EMG Fat 55-F 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
- EMG5972
Description
EMG Fat 55-F Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
The EMG Fat 55-F delivers the articulate, punchy character of classic active pickups with a refined touch that translates both aggressive tracking and controlled dynamics into your recordings. This set pairs a warm neck pickup with a focused bridge unit, offering the harmonic complexity that producers seek when capturing clarity and sustain without sacrificing vintage character. The retro open-coil aesthetic combines vintage visual appeal with modern active circuitry, making this an ideal choice for instruments built or upgraded to demand definition and presence across the frequency spectrum.
Tone & Recording Performance
The neck pickup generates 4.50V output with an 8.0V maximum under hard strumming, while the bridge sits at 4.0V / 8.0V respectively, providing balanced dynamics across your mix. Each unit operates at 3.1 Kohm impedance with resonant frequencies tuned to 3.0 KHz (neck) and 2.8 KHz (bridge), delivering focused midrange presence and controlled treble response that cuts through dense arrangements. The active circuit draws only 350 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 715 hours of battery life per cell—practical endurance for extended session work.
Installation & Integration
Both pickups use Alnico magnets—Alnico 2 in the neck for warmth and Alnico 5 in the bridge for tightness—seated in traditional open-coil bobbins that mount with standard humbucker spacing. The included electronics package features 2x 25K volume pots and 2x 25K tone pots with short-shaft 9mm design, alongside a complete wiring harness with stereo output jack, pickup bus connectors, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables for immediate session readiness.
Key Features
- Neck: Alnico 2 magnet; Bridge: Alnico 5 magnet
- 4.50V neck output / 8.0V maximum; 4.0V bridge output / 8.0V maximum
- 3.1 Kohm output impedance on both pickups
- 3.0 KHz resonant frequency (neck); 2.8 KHz resonant frequency (bridge)
- Output noise rating: -106 dB (neck) / -102 dB (bridge)
- 350 microamps current draw at 9V; approximately 715 hours battery life
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Traditional open-coil bobbins with standard humbucker spacing
- 2x 25K volume pots and 2x 25K tone pots with short-shaft 9mm design
- 1/4" (6.35mm) stainless steel audio connectors
- Complete wiring harness included: battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus, mounting hardware, cables
The Fat 55-F combines the reliability of active electronics with the harmonic warmth of Alnico magnets and open-coil construction, delivering a pickup set that bridges classic tone and modern consistency for professional recording results.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Fat 55-F active set captures articulate, punchy tone with warm neck response and focused bridge output, making it excellent for recording hard rock, metal, and progressive tracks where definition and sustain matter. The balanced 4.50V / 4.0V output and tuned resonant frequencies (3.0 KHz neck, 2.8 KHz bridge) sit well in dense mixes without muddiness, while the low noise floor (-106 dB / -102 dB) keeps session recordings clean. Drop it into your recording rig with the included complete harness and electronics for immediate studio tracking.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box?
Both pickups, 2x 25K volume pots, 2x 25K tone pots with 9mm short-shaft design, stereo output jack, battery bus connectors, pickup bus, mounting hardware, and a complete wiring harness with cables for immediate installation.
How long does the battery last?
At 350 microamps current draw from a 9V battery, you get approximately 715 hours of playing time per battery cell, roughly 30 days of regular use.
Is this set good for jazz or blues?
No—this set is voiced for hard rock, metal, and progressive music where articulate punch and high sustain shine. The focused midrange and controlled treble aren't designed for jazz or blues tone characteristics.
What magnets are used, and how do they differ?
The neck uses an Alnico 2 magnet for warmth and clarity, while the bridge uses Alnico 5 for tightness and focused output. This pairing delivers balanced dynamics across both positions.
Will these fit my current guitar?
Yes, both pickups use standard humbucker spacing and traditional open-coil bobbins, so they install into any guitar with a standard humbucker cavity. Verify your guitar has a humbucker configuration before ordering.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $15 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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