EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG7457
Description
EMG 66 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 66 is an active humbucker engineered to deliver clarity and articulation without sacrificing body—ideal for capturing definition across jazz, fusion, and heavier material in the studio. Its balanced output and exceptionally low noise floor make it a reliable workhorse for tracking and mixing, while the red finish adds visual character to your instrument. The long shaft design accommodates long-shaft potentiometers, ensuring seamless integration into guitars with that specification.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
This pickup produces a resonant frequency of 1.61 kHz, delivering a midrange-focused response that sits well in a mix while preserving articulate note definition on playback. Single-string output reaches 3 V, with strum output climbing to 4.5 V—enough signal for clean gain staging during recording without forcing excessive input compensation.
Electronics & Setup
The active circuitry operates at –100 dB output noise, virtually eliminating hum and interference across both clean and distorted tracking sessions. Four-conductor wiring and solderless installation streamline setup, while a maximum supply rating of 27 V DC provides headroom for future upgrades or powering additional onboard electronics.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with Alnico (Type A) magnet and ceramic pole pieces
- Resonant frequency: 1.61 kHz
- Single-string output: 3 V
- Strum output: 4.5 V
- Output noise: –100 dB at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
- Four-conductor wiring for flexible circuit design
- Solderless installation for quick setup
- Long shaft potentiometer compatibility
- Current draw: 160 mA (for set)
- Battery life: 1500 hours (for set)
- Designed for neck position
- Red finish
The EMG 66 combines refined midrange response, rock-solid noise performance, and minimal hum in a package that translates across genres and recording sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 66 brings active clarity and low noise to recording sessions, with a 1.61 kHz resonant peak that cuts through dense mixes while keeping individual notes articulate and defined. Output hits 4.5 V on full strums and delivers –100 dB noise rejection, making it equally effective for jazz, fusion, or heavier overdubs without sacrificing tonal balance or introducing hum. Install it in the neck position for smooth, controlled recordings and versatile tone shaping across multiple styles.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Folk
- – Extreme Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the long shaft design, and does my guitar need it?
The long shaft design accommodates long-shaft potentiometers found in some guitar models. Check your current pots before ordering; standard short-shaft guitars will require short-shaft pot conversion or a different pickup.
How does the EMG 66 compare to the EMG 81?
The 66 is more midrange-focused and articulate with balanced output, while the 81 is brighter and more aggressive, favoring extreme treble. The 66 works better across jazz, fusion, and moderate-gain styles; the 81 suits higher-gain and metal applications.
Is this pickup quiet enough for recording without noise issues?
Yes—the active circuitry operates at –100 dB output noise, virtually eliminating hum and 60 Hz interference in both clean and distorted recording scenarios.
What does the solderless installation mean, and how easy is it to swap?
Solderless wiring uses connectors instead of solder joints, reducing installation time and lowering the risk of heat damage during setup. Four-conductor wiring also allows flexible circuit design if you plan onboard electronics later.
How long does the battery last, and what supply voltage does this pickup need?
Battery life is 1500 hours for a full pickup set (roughly 2 months of daily 4-hour use). It operates at a standard 9 V supply but can handle up to 27 V DC maximum, providing headroom for future upgrades.
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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