What makes this pickup set different from other high-gain options like the EMG 81/85 or Seymour Duncan JB?

The Marty Friedman set uses a passive humbucker architecture with Alnico 5 magnets, preserving natural dynamics and articulation through distortion, while remaining voiced specifically for the clarity and brightness Friedman demands in lead work. Unlike active pickups, the passive design responds more directly to your playing dynamics and touch, making it a strong choice for players who want high output without losing sensitivity.

Is soldering required for installation?

No—the pickup set features solderless four-conductor wiring and includes a complete wiring harness with volume and tone pots, stereo output jack, and all mounting hardware. Installation requires only standard humbucker mounting, with screws and springs included, fitting most modern instruments without modification.

What output level is this, and will it work with my amp's gain structure?

The set delivers medium-high output (49mm standard spacing, 18.7mm long shaft) designed specifically for high-gain applications and lead work. Medium-high output works well with most gain-heavy amp settings and distortion pedals without requiring extreme EQ or volume compensation, though responsiveness also depends on your instrument's wood and electronics.

Is this set suitable for jazz or blues playing?

This pickup set is engineered for metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain lead work, with a bright, articulate voice that excels through distortion. Jazz and blues players typically benefit from warmer, more mellow voicings; this set is not optimized for those genres.

What's included in the box?

The set includes bridge and neck passive humbuckers in brushed black chrome, a complete wiring harness with two 500k volume pots, two 500k tone pots, stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection hardware, and standard humbucker mounting screws and springs.

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.

EMG Marty Friedman Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome

The EMG Marty Friedman signature pickup set captures the articulate, high-gain character that defines modern metal and progressive recording, with medium-high output that tracks cleanly through aggressive playing techniques while maintaining clarity across distortion and overdrive tones. The long shaft design and brushed black chrome finish integrate seamlessly into modern instruments, offering a refined aesthetic without sacrificing the aggressive tonal palette these pickups are engineered to deliver in the mix.

Passive Design & Recording Character

Built on Alnico 5 magnets with a passive humbucker architecture, this set produces medium-high output ideal for high-gain tracking and lead recording sessions. The passive topology preserves the natural dynamics of your instrument while the Alnico 5 magnets deliver the articulation and brightness essential for cutting through dense mixes and capturing definition in studio takes.

Installation & Studio Workflow

The solderless four-conductor wiring and included wiring harness—featuring 500k volume and tone pots, stereo output jack, pickup cables, and connection hardware—streamline installation and eliminate soldering hassles. The standard humbucker mounting with included screws and springs fits most modern instruments without modification, keeping your session setup efficient and your instruments ready for rapid tracking.

Key Features

Passive humbucker set (bridge and neck positions)
Alnico 5 magnet construction
Medium-high output
49mm standard spacing with 18.7mm threaded long shaft
Brushed black chrome cover finish
Solderless four-conductor wiring
Complete wiring harness included (2x 500k volume pot, 2x 500k tone pot, stereo output jack, two-pickup bus, mounting hardware)
Standard humbucker mounting
Manufactured in the United States
MPN: 6030.00

This US-made pickup set combines Friedman's proven recording signature with the convenience of solderless installation and a complete wiring solution, making it an essential choice for producers and engineers seeking articulate, high-output performance without compromise.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, High-Gain Lead Work, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Articulate, high-gain, medium-high output, bright, clear through distortion
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional