EMG F-James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5992
Description
EMG F-James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Brushed Gold
The EMG JH Het Active Humbucker Set captures the aggressive, high-output tone required for modern metal and hard rock production. Engineered for recording sessions and live tracking where massive sustain, articulate attack, and a noise-free signal path are non-negotiable, these pickups transform any compatible guitar into a precision instrument that translates power and definition through your mixing chain.
Electronics & Tone Character
Built on active circuitry powered by a 9V battery with an impressive 1500-hour lifespan, this set produces 3.00V output on single strings and 4.50V on strums, ensuring clarity and punch that cuts through dense mixes without feedback. The 10K DC resistance and ceramic magnet construction yield the tight, defined response necessary for precision tracking, while the -100dB noise floor at 60 Hz eliminates hum completely—essential for clean studio recordings and multi-track layering.
Installation & Configuration
The set includes a complete solderless installation system with two 25K volume and two 25K tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery bus, and dual pickup in/out bus. The JH-N neck pickup features individual ceramic poles and bobbins with an enlarged core design for responsive, controlled tones in the mix, while the JH-B bridge pickup uses steel pole pieces for increased aggression and presence. Standard string spacing and short shaft length accommodate most modern instrument configurations.
Key Features
- Active humbucker set: JH-N (neck) and JH-B (bridge) pickups
- Ceramic magnet material with mixed pole-piece design (ceramic neck, steel bridge)
- 6-string configuration with standard spacing
- 10K DC resistance; 160 microamps current at 9V
- Output: 3.00V (string), 4.50V (strum); -100dB noise floor (60 Hz)
- 1500-hour battery life; maximum supply 27 volts DC
- Solderless installation system included
- Two 25K volume potentiometers and two 25K tone potentiometers
- Stereo output jack with pickup and connection cables
- Short shaft length and mounting hardware
- Brushed Gold finish
- Made in the United States
This pickup set represents the culmination of EMG and Hetfield's decades of collaboration, delivering studio-grade clarity and tracking reliability in a signature package.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG F-James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Set brings studio-grade active circuitry and aggressive high-output character to your recording setup, with a zero-noise floor that cuts through dense mixes without hum or feedback. The mixed pole-piece design (ceramic neck, steel bridge) delivers tight low-end definition and articulate attack ideal for metal and hard rock tracking, while the included solderless wiring and complete potentiometer set streamline installation into any compatible guitar. These pickups excel at capturing punchy, sustain-rich tones in the studio and translate reliably to any mix without requiring extensive EQ work.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Thrash Metal, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Aggressive, high-output, tight low end, articulate attack, zero noise floor |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box, and do I need a tech to install these?
The set includes both the JH-N neck and JH-B bridge pickups, a complete solderless installation system, two 25K volume and two 25K tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery bus, and all necessary cables and hardware. The solderless design allows direct connection without soldering, though professional installation is still recommended if you're unfamiliar with guitar electronics.
How long does the battery last, and what's the noise floor like?
The 9V battery provides up to 1500 hours of playing time before replacement. These pickups achieve a -100dB noise floor at 60 Hz, meaning virtually zero hum or feedback—essential for high-gain studio and stage use.
Are these pickups suitable for styles other than metal?
These are purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and thrash metal; their aggressive character, high output (4.50V on strums), and tight low-end response make them less ideal for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
What output levels should I expect?
The pickups produce 3.00V output on single strings and 4.50V on full strums with 10K DC resistance, delivering clarity and punch suitable for both direct recording and amp-driven sessions without excessive gain staging.
Will these fit my guitar?
The set features standard 6-string spacing and short shaft length designed to accommodate most modern instrument configurations, though compatibility depends on your specific guitar's pickup cavity and wiring; verify your guitar accepts standard humbucker routing before ordering.
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 $19 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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