EMG F-57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5350
Description
EMG F-57/66 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
The EMG 57/66 set delivers the clarity and articulation that active electronics are known for, with a bridge pickup that cuts through dense mixes and a neck pickup that maintains warmth and definition across dynamic tracking sessions. This pairing balances aggressive transient capture with musicality, making it a versatile choice for recording scenarios that demand both note separation and responsiveness across multiple genres. The solderless installation system and complete wiring harness mean you can have these installed and tracking within hours rather than wrestling with traditional soldering.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
The 57 bridge pickup uses Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces and produces a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz with output voltage reaching 4.50V on strum, delivering focused aggression and note separation that sits forward in a mix. The 66 neck pickup employs ceramic pole pieces tuned to 1.61 kHz, providing a smoother response that retains clarity without harshness when recording chord voicings or layered lead parts.
Electronics & Studio Workflow
Both pickups operate as an active set drawing only 160 microamps at 9V, extending battery life to approximately 1500 hours and eliminating the constant drain and noise floor concerns of passive systems. The included solderless installation system comes with volume and tone potentiometers, battery connections, output jack hardware, and all necessary cables, streamlining the swap process for installation and letting you focus on tracking rather than troubleshooting.
Key Features
- Active humbucker configuration with 5-conductor wiring
- 57 Bridge: Alnico V magnets, steel pole pieces, 2.11 kHz resonant frequency
- 66 Neck: Ceramic pole pieces, 1.61 kHz resonant frequency
- F-Spaced design for 49mm standard string spacing
- Output voltage up to 4.50V (strum), 3.00V (string) on bridge pickup
- -100 dB output noise floor at 60 Hz
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- 160 microamps current draw at 9V battery
- Approximately 1500 hours battery life per set
- Solderless installation with integrated wiring harness, potentiometers, and all connection cables included
- Black finish matches modern instrument aesthetics
The 57/66 set combines proven EMG active performance with a practical installation standard that respects your tracking schedule while delivering the output consistency and noise rejection that professional and serious home-studio recording demands.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG F-57/66 active humbucker set gives tracking and mixing engineers a high-output, noise-floor-free recording source with the 57 bridge delivering focused aggression and clear note separation while the 66 neck maintains warmth and clarity through dense chord voicings and lead layers. The ultra-low output noise (-100 dB at 60 Hz) and consistent 4.50V peak output make these reliable for multi-take sessions where you need repeatable, punch-forward tone without rewiring or rebalancing between takes. Install time is minimal thanks to the solderless system, so you can focus on capturing performances rather than troubleshooting electronics.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate cleans, focused aggression, note separation, smooth neck response, high output |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Traditional Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What tonal difference should I expect between the 57 bridge and 66 neck pickups?
The 57 bridge uses Alnico V magnets tuned to 2.11 kHz with 4.50V output for focused aggression and tight note separation ideal for rhythm and lead cut. The 66 neck employs ceramic pole pieces tuned to 1.61 kHz, delivering a smoother response with retained clarity that sits well under chords and lead runs without harshness.
How long does the battery last, and what is the installation process like?
A single 9V battery lasts approximately 1500 hours, and the set draws only 160 microamps—much lower than passive pickups. Installation uses a complete solderless wiring harness with integrated potentiometers, battery connections, and output jack hardware, allowing most players to complete the swap in a few hours without soldering experience.
Are these pickups suitable for jazz or blues?
No; the F-57/66 set is designed for metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning styles. The high output and focused aggression make these better suited to modern heavy genres rather than traditional jazz or blues playing.
What skill level do I need to install these, and what's included in the box?
The solderless system is accessible to intermediate players and up, though professional installation is also straightforward. The set includes both pickups, volume and tone potentiometers, battery connections, output jack hardware, all necessary cables, and a wiring harness—everything needed for a complete installation.
How do these compare to the EMG 81/85 or Seymour Duncan JB Jr.?
The F-57/66 offers a more balanced aggression-to-musicality ratio than the 81/85 and sits between the JB Jr. and full-sized EMG actives in terms of output and tonal character. All three are active designs; the 57/66 excels in modern heavy music where you need both cutting definition and playability across the neck.
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 $17 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.
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