EMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4783
Description
EMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
The EMG Fat 55 captures a balanced, articulate humbucker voice with enough output to cut through a dense mix without sacrificing clarity. This bridge-position pickup pairs aggressive midrange presence with controlled high-end response, making it ideal for tracking hard rock, metal, and modern fusion—or blending into contemporary production styles. The retro-active circuit and solderless wiring design streamline the installation process while preserving the refined tonal character that defines EMG's Retro Active platform, letting you focus on recording rather than troubleshooting.
Tone & Output Character
A 2.8 kHz resonant frequency and Alnico 5 magnet combine to deliver punchy mids and smooth treble definition that translates cleanly to multitrack recordings. Output measures 4.0V per string with a 8.0V maximum strum voltage, providing enough gain to drive overdrive circuits and front-end processing without excessive compression, while the -102 dB noise floor keeps hum and interference inaudible even at tracking volume and during heavy compression in the mix.
Power & System Specifications
The retro-active design draws 350 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 715 hours of battery life per single 9V cell—enough longevity to complete full album sessions without power interruption. The circuit supports up to 27V DC maximum supply, allowing for expanded headroom and extended dynamic range when powered from higher-voltage sources, while the 3.1 kΩ output impedance ensures stable interfacing with studio interfaces, preamp inputs, and recording console lines.
Key Features
- Open coil humbucker configuration
- Alnico 5 magnet for balanced tone and articulation
- 2.8 kHz resonant frequency
- 4.0V output per string, 8.0V maximum output on strum
- -102 dB noise specification (60 Hz)
- 3.1 kΩ output impedance
- 350 microamp current draw at 9V
- Approximately 715 hours battery life per 9V cell
- Supports up to 27V DC maximum supply
- Completely solderless retro-active circuit with exclusive EMG connectors
- Long shaft design (9.9 mm pot compatibility)
- Zebra coil finish
This pickup delivers the clarity, output, and reliability demanded by home producers and recording engineers who require consistency and transparency throughout their signal chain.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Fat 55 delivers balanced, punchy mids and smooth treble definition that sit well in dense mixes without muddying the low end or sounding brittle in the highs. Designed for hard rock, metal, and fusion recording sessions, its 4.0V output per string and -102 dB noise floor make it ideal for tracking overdrive and high-gain tones while maintaining articulation and clarity. The retro-active circuit's long battery life and support for up to 27V DC supply give studio owners flexibility in their signal chain.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Modern Fusion, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Punchy mids, smooth treble definition, articulate, balanced, high output |
| Less specialized for | Blues, Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres is the Fat 55 best suited for?
The Fat 55 excels in hard rock, metal, and modern fusion. Its punchy midrange and controlled response are optimized for high-gain contexts and cutting through dense mixes, making it less ideal for blues, jazz, and folk styles that typically benefit from softer, more dynamic tones.
How long does a 9V battery last in this pickup?
The retro-active circuit draws 350 microamps at 9V, providing approximately 715 hours of battery life per single 9V cell. That translates to roughly 30 days of continuous playing time before replacement is needed.
What is the output level, and how does it compare to other active pickups?
The Fat 55 produces 4.0V per string with an 8.0V maximum strum voltage, placing it in the high-output category. This gain level sits between more moderate Retro Active designs and full-bore active pickups like the EMG 81, offering enough output for overdrive and distortion without excessive compression or noise.
Is this pickup easy to install?
Yes. The solderless retro-active circuit uses EMG's exclusive connectors to eliminate traditional soldering, significantly speeding up installation. The long shaft design accommodates standard 9.9 mm potentiometers, making it compatible with most modern guitar electronics.
What skill level do I need to install this pickup?
The Fat 55 is suitable for intermediate players and above. While the solderless design simplifies installation compared to traditional pickups, working with active circuits and potentiometer compatibility still requires basic electronics knowledge or willingness to follow detailed wiring diagrams.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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