EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4662
Description
EMG 57 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 57 is a focused, punchy active humbucker engineered for bridge or neck placement in six-string guitars. Its characteristically articulate response cuts through dense mixes without sacrificing harmonic depth, making it an ideal choice for rock, metal, and high-gain recording sessions where clarity, definition, and consistent gain-stage performance matter most.
Tone & Output Characteristics
This pickup delivers a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz, anchoring its presence in the midrange for articulate note definition that sits well in layered arrangements. Output measures 3.00V per string and 4.50V on strum, providing enough gain to hit interface preamps and outboard converters cleanly while maintaining a low noise floor ideal for post-production.
Electronics & Power Requirements
Built on active circuitry, the 57 operates at a 9V supply with exceptionally low power draw—160 microamps at 9V yields approximately 1500 hours of battery life per cell, eliminating mid-session power concerns during recording sessions. Output impedance sits at 10 kΩ, and the pickup tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom in custom systems and multichannel recording rigs.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet structure
- Active humbucker design with low noise floor (-100 dB)
- Resonant frequency: 2.11 kHz
- Output voltage: 3.00V (string) / 4.50V (strum)
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 160 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: approximately 1500 hours per 9V cell
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Metal body construction with chrome finish
- 1/4" mono phone plug connector
- Six-string configuration
- Long shaft design for deeper pickup cavity mounting
The EMG 57 combines reliable active electronics, transparent midrange presence, and minimal current demand into a versatile pickup suitable for both standard studio tracking and experimental high-voltage production setups.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57 is an active humbucker engineered for recording rock, metal, and high-gain sessions where articulate, transparent tone and low noise are priorities. Its punchy midrange (2.11 kHz) and 3–4.5V output integrate well into dense mixes without muddying or introducing hum, and the low -100 dB noise floor keeps your tracks clean. Battery life of around 1500 hours per cell means you won't interrupt sessions for power concerns.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ High-gain applications
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the EMG 57 work in my guitar, and do I need a battery?
The 57 is a six-string long-shaft humbucker designed for bridge or neck position in standard guitars. Yes, it requires a 9V battery; a single cell lasts approximately 1500 hours at normal use before needing replacement.
Is the EMG 57 good for genres like jazz or blues?
No—the EMG 57 is engineered for rock, metal, and high-gain applications where its articulate, focused midrange shines. Its tone is too punchy and present for traditional jazz or blues playing.
How does the EMG 57 compare to the EMG 81?
The 57 has a lower, more focused midrange (2.11 kHz) and is better suited to neck or balanced bridge use, while the 81 is brighter and typically favored for aggressive bridge positions. Both are active and low-noise, but the 57 offers more harmonic depth and versatility across rock and metal styles.
What does 'long shaft' mean, and does it matter?
Long shaft refers to the physical housing length, allowing the pickup to mount deeper into guitar cavities without modification. This is useful for guitars with deeper routs or custom builds.
Will this pickup introduce hum or noise?
No—the EMG 57 is an active design with a -100 dB noise floor and low 160 microamp current draw, making it one of the cleanest pickups for high-gain and studio recording.
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.
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