EMG7023 vs EMG90 — Compare
EMG LF-DMF Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome vs EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
The EMG LF-DMF is a passive humbucker set with warm, articulate high output suited for heavy drop-tuned riffs and aggressive lead work. The EMG S is an active single-coil set with punchy upper-midrange clarity optimized for tight, noise-free lead articulation and modern studio sessions.
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EMG LF-DMF Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome
EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG LF-DMF Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome | EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $269.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG LF-DMF Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome
- ✓ Passive design—no battery replacement needed
- ✓ Warm neck pickup balances aggression with sustain for expressive playing
- ✓ Mismatched magnets (ceramic bridge, Alnico V neck) deliver distinctive tonal character
- ✓ Adjustable pole pieces allow fine midrange shaping per instrument
Why choose EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
- ✓ Active electronics provide ultra-low –101 dB noise floor at volume
- ✓ Single-coil snap and responsiveness in a high-output, controlled package
- ✓ 1000-hour battery life keeps down long-term replacement costs
- ✓ Focused 4.05 kHz resonant peak cuts through dense mixes in lead work
Frequently asked questions
Do either pickups require batteries?
The EMG LF-DMF is passive and requires no battery. The EMG S is active and requires a 9V battery with approximately 1000 hours of typical use per charge.
Which is better for drop tunings and heavy riffing?
The EMG LF-DMF is purpose-built for drop tunings and hard rock with its ceramic bridge pickup delivering focused, aggressive output. The EMG S, being single-coil, is lighter and more articulate rather than heavy and crushing.
What's the tonal difference between these sets?
The LF-DMF offers warm neck and tight midrange with humbucker body and aggressive bridge output. The EMG S emphasizes upper-midrange snap and punch with single-coil character and active noise suppression, suiting fast lead passages and studio clarity.
Are both beginner-friendly to install?
Both include solderless installation systems for straightforward retrofits. The LF-DMF ships with matched potentiometers and full hardware; the EMG S integrates into existing wiring easily, though installation skill level is intermediate to advanced for both.