EMG5972 vs EMG5973 — Compare
EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black vs EMG F-Fat 55 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Zebra
The EMG Fat 55-F emphasizes articulate, punchy aggression with controlled treble ideal for hard rock and metal, while the EMG F-Fat 55 prioritizes warm articulation and vintage character with solderless installation for easier setup. Choose the Fat 55-F if you want maximum clarity and sustain for studio precision; choose the F-Fat 55 if you value ease of installation and a more balanced, approachable tone across hard rock and blues.
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EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
EMG F-Fat 55 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Zebra
Specs side by side
| EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black | EMG F-Fat 55 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Zebra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.00 | $209.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
- ✓ Articulate, punchy tone with high sustain and controlled treble response
- ✓ Focused bridge pickup delivers tight, defined attack for metal and progressive
- ✓ Balanced dynamics across frequency spectrum with complex harmonic depth
Why choose EMG F-Fat 55 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Zebra
- ✓ Solderless installation with EMG Quik-Connect headers eliminates traditional soldering
- ✓ Warm articulate tone suits both hard rock and blues genres
- ✓ Exceptionally low noise floor (–106 dB neck, –102 dB bridge) for clean recording
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two sets?
The Fat 55-F emphasizes articulate punch with controlled treble and focused midrange, ideal for metal and progressive. The F-Fat 55 offers warm articulation with balanced neck-bridge response, suiting hard rock and blues equally well. Both use identical Alnico magnet configurations and resonant frequencies, but the Fat 55-F's design prioritizes clarity and sustain.
Which is easier to install?
The F-Fat 55 includes solderless EMG Quik-Connect headers for tool-free, reversible installation, making it far faster and beginner-friendly. The Fat 55-F requires traditional soldering and wiring with the included harness, suiting players comfortable with standard humbucker installation.
Are the output levels and battery life the same?
Yes, both sets deliver identical output (4.50V neck, 4.0V bridge; 8.0V maximum), impedance (3.1 Kohm), power draw (350 microamps), and battery life (approximately 715 hours per 9V cell). The F-Fat 55 additionally accepts up to 27V DC for extended headroom if desired.
Which is better for recording in a studio?
The F-Fat 55 delivers an exceptionally low noise floor (–106 dB neck, –102 dB bridge), making it ideal for pristine studio recordings. The Fat 55-F prioritizes tonal clarity and sustain over noise performance, suiting aggressive takes and live gigging equally well.