EMG6089 vs EMG6099 — Compare
EMG Maverick Five Neck Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG Crossroads Bridge Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The Maverick Five is a neck-position pickup optimized for articulate highs and clarity across all genres, while the Crossroads is a bridge-position pickup tailored for clean, funk, and pop tones with a focused midrange. Choose the Maverick Five if you need versatility for home recording and gigging; choose the Crossroads if you prioritize studio sessions and clean tone character.
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EMG Maverick Five Neck Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
EMG Crossroads Bridge Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG Maverick Five Neck Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG Crossroads Bridge Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Maverick Five Neck Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Neck-position design suits home recording, studio sessions, and gigging equally
- ✓ Higher resonant frequency (4.75 kHz) delivers more treble articulation and brightness
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet (750 Gauss) provides stronger, punchier response across dynamics
- ✓ Works across beginner through professional skill levels
Why choose EMG Crossroads Bridge Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Bridge-position engineering optimizes for clean, funk, and pop genres
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (2.90 kHz) produces focused midrange with controlled bass
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnet (600 Gauss) yields warmer, more rounded single-coil character
- ✓ Quick-connect header system allows solderless installation
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these pickups together in one guitar?
Yes. The Maverick Five is designed for neck position, and the Crossroads is built for bridge position. They share identical output voltage (3.00V strum, 1.00V string), noise floor (-103 dB), and impedance (3 kΩ), making them compatible in a matched pair.
Which pickup is better for high-gain metal or rock?
Neither is recommended for high-gain metal or thrash. The Crossroads explicitly notes it is not ideal for high-gain metal. The Maverick Five, while versatile, is a single-coil design optimized for articulate vintage character rather than heavy saturation.
What's the difference in tone character between them?
The Maverick Five emphasizes articulate highs and treble definition with its 4.75 kHz resonant peak and stronger Alnico 5 magnet. The Crossroads focuses on a balanced, focused midrange with warmer bass control via its 2.90 kHz resonant peak and lighter Alnico 2 magnet.
Do both pickups require active electronics and battery?
Yes, both are active designs powered by a 9V battery, with approximately 830 hours of battery life and support for supply voltages up to 27V DC. Both draw 630 microamps at 9V.