EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4372
Description
EMG 57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
The EMG 57/66 set pairs a high-output bridge pickup with a balanced neck voice, delivering articulate attack and controlled sustain across the full frequency spectrum. The brushed gold finish complements modern and vintage aesthetics alike. This is a professional-grade active pickup system engineered for consistent performance and minimal noise in recording and live environments.
Recording & Tone Character
The 57 bridge pickup produces 3.00 V clean and 4.50 V when driven hard, with a resonant frequency of 2.11 KHz that emphasizes midrange definition and string clarity—ideal for cutting through dense mixes and maintaining articulation during heavy tracking. The 66 neck pickup operates at the same output levels but resonates at 1.61 KHz, yielding a warmer, fuller character that excels for layered lead work, sustain passages, and complementary tonal depth. Both pickups maintain –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz, ensuring quiet operation free of hum—critical for clean direct recording and minimal gate thresholding during editing.
Power & Workflow Integration
The set draws only 160 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 1500 hours of battery life per charge—practical for extended tracking sessions and consistent output throughout a full project. Installation uses EMG's solderless system, including a split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs for rapid retrofitting without traditional wiring, reducing setup time and allowing quick instrument swaps in the studio.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces
- Bridge and neck humbucker configuration
- Brushed gold finish
- 57 Bridge: 2.11 KHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V / 4.50 V output
- 66 Neck: 1.61 KHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V / 4.50 V output
- –100 dB output noise (60 Hz)
- 10 Kohm output impedance (both pickups)
- 160 microamps current draw at 9V
- 1500-hour battery life
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Solderless Install System with complete hardware
- Package dimensions: 7 x 3 x 5 inches
This EMG 57/66 set combines tight, responsive bridge articulation with warm neck tonality, making it a versatile choice for studios and producers demanding low-noise active performance, straightforward installation, and reliable tracking consistency across sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57/66 delivers professional active humbucker tone optimized for recording and mixing, with the 57 bridge cutting through at 2.11 kHz for articulate definition and the 66 neck sitting warm and full at 1.61 kHz for balanced lead tones. The solderless system and low current draw (160 µA at 9V) mean fast installation in your studio guitar and virtually no hum interference during tracking, while the predictable output and resonant peaks make dialing in EQ and compression straightforward in the mix. Pick this set if you're tracking metal, hard rock, or prog and want professional-grade noise rejection and tonal separation between bridge and neck positions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the 57 bridge and 66 neck pickups in this set?
The 57 bridge resonates at 2.11 kHz and delivers tight, articulate attack with midrange clarity ideal for fast riffs and rhythms. The 66 neck resonates at 1.61 kHz for a warmer, fuller character that excels in lead work and sustain. Both output 3.00 V clean and 4.50 V when played hard, ensuring balanced volume between positions.
How long does the battery last and how hard is installation?
The 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of playing time per charge. Installation uses EMG's solderless system with pre-wired controls and a battery clip, requiring no traditional soldering—just connect the hardware and springs for a fast retrofit into most guitars.
Will these pickups work in my guitar without modification?
The 57/66 set is designed for standard humbucker cavities and uses Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces. Verify your guitar accepts EMG's solderless wiring system and has a standard two-humbucker configuration; the package includes all necessary hardware and springs for installation.
How quiet are these pickups compared to passive models?
Both pickups maintain –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz, delivering professional-grade hum rejection ideal for studio tracking and live performance without the noise floor issues of many passive designs. The active electronics and low-impedance output ensure clean signal transfer to your amp or interface.
What genres and playing styles are these pickups best suited for?
The 57/66 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate attack, controlled sustain, and midrange definition are priorities. They're not optimized for folk or traditional jazz, where warmer, more vintage voicing is typically preferred.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $19 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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