EMG Fat 55-7 Retro 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
- EMG6051
Description
EMG Fat 55-7 Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
The EMG Fat 55 Retro Active set captures the warmth and harmonic richness of classic passive designs while delivering the consistency and headroom essential for controlled tracking and mixing. These pickups respond dynamically across the frequency spectrum, offering articulate mids and controlled sustain that translates cleanly to tape or digital regardless of input gain. The retro-inspired character pairs naturally with both vintage-styled productions or contemporary sessions demanding tonal flexibility across multiple song arrangements.
Tone & Frequency Response
Neck and bridge pickups employ different magnet configurations—Alnico 2 in the neck (3.0 KHz resonance) and Alnico 5 in the bridge (2.8 KHz resonance)—to balance warmth with clarity across the range. Output levels of 4.50V (neck) and 4.0V (bridge) provide balanced string-to-string response that sits predictably in a mix, while the 8.0V maximum strum output ensures headroom before compression or breakup occurs, giving you control over how aggressively the signal drives your preamp or interface.
Electronics & Power
This active design runs on a single 9V battery with 715-hour runtime, drawing minimal current at 350 microamps for the set, making it reliable across long recording days without power concerns. Low noise floor—–106 dB (neck) and –102 dB (bridge)—keeps hum and artifact well below audible levels, critical for clean tracking and overdub work. The included two 25K volume pots and two 25K tone pots (split shaft, 0.235" diameter) integrate seamlessly into standard control layouts, while the stereo output jack and two-pickup bus support flexible wiring configurations for varied session demands.
Key Features
- Neck pickup: Alnico 2 magnet with 3.0 KHz resonant frequency
- Bridge pickup: Alnico 5 magnet with 2.8 KHz resonant frequency
- Neck output: 4.50V per string; Bridge output: 4.0V per string
- Maximum output voltage: 8.0V (strum)
- Output noise: –106 dB (neck), –102 dB (bridge) at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 3.1 Kohm
- Active electronics powered by single 9V battery (715-hour battery life)
- Current draw: 350 microamps (set)
- 2× 25K volume pots and 2× 25K tone pots included (split shaft, 0.235" diameter)
- Traditional open coil bobbin construction with stainless steel body
- 1/4" (6.35mm) audio connector; supports up to 27V DC maximum supply
- Black finish
This set combines the dynamic feel of vintage passive designs with the reliability and noise rejection of modern active circuitry, making it a straightforward upgrade for home studios and session rigs seeking dimensional tone without compromising signal integrity.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Fat 55-7 active humbucker set brings harmonic warmth and articulate midrange character to studio tracking and mixing, with separate Alnico 2 (neck) and Alnico 5 (bridge) magnets that balance clarity across the frequency spectrum. The low noise floor (-106 dB neck, -102 dB bridge) and high headroom (8.0V max strum output) make these pickups studio-friendly for layering and post-production flexibility, while the included 25K pots integrate into any standard control layout. Pick this set for recording sessions across hard rock, metal, and progressive styles when you want dimensional, articulate tone without active hum or noise artifacts.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Warm and harmonic, articulate mids, controlled sustain, balanced clarity, high headroom |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do these pickups suit?
The Fat 55-7 set is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The active electronics and balanced output handle both clean and high-gain applications, making them accessible for developing players while offering the consistency and headroom that experienced musicians demand.
What genres and playing styles are these pickups best for?
These pickups excel in hard rock, metal, progressive, studio sessions, and gigging scenarios. They are not recommended for traditional jazz or folk applications, where their active character and high-gain voicing would be outside the typical tonal palette.
What is the battery life and how do I power these pickups?
The set runs on a single 9V battery with 715-hour runtime, drawing only 350 microamps total current. A single battery charge will last several months in typical playing use, and the straightforward wiring supports flexible configurations via the stereo output jack and two-pickup bus.
How do the neck and bridge pickups differ tonally?
The neck pickup uses an Alnico 2 magnet with 3.0 kHz resonance and outputs 4.50V, delivering warmth and harmonic richness. The bridge uses Alnico 5 with 2.8 kHz resonance and outputs 4.0V, providing clarity and controlled sustain—together they create balanced string-to-string response across the full range.
What is the noise floor and maximum output of this set?
The neck pickup has a noise floor of -106 dB and the bridge is -102 dB at 60 Hz, keeping hum well below audible levels. Maximum strum output reaches 8.0V, providing ample headroom before compression or breakup occurs in high-gain applications.
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 $16 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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