EMG5726 vs EMG6188 — Compare
EMG HX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red vs EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The HX is a single-coil design in humbucker format with onboard tone control, ideal for players wanting articulate clarity without body routing; the 60AX is a traditional humbucker with Alnico magnets and long shaft for deep cavities, better suited to those prioritizing warmth and aggression in high-gain contexts. Choose the HX if you need retrofit versatility and real-time tonal shaping; choose the 60AX if your guitar has deep routing and you want classic active humbucker character with Alnico warmth.
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EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
Specs side by side
| EMG HX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Single-coil articulation in humbucker housing—no body routing needed
- ✓ Integrated Active Tone Control (VLPF) for on-the-fly high-frequency adjustment
- ✓ Extended dynamic range and note separation ideal for studio precision
- ✓ Solderless installation system for quick setup
Why choose EMG 60AX Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
- ✓ Alnico magnet construction delivers warmer, more nuanced tone than ceramic
- ✓ Long shaft configuration fits deep-cavity and custom-routed guitars
- ✓ Mid-forward voicing cuts through dense mixes in high-gain contexts
- ✓ Traditional humbucker coil configuration with proven aggression and attack
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two?
The HX delivers single-coil snap and transparency with extended high-frequency clarity; the 60AX offers a warmer, mid-forward humbucker character thanks to its Alnico magnet, with tighter lows and more aggressive attack. The HX prioritizes articulation; the 60AX prioritizes warmth within an active framework.
Which one fits my guitar without modification?
The HX fits standard humbucker cavities. The 60AX requires a long shaft cavity, designed for guitars with deeper pickups or custom routing—check your guitar's cavity depth before purchasing.
Can I adjust tone on either pickup?
Only the HX includes an integrated Active Tone Control (VLPF) for on-the-fly high-frequency roll-off adjustment. The 60AX's tone is fixed by its Alnico construction and mid-forward voicing, though standard amp EQ still applies.
Which is better for high-gain metal?
Both excel in high-gain, but the 60AX's humbucker coil configuration and aggressive attack suit traditional metal and hard rock. The HX offers more articulate note separation in dense high-gain contexts, better for modern progressive metal.