EMG Fat 55 Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set 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
- EMG5982
Description
EMG Fat 55 Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Zebra
The EMG Fat 55 captures a warm, articulate character without the brittle high-end typical of high-output designs. The Retro Active circuitry combines vintage tonal character with modern clarity and sustain, sitting naturally in classic rock mixes and contemporary heavy productions alike. The zebra bobbins add visual appeal while the solderless installation system eliminates soldering during setup, speeding the recording session prep.
Recording Tone & Output Performance
The neck pickup uses an Alnico 2 magnet with a resonant frequency of 3.0 kHz and output of 4.50V per string, delivering smooth, warm fundamentals that anchor lead lines and rhythm tones in the mix. The bridge pickup employs an Alnico 5 magnet tuned to 2.8 kHz with 4.0V output per string, balancing definition with clarity for articulate upper-register work. Maximum strum output reaches 8.0V, providing ample headroom for tracking through driven amp channels without excessive compression or signal loss.
Electronics & Installation
The Retro Active design operates at 9V with a draw of 350 microamps and a battery life expectancy of 715 hours, easily outlasting multi-day tracking sessions. The complete solderless system includes two 25k volume potentiometers, two 25k tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup in/out bus, mounting hardware, and cables — everything required for a clean, reliable installation without soldering, enabling fast instrument swaps during production.
Key Features
- Neck pickup: Alnico 2 magnet, 3.0 kHz resonant frequency, 4.50V output per string
- Bridge pickup: Alnico 5 magnet, 2.8 kHz resonant frequency, 4.0V output per string
- Maximum output voltage: 8.0V on strum
- Output impedance: 3.1 Kohm
- Noise floor: Neck -106 dB, Bridge -102 dB at 60 Hz
- Power: 9V supply, 350 microamps draw, 715-hour battery life
- Maximum supply voltage rating: 27V DC
- Alnico magnets in traditional open-coil bobbins with zebra finish
- EMG Quik-Connect solderless system with complete wiring harness
- Compatible with 6.35mm and 3.5mm jack connectors
- Long shaft potentiometer configuration for recessed control layouts
- Includes mounting hardware and installation cables
These pickups combine measured low-noise performance with the tactile warmth of Alnico magnets, delivering the classic EMG reliability in a setup that accommodates both traditional and modern guitar configurations for studio flexibility.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Fat 55 set captures warm fundamentals and articulate mids that sit naturally in a mix without harshness—perfect for home studio and professional recording across rock, metal, and alternative styles. The Retro Active electronics deliver measured low noise and consistent output (4.5V neck, 4.0V bridge) that translates predictably across mic placement and mic preamp gain, while 8.0V maximum headroom provides plenty of dynamics on overdrive and saturation chains. The complete solderless harness and included potentiometers mean quick installation and straightforward session setup, letting you focus on capturing your tone.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Warm fundamentals, articulate midrange, smooth sustain, high output without brittleness, vintage character with modern clarity |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these pickups easy to install if I've never done this before?
Yes. The EMG Quik-Connect solderless system requires no soldering—just plug the connectors together. The set includes a complete wiring harness, two volume and two tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all mounting hardware, so installation is straightforward even for beginners.
Will these pickups work in any guitar, or do they need a specific control layout?
They are designed for long shaft potentiometers, which accommodates recessed control layouts common in modern guitars. They use 6.35mm and 3.5mm jack connectors, so compatibility depends on your guitar's cavity and wiring type—confirm your guitar's control layout before purchasing.
How long will the battery last?
The 9V battery draws 350 microamps and has a life expectancy of 715 hours, which typically outlasts most gigging and recording schedules. You'll know it's time to replace when output begins to drop.
What's the difference between the neck and bridge pickup in this set?
The neck pickup uses an Alnico 2 magnet tuned to 3.0 kHz with 4.50V output per string for warm, smooth tone. The bridge uses an Alnico 5 magnet tuned to 2.8 kHz with 4.0V output for more punch and articulation on upper frets.
How do these compare to passive pickups, and do I really need active electronics?
Active pickups like the Fat 55 deliver consistent output, low noise, and high headroom without the signal loss of long cables or passive tone-stack coloration. The trade-off is a battery dependency, but 715 hours of life makes that practical for most players and studios.
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 $15 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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