EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4664
Description
EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 57 is a bridge-position workhorse that captures high-output aggression with controlled dynamics and articulate string separation in your recordings. Its Alnico V magnet structure punches hard without sacrificing note definition, making it ideal for tracking rock, metal, and hard-hitting styles where clarity matters as much as power when mixing tight, defined guitar tones.
Active Electronics & Signal Integrity
Built on active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery, this pickup delivers a 4.5 V output on strum and maintains a tight -100 dB noise floor at 60 Hz—essential for home studio recording where hum rejection keeps your tracked signal clean and noise-free during editing and mixing. The 27 V DC maximum supply rating gives you headroom if you experiment with stacked or modified power configurations in your setup.
Installation & Studio Workflow
Solderless installation eliminates wiring complexity and reduces setup time significantly, letting you focus on tracking and tone-shaping. The long-shaft design accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard control layouts, while Black Chrome finish integrates seamlessly with modern hardware aesthetics and darkly finished instruments in session documentation and visual consistency.
Key Features
- Magnet type: Alnico V with steel pole pieces
- Active circuitry with battery operation
- Output voltage (strum): 4.5 V
- Output voltage (string): 3 V
- Output noise floor: -100 dB at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 KOhm
- Maximum supply: 27 V DC
- Resonant frequency: 2.11 KHz
- Battery life (set): 1500 hours
- Long shaft configuration
- Finish: Black Chrome
- Solderless wiring harness included
The EMG 57 pairs aggressive output with the noise immunity and installation speed that active technology demands, making it a reliable choice for recording engineers and producers who demand both performance and studio practicality across multiple sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57 is a versatile bridge humbucker that tracks clean articulation even at high output levels, making it valuable for recording heavy tones where note definition matters as much as power. Its active electronics deliver a consistent 4.5 V output with minimal noise floor (-100 dB), ensuring low-hum tracking in the studio, while the Alnico V magnet captures aggressive punch without muddying the low end in dense mixes. Use this for any session where you need controlled dynamics and string separation across metal, hard rock, or high-gain productions.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Rock, High-gain rigs |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High-output, aggressive, articulate string separation, tight low end, controlled dynamics |
| 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
What makes the EMG 57 different from the EMG 81?
The EMG 57 features an Alnico V magnet and is voiced for articulate string separation and punch, while the 81 uses ceramic magnets and is voiced for maximum output and sustain. The 57 works better in bridge position when you want clarity and dynamics; the 81 excels in tight, compressed high-gain tones.
Do I need to solder this pickup, and will it fit my guitar?
No soldering required—the pickup includes a solderless wiring harness for fast installation. The long-shaft design is engineered to fit deeper cavities and non-standard control layouts, but verify your guitar's cavity depth and control routing before ordering.
How long does the 9V battery last, and what output can I expect?
Battery life is approximately 1500 hours of typical playing time. The pickup delivers 4.5 V output on strum with a noise floor of -100 dB at 60 Hz, keeping hum out of high-gain rigs and maintaining clean tracking at loud volumes.
Is the EMG 57 good for jazz or blues?
No—the 57 is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and high-gain styles where aggressive output and tight dynamics are priorities. Its voice and output level are not suited to the dynamic sensitivity and tonal warmth required in jazz or blues playing.
What does the Black Chrome finish do?
Black Chrome is a cosmetic finish that integrates cleanly with modern hardware and darkly finished instruments; it does not affect tone or performance.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.