EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4316
Description
EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 60 captures tight, articulate tone with the classic humbucker footprint and smooth, controlled output ideal for tracking modern rock and metal. Built around ceramic magnets with close aperture coils, this pickup excels in the studio where clarity and consistency define the final recorded sound. The solderless installation design streamlines retrofitting into existing instruments, and the compact active electronics integrate cleanly into standard guitar wiring without workflow complications.
Electrical Performance for Recording
A resonant frequency of 2.95kHz keeps the tone focused and punchy in the mix without excessive coloration that muddies adjacent tracks. Output sits at 1.25V on a single string and 3.5V on full strum, providing ample headroom into preamps and interfaces while maintaining low noise at –89dBV @ 60Hz for clean takes. The 10kOhms output impedance pairs well with standard audio interface inputs and outboard preamp chains.
Power & Session Reliability
A single 9V battery powers the circuit at just 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3,000 hours of battery life under typical studio use—eliminating mid-session power concerns during long tracking days. The stainless steel construction and ceramic magnet assembly resist environmental change and maintain consistent magnetic output across multiple takes, while the maximum supply rating of 27V DC provides headroom for experimental pedalboard or preamp power configurations.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnets with close aperture coils
- Stainless steel construction
- Resonant frequency: 2.95kHz
- Output voltage (string): 1.25V
- Output voltage (strum): 3.5V
- Output impedance: 10kOhms
- Output noise: –89dBV @ 60Hz
- Powered by 1 × 9V battery; 80 microamps current draw
- Battery life: approximately 3,000 hours
- Maximum supply: 27V DC
- Solderless installation design
- Includes 25K volume/tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup buses, mounting hardware, pickup cable, two connecting cables, output cable, and battery cable
The EMG 60 combines refined active circuitry with straightforward installation and extended battery life, making it a dependable choice for producers and engineers seeking transparent, controlled tone capture in a standard humbucker format.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 60 is an active humbucker offering controlled output, tight bass response, and articulate treble that cuts through a mix without muddiness or excessive noise—ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and modern rock where clarity and consistency matter. Its low output impedance pairs cleanly with interfaces and preamps, the solderless wiring simplifies session setups, and the long battery life means you won't lose tone mid-session. Use it when you need a focused, punchy tone that sits well in dense arrangements without dominating the frequency spectrum.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Modern Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the battery life, and how do I know when it needs replacing?
The EMG 60 runs on a single 9V battery and delivers approximately 3,000 hours of use at typical current draw (80 microamps). You'll notice a slight loss of clarity and output as the battery weakens; the included battery cable makes swaps quick and painless, so carry a spare 9V on the road to be safe.
Is this pickup right for blues and jazz, or strictly metal and hard rock?
The EMG 60 is optimized for metal, hard rock, and modern rock where tight lows and articulate highs shine. Its focused midrange and punchy character are less suited to jazz and blues, where warmth and natural breakup are typically preferred—consider a passive humbucker for those genres.
How does the EMG 60 compare to the EMG 81?
The EMG 60 has a lower output and smoother, more controlled tone than the high-output 81, making it better for clarity and articulation in dense mixes or when you want to preserve note definition. The 81 is louder and more aggressive; choose the 60 if you prioritize precision over raw volume.
Will this fit my guitar, and how hard is the installation?
The EMG 60 uses the classic humbucker footprint and fits any standard humbucker cavity. The solderless installation design—with included mounting hardware, pickup buses, and connecting cables—makes retrofit straightforward; no soldering iron or advanced wiring knowledge required.
What's included in the box?
You get the pickup, 25K volume/tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup buses, mounting hardware, pickup cable, two connecting cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for a complete install.
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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