EMG GH Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5544
Description
EMG GH Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Red
The EMG GH is Gary Holt's signature active humbucker pairing, engineered to capture high-output aggression with tight articulation in the studio. This set combines the punchy ceramic character of the EMG 81 at the bridge with the warm, controlled response of the EMG 89R split at the neck, delivering dynamic range across the fretboard without sacrificing definition. Built with solderless connections and USA manufacturing, this is a direct drop-in for recording sessions demanding clarity and sustain in heavy styles.
Active Electronics & Power
Both pickups run on a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life, eliminating mid-session battery swaps during tracking. The active circuit ensures low noise across the output spectrum—the bridge delivers 3.0V RMS / 4.5V peak output with -100dBV noise floor, while the neck achieves 3.1V RMS / 4.5V peak with -101dBV noise, both drawing only 80µA current for minimal drain and clean recording signal.
Tone & Construction
The EMG 81's ceramic magnet and 1630Hz resonant frequency yield focused, aggressive highs that cut through dense mixes and sit well in heavy production. The EMG 89R's Alnico 5 magnet and 1870Hz resonant frequency provide warmer, fuller midrange at the neck position for tonal separation and balance during layering. Both feature 10kΩ impedance for consistent interface with recording equipment and effects chains, and the split-coil neck design offers tonal flexibility for split-pickup recording techniques and blending.
Key Features
- EMG 81 (ceramic, high-output) at bridge; EMG 89R split (Alnico 5) at neck
- Active humbucker configuration with solderless connections
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Bridge output: 3.0V RMS / 4.5V peak; noise floor -100dBV
- Neck output: 3.1V RMS / 4.5V peak; noise floor -101dBV
- Both pickups: 10kΩ impedance, 80µA current draw
- USA manufactured
- Red cap color
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k push/pull volume pot, tone pots, and battery bus
- Stereo output jack with 1/4" mono phone plug connector
- Pickup and connection cables, mounting screws, and springs included
This pairing delivers the articulation and output needed to capture modern high-gain tones while maintaining the tonal separation required for tracking and mixing across pickup positions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG GH set combines a punchy ceramic bridge (EMG 81) with a full, articulate Alnico neck (EMG 89R split) to capture aggressive, high-output tones while maintaining separation between positions—ideal for recording modern metal, djent, and progressive material. Active electronics deliver an exceptionally low noise floor (-100dBV bridge, -101dBV neck) and consistent output (3.0–3.1V RMS) that sit cleanly in dense mixes and respond predictably to gain staging. The split-coil neck design adds recording flexibility for hybrid tones without the hum, and a single 9V battery powers both for 3000 hours with minimal current draw.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Djent, Progressive |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight low end, aggressive highs, warm neck response, articulate |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles are these pickups best suited for?
The EMG GH excels in metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles where high output, tight low end, and aggressive highs are essential. They are not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk, where the active circuit's character and output level do not align with those tonal aesthetics.
How long does the 9V battery last, and is it easy to replace?
The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playtime (roughly 4–6 months of moderate use) and draws only 80µA current, minimizing drain. The solderless connections make battery replacement straightforward—no soldering required.
What is the difference between the bridge and neck pickup in this set?
The bridge is an EMG 81 with a ceramic magnet and 1630Hz resonant frequency, delivering focused, aggressive highs for lead clarity and rhythmic punch. The neck is an EMG 89R split with an Alnico 5 magnet and 1870Hz resonant frequency, providing warmer, fuller midrange response and split-coil flexibility when engaged.
What is included in the box, and is this a direct drop-in replacement?
The set includes both pickups, a 25k volume pot, 25k push/pull volume pot, tone pots, battery bus, pickup and connection cables, mounting screws, and springs. It is designed as a direct drop-in for guitars with standard humbucker routing and uses solderless connections for quick installation.
How do these compare to other high-output active humbuckers like the Seymour Duncan JB Jr. or DiMarzio Crunchlab?
The EMG GH combines the aggressive 81 bridge (familiar from EMG's 81/85 pairing) with the warmer 89R neck, offering more tonal separation and neck warmth than the Seymour Duncan JB Jr., while delivering the articulate, low-noise character that sets EMG active pickups apart from passive alternatives like the Crunchlab.
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 $17 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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