EMG5999 vs EMG6001 — Compare
EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Both are EMG F-57 Active Humbuckers with identical tone and electronics; the only material difference is finish (Gold vs. Brushed Gold) and pole-piece spacing (standard vs. F-spaced). Choose standard spacing if your guitar has traditional 8mm pole-piece centers; choose F-spaced if it has modern 7mm spacing.
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EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Standard spacing fits traditional and older humbucker routes without modification
- ✓ Classic gold finish aesthetic
- ✓ Same active electronics and Alnico V tone as the F-57
Why choose EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ F-spaced design matches modern solidbody guitars and superstrats
- ✓ Brushed gold finish offers contemporary visual appeal
- ✓ Solderless installation system for quick swap capability
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between standard and F-spaced pole pieces?
Standard spacing (8mm) matches traditional humbucker routes found on older guitars and some Les Paul-style instruments. F-spacing (7mm) aligns with the string spacing of modern superstrats and solidbodies, optimizing magnetic coupling for each string. Using the wrong spacing can result in uneven output across strings and tonal imbalance.
Are the tone and output identical between these two pickups?
Yes. Both feature Alnico V magnets, 2.11 kHz resonant frequency, 3.00V single-string output, 4.50V strum output, active 9V electronics, and –100 dB noise floor. The only differences are finish color and pole-piece spacing.
Which is better for metal and high-gain playing?
Both excel in metal and djent contexts with punchy articulation and tight high-mids under distortion. Your choice depends entirely on your guitar's pole-piece spacing, not tone preference.
Do I need a soldering iron to install either pickup?
No. Both use EMG's solderless quick-connect system with push-in connectors, allowing installation and removal without desoldering.