EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup 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
- EMG4304
Description
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 57 is a bridge-position active humbucker engineered to deliver articulate, controlled transients with minimal noise floor—essential for recording clean guitar tracks that cut through dense mixes without feedback or muddiness. Its compact footprint and solderless installation system enable quick session swaps between instruments, while the brushed gold finish adds visual distinction to tracking setups. This pickup excels in modern rock, metal, and high-gain recording applications where note definition and string-to-string clarity sustain through compression and gain stacking.
Tone & Electronics for Recording
The EMG 57 uses Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces to establish a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz, concentrating midrange presence where vocal and guitar frequencies compete in the mix while rejecting feedback at high tracking volumes. Output measurements of 3.00V (string) and 4.50V (strum) with a -100dB noise floor capture articulate transients that survive automation and processing, while the 10 kΩ output impedance integrates seamlessly with studio preamps, interfaces, and amp modelers used in the recording chain.
Studio Installation & Power
This active design runs on a single 9V battery delivering 1500 hours of studio runtime and supporting supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC for extended headroom during intense session work. The included solderless install system provides potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, cables, screws, and springs—eliminating downtime between takes and enabling rapid instrument swaps within the same tracking session.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces
- Resonant frequency: 2.11 kHz
- Output voltage (string): 3.00V
- Output voltage (strum): 4.50V
- Output noise floor: -100 dB (60 Hz)
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Operating current: 160 microamps (set)
- Battery life: 1500 hours
- Maximum supply: 27 Volts DC
- Powered by single 9V battery
- Brushed gold finish
- Solderless install system included with potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, cables, screws, and springs
The EMG 57 in brushed gold combines proven active-pickup engineering with straightforward installation and distinctive cosmetics for producers demanding precision and reliability in the recording studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57 is an active bridge humbucker engineered to stay articulate and controlled in the mix, with a focused midrange presence and minimal hum ideal for tracking metal, hard rock, and high-gain sessions. Its 4.50V strum output and low noise floor deliver punchy, defined transients that sit well in dense arrangements without muddiness, and the solderless system means quick A/B testing or swaps between tracking guitars. Pick this when studio recordings demand precision, clarity, and the noise-free performance of active electronics.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Modern Rock, Studio Sessions, High-gain applications |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, controlled, focused midrange, high output, low noise |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup good for blues or jazz?
No—the EMG 57 is voiced for metal, hard rock, and modern rock with a focused, articulate midrange that works best in high-gain applications. For blues and jazz, you'll want a warmer, more resonant pickup designed for those genres.
Do I need to solder this into my guitar?
No. The EMG 57 includes a solderless install system with all potentiometers, output jack, battery clip, cables, screws, and springs—you can swap it in without soldering.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery lasts approximately 1500 hours of playing time on a single 9V battery. The pickup also supports supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC if you want extended headroom.
What's the output compared to the EMG 81?
The EMG 57 delivers 3.00V on single-note string attacks and 4.50V on full strums with a more controlled, articulate character. The 81 is hotter and more compressed; the 57 emphasizes clarity and note definition across the strings.
Will this work in my existing guitar's electronics?
Yes. The EMG 57 has 10 kΩ output impedance and is fully compatible with standard guitar wiring and amplifier inputs. The solderless system includes everything you need to wire it in.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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