EMG Fat 55 Neck 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
- EMG7471
Description
EMG Fat 55 Neck Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
The EMG Fat 55 Neck captures the warmth and articulation of classic humbucker tones while leveraging modern active electronics for consistent output and noise rejection across tracking sessions. This long shaft variant fits standard Gibson-spaced neck positions and integrates seamlessly with bridge pickups for a balanced, cohesive frequency response in the mix. The zebra bobbin finish provides visual character while solid engineering guarantees reliable capture session after session.
Tone & Electronics
A 3.0 kHz resonant frequency and Alnico 2 magnet produce a focused, midrange-forward response that cuts through dense arrangements and holds definition on both lead and rhythm parts. Output reaches 4.50V on individual strings and 8.0V on full strums, with an exceptionally clean noise floor at −106 dB (60 Hz)—active circuitry eliminates hum and cable noise, keeping tracking clean even in electrically challenging control rooms.
Design & Build
Traditional open coil bobbins house the Alnico 2 magnet in a solderless configuration that streamlines installation and future modification without affecting signal integrity. The 3.1 kΩ output impedance maintains signal clarity through long cable runs, effects chains, and audio interfaces without coloration or impedance-related signal loss.
Key Features
- Alnico 2 magnet with 3.0 kHz resonant frequency
- 4.50V output (single string); 8.0V output maximum (full strum)
- Output noise floor −106 dB at 60 Hz
- 3.1 kΩ output impedance
- Long shaft configuration for standard neck positions
- Solderless Retro Active humbucker design
- Open coil traditional bobbin construction
- 350 microamps current @ 9V; 715-hour battery life
- Maximum supply voltage 27V DC
- Zebra color finish
- Includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, and stereo output jack
This neck pickup merges vintage tonal character with modern active reliability—a direct path to reduced noise and consistent gain across production work without sacrificing the organic warmth of Alnico magnetics.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Fat 55 Neck combines vintage humbucker character with modern active electronics, delivering a warm, articulate tone at −106 dB noise floor that stays clean through long recording sessions and complex signal chains. Its 4.50V single-string and 8.0V full-strum output sits well in the mix without requiring excessive gain staging, making it a versatile choice for rhythm and lead tracking in home studios. The solderless design and included potentiometers streamline integration into your recording rig.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Lead work, Rhythm definition |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Midrange-forward, warm, articulate, focused, clean noise floor |
| Less specialized for | Extremely high-gain metal, Noise-sensitive environments with inadequate shielding (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'long shaft' mean, and will it fit my guitar?
Long shaft refers to the pickup's pole-piece length, designed for standard Gibson-spaced neck positions. Measure your existing neck pickup or verify your guitar's neck pickup cavity before purchase to ensure compatibility.
How does the active circuit affect the tone?
The active circuitry eliminates hum and cable noise (−106 dB floor) while maintaining the warm, articulate character of the Alnico 2 magnet. It does not alter the core tone; it only removes unwanted noise and provides consistent output across different guitars and cables.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal?
The Fat 55 is not optimized for extremely high-gain metal; its focus is on warmth and articulation for lead work and rhythm definition. For metal applications, consider higher-output designs like the EMG 81 or 85.
What's included in the box?
The pickup comes with 25K volume and tone potentiometers, a battery bus, a stereo output jack, and solderless wiring for quick installation. You will need a 9V battery to power the active circuit (715-hour battery life at standard current draw).
How do I install this pickup?
The solderless Retro Active design speeds installation—no soldering required. Follow the included wiring diagram to connect the battery bus, potentiometers, and output jack. Standard tools and basic electrical knowledge are sufficient for most players.
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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