and humbucker design cuts through dense mixes with focused low end
- ✓ Split-coil construction delivers tight midrange and aggressive presence for funk and slap
Why choose EMG Fat 55 Neck Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
- ✓ Higher 8.0V maximum strum output delivers more driving presence for rock and metal
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnet produces warm, natural harmonic complexity with retro character
- ✓ Open-coil humbucker design balances articulation with dynamic sustain
- ✓ EMG solderless installation system and short-shaft pots simplify retrofitting
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference in output and why does it matter?
The HB produces 2.00V string response and 4.50V strum peak, while the Fat 55 Neck generates 4.50V string output and 8.0V maximum strum output. The Fat 55's higher output makes it more suitable for driving rock and metal tones, whereas the HB's focused output prioritizes clarity and definition for bass-specific articulation and cutting through dense mixes.
Which pickup is better for battery life?
The EMG HB draws only 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life, while the Fat 55 Neck draws 350 microamps, providing about 715 hours per 9V cell. The HB is vastly superior for gigging musicians who want to minimize battery changes between performances.
Are these pickups for bass or guitar?
The EMG HB is specifically designed as a bass pickup with P-style construction despite its guitar-humbucker housing. The EMG Fat 55 Neck is a guitar humbucker for the neck position. These are not interchangeable—choose based on your instrument type and musical genre.
How do the installation and control systems differ?
The Fat 55 Neck features EMG's solderless installation system with short-shaft 25k potentiometers (9.9 mm), enabling straightforward retrofit. The HB bass pickup specifications do not mention solderless installation or potentiometer details, suggesting a more traditional bass pickup integration approach.