EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4658
Description
EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 57 is a workhorse active humbucker engineered for recording clarity, punch, and articulation without sacrificing traditional humbucker warmth. This brushed gold finish variant pairs refined aesthetics with the sonic character that has made the 57 a studio and stage staple across rock, metal, and alternative genres. The long shaft construction accommodates deeper pickguard cavities and non-standard guitar configurations.
Recording Tone & Studio Performance
The 57 captures a balanced midrange with controlled highs and full lows—cleaner and more articulate than vintage humbuckers, yet warmer than the hotter EMG 81. Its moderate output tracks pick dynamics and string definition accurately through driven amp tones or high-gain settings, translating well to tracking without excessive compression, feedback, or masking of performance nuance.
Active Electronics & Studio Integration
Active circuitry ensures consistent output across the entire frequency spectrum and requires a 9V battery (typically housed in a rear cavity). Installation demands routing for the onboard preamp circuit, making this a permanent modification best suited to dedicated instruments rather than frequent swappers. The self-shielded design eliminates hum and external noise interference—critical for clean recording takes and studio tracking sessions.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with balanced EQ curve and articulate midrange presence
- Long shaft design for oversized cavities and non-standard guitar routing
- Brushed gold cover finish for distinctive visual appeal
- Requires 9V battery and onboard preamp installation
- Self-shielded electronics reduce electromagnetic hum and noise
- 4-conductor wiring enables series/parallel switching and coil-tap configurations
- Output sits between entry-level and high-gain signatures, suitable for versatile playing styles
- Compatible with standard humbucker mounting hardware
- Constructed for durability in touring and studio environments
- Delivers clear articulation in both clean and heavily distorted applications
- Proven reliability across decades of professional use
The EMG 57 remains an exceptional choice for building a dedicated instrument around an active electronics platform optimized for studio tracking and mix versatility.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57 is a balanced active humbucker that sits perfectly between articulate and warm, capturing pick dynamics and string definition in both clean and heavily distorted recordings. Its moderate output and controlled high-end work equally well in rock, metal, and alternative sessions, delivering clarity in a mix without sounding thin or compressed. Active circuitry ensures consistent frequency response across takes, and the brushed gold finish adds visual character to your instrument.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 57 and the hotter EMG 81?
The 57 is warmer and more articulate with moderate output, designed to capture pick dynamics and string definition in both clean and distorted settings. The 81 is hotter and more compressed, favored for extreme high-gain; the 57 is the more versatile choice for rock, metal, and alternative players who want clarity without sacrificing traditional humbucker warmth.
Does this come with a battery and what's involved in installation?
The pickup itself is the active element; you will need a 9V battery, typically housed in a rear cavity. Installation requires routing for the onboard preamp circuit, making this a permanent modification best suited to players committing to an active electronics platform.
Why is this called 'Long Shaft' and what does that mean for my guitar?
The long shaft construction accommodates deeper pickguard cavities and non-standard guitar routing configurations that standard pickups cannot fit. If your guitar has oversized cavities or custom routing, the long shaft variant will work where other humbuckers may not reach properly.
Will this pickup reduce hum and noise on a noisy stage or in a studio?
Yes—the self-shielded design minimizes electromagnetic hum and external noise interference, making it reliable for both touring and studio sessions. Active circuitry also ensures consistent output across the entire frequency spectrum, reducing the variables that can introduce unwanted noise.
What does 4-conductor wiring mean and can I use it?
4-conductor wiring enables series/parallel switching and coil-tap configurations, giving you tonal flexibility if your guitar's electronics support those switching options. Standard humbucker mounting hardware works with this pickup, so compatibility depends on what your guitar's control layout allows.
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 $10 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.
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.