EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4550
Description
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 57 captures articulate, responsive signal with a balanced character that cuts through dense mixes without sacrificing definition. This active humbucker sits at the intersection of clarity and aggression, recording equally well in high-gain tracking sessions and cleaner production contexts. Solderless installation and integrated electronics mean minimal downtime between swapping pickups and tracking your first takes.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
Built on Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces, this pickup delivers 4.5 V output on strum and maintains an exceptionally low noise floor at -100 dB (60 Hz) for clean tracking. The 2.11 KHz resonant frequency positions the midrange punch in a sweet spot for articulate lead recordings and defined rhythm tones across all gain settings, translating directly into polished, professional mixes.
Electronics & Studio Integration
The active topology runs on a single 9V battery with an impressive 1500-hour battery life, eliminating frequent replacements during long production sessions. Solderless installation means the pickup connects to your included bus system and cables without soldering, and the standard string spacing fits most modern instrument configurations, allowing quick swaps between tracking setups without hardware modification.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V with steel pole pieces
- Active/Battery-Powered topology
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5 V
- Output Voltage (String): 3 V
- Resonant Frequency: 2.11 KHz
- Output Noise: -100 dB (60 Hz)
- Output Impedance: 10 KOhm
- Battery Life: 1500 hours @ 9V
- Maximum Supply: 27 V DC
- Solderless installation with included bus connectors
- Includes 25K Volume Pot, 25K Tone Pot, Battery Bus, Stereo Output Jack, Two Pickup In/Out Bus, mounting hardware, cables, and battery cable
- Made in the USA
The EMG 57 combines proven active-pickup reliability with the versatility of a true balanced output, backed by USA manufacturing and comprehensive installation hardware for professional studio workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57 is an active humbucker engineered to cut through dense mixes with articulate, defined tone and exceptional output (4.5 V on strum) while maintaining a low noise floor ideal for studio tracking. Its balanced midrange presence and aggressive clarity make it equally effective in high-gain rhythm tones and lead work, delivering punchy, recorded tones that sit well in rock and metal productions. The solderless wiring and included pot/jack electronics streamline session prep, and the 1500-hour battery life keeps downtime out of your recording day.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 57 best suited for?
The EMG 57 excels in Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Rock, and Studio Sessions. Its high output and articulate midrange make it ideal for aggressive rhythm work and defined lead tones, though it's less suited for traditional Jazz or Folk applications.
How long does the 9V battery last, and is frequent replacement a concern?
The battery lasts approximately 1500 hours at standard 9V operation, which translates to months of regular playing before replacement is needed. This makes battery maintenance a minor inconvenience compared to older active pickup designs.
What does solderless installation mean, and what's included?
Solderless installation uses plug-in bus connectors, eliminating the need for a soldering iron; the pickup connects directly to the included wiring harness and cables. The package includes a 25K Volume Pot, 25K Tone Pot, Battery Bus, Stereo Output Jack, Two Pickup In/Out Bus, mounting hardware, cables, and battery cable—everything needed for a complete installation.
How does the EMG 57 compare to other high-output humbuckers like the Seymour Duncan JB or DiMarzio D Activator?
The EMG 57's active design and 4.5 V output deliver consistent, low-noise performance across all gain levels with balanced articulation, whereas passive alternatives like the JB or D Activator depend on your amp's preamp for shaping. The EMG's 2.11 KHz resonant frequency centers midrange punch for defined rhythm and lead clarity in high-gain contexts.
Will the EMG 57 fit standard guitar string spacing without modification?
Yes, the standard string spacing is designed to fit most modern instrument configurations without modification, though you should verify your guitar's pickup cavity dimensions before ordering.
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. 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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