EMG F-James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5991
Description
EMG F-James Hetfield Het Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Gold
The EMG JH Het Active Humbucker Set captures the aggressive, articulate tone that defined Metallica's heaviest recordings. These ceramic magnet pickups combine EMG's legendary active circuitry with James Hetfield's signature specifications, delivering tight low-end response and blazing treble clarity that cuts through dense production mixes and high-gain sessions. The gold finish adds visual distinction while the stainless steel caps ensure durability and consistent magnetic performance across takes.
Tone & Recording Performance
With 10K DC resistance across both neck and bridge models, the Het set produces a punchy 4.50V string output that maintains definition and punch through extreme distortion without losing dynamic range in the mix. The -100dB noise floor at 60Hz keeps recordings clean even at maximum gain staging, while 10 Kohm output impedance ensures transparent signal transfer to your interface or amp input with minimal high-frequency rolloff.
Studio Setup & Integration
Fast integration into your recording rig comes through EMG's Solderless Installation System, eliminating time spent on wiring and letting you focus on tracking. The package includes matched 25K volume and tone potentiometers with 5.95mm split shafts, plus a stereo output jack for flexible switching and direct signal routing. Battery life reaches 1500 hours at 9V operation, with headroom up to 27 Volts DC for users running higher supply voltages in long tracking sessions.
Key Features
- Active humbucker pickups with ceramic magnets (neck) and ceramic/steel construction (bridge)
- 10K DC resistance on both JH-N (neck) and JH-B (bridge) models
- 4.50V output voltage (strum) for aggressive high-gain applications
- -100dB output noise floor at 60Hz for noise-free performance
- 160 microamps current draw at 9V for extended battery life (1500 hours)
- Maximum supply rating of 27 Volts DC
- Stainless steel pickup caps for durability and magnetic consistency
- 6-string configuration with standard 49mm Tune-O-Matic spacing
- Includes 2x 25K volume and 2x 25K tone potentiometers with split shafts
- EMG Solderless Installation System for fast, solder-free setup
- Stereo output jack for switching and stereo applications
- Compatible with 3.5mm or 6.35mm jack connectors
The EMG JH Het pickup set combines proven active-circuit reliability with signature engineering designed for maximum aggression and clarity in recording sessions and high-gain mix work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
These active humbuckers lock in aggressive, articulate tracking through heavy distortion and saturation, making them ideal for metal and hard-rock tracking where every note needs to stand clear in the mix. The -100dB noise floor keeps signal clean at extreme gain levels, the 10K DC resistance delivers controlled dynamics, and the Solderless Installation System speeds up session setup so you can focus on capturing takes. At 1500 hours per 9V battery, they'll power through a full recording project without recharging.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Thrash Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, blazing treble clarity, high output, articulate, aggressive |
| 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 genres and tuning styles are these pickups designed for?
The Het set is optimized for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications where tight low-end response and blazing treble clarity are essential. They are not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How do the noise and output specs compare to passive pickups?
The -100dB noise floor at 60Hz and 4.50V output deliver noise-free performance even at extreme gain levels—ideal for high-gain rigs where feedback and hum would otherwise become problematic. EMG's active circuitry provides this clarity and output consistency that passive pickups cannot match.
What's included in the package and how difficult is installation?
The set includes both neck and bridge pickups, matched 25K volume and tone potentiometers with split shafts, a stereo output jack, and EMG's Solderless Installation System, which eliminates wire soldering and significantly reduces setup time.
How long will the battery last and what are the power options?
At 9V operation, battery life extends to 1500 hours. The pickups support a maximum supply rating of 27 Volts DC, so users running higher voltages can experiment with increased headroom and tone shaping.
Are these pickups compatible with standard guitar configurations?
Yes—the 6-string configuration uses standard 49mm Tune-O-Matic spacing and includes compatibility with both 3.5mm and 6.35mm jack connectors, making them a drop-in fit for most humbucker-routed guitars.
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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