EMG Marty Friedman Passive Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6490
Description
EMG Marty Friedman Passive Humbucker Pickup Set in Black Chrome
Developed in collaboration with Marty Friedman, this passive humbucker set captures the articulate, high-output character that has defined his signature tone across decades of studio and live recording. The brushed black chrome finish pairs striking aesthetics with the musical performance of Alnico 5 magnets, offering a direct path to precision-cut clarity and sustain in the mix.
Tone & Construction
Alnico 5 magnets combined with four-conductor wiring deliver a medium-high output profile—enough presence to cut through a dense mix and drive tracking and amp tones without sacrificing articulation or note definition. The brushed black chrome covers provide consistent magnetic performance and visual clarity, while the passive design eliminates active noise floor concerns entirely, capturing pure string-to-coil signal with no coloration.
Installation & Compatibility
Setup is streamlined for session efficiency: solderless wiring reduces install time, and standard humbucker routing compatibility means these fit any guitar designed for conventional humbuckers. The package includes a complete wiring loom—potentiometers, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware—so you can move from unboxing to tracking quickly.
Key Features
- Type: Passive humbucker set (bridge and neck)
- Magnet Material: Alnico 5
- Output Level: Medium-high
- Conductor Configuration: Four-conductor
- Cover Finish: Brushed black chrome
- Wiring: Solderless
- Mounting: Standard humbucker routing compatible
- Included: 2× 500k volume pots, 2× 500k tone pots, stereo output jack, 2 pickup in/out busses, mounting screws and springs, pickup and connecting cables
- Made in USA
The EMG Marty Friedman set combines studio-proven passive voicing with premium components and a complete wiring loom, delivering immediate tonal authority and installation confidence for tracking and live capture.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
These passive humbuckers capture aggressive, articulate character with medium-high output and Alnico 5 magnets that cut through dense mixes without losing note definition or sustain. The four-conductor wiring and pure signal path make them a dependable choice for tracking heavy music and layered rock productions where clarity and controlled aggression matter. Solderless installation and a complete wiring loom get you tracking fast, while the passive design eliminates noise floor issues in the recording chain.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, high output, precision clarity, sustained sustain, aggressive character |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install these pickups?
None—the solderless wiring design eliminates soldering entirely, and the package includes all potentiometers, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware you need for a complete installation. Standard humbucker routing compatibility means they fit any guitar designed for conventional humbuckers.
What genres and styles do these pickups suit best?
Metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate, high-output tone and sustained note clarity are priorities. They're less suited to jazz, blues, and folk styles that benefit from warmer, lower-output voicings.
How do these compare to the EMG 81/85 or Seymour Duncan JB?
The Marty Friedman set is a passive design with Alnico 5 magnets and medium-high output, offering a different tonal character than the high-output active 81/85 or the classic voicing of the JB. The passive architecture delivers a pure signal path without batteries or noise floor, making it a direct choice if you prefer that approach.
What's included in the box?
The set includes both bridge and neck pickups with brushed black chrome covers, 2× 500k volume pots, 2× 500k tone pots, stereo output jack, 2 pickup in/out busses, mounting screws and springs, and all necessary connecting cables—everything needed for a complete wiring installation.
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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