What makes this pickup active, and why does that matter?

The EMG P60A uses an active circuit powered by a standard 9V battery (3,000-hour lifespan) that amplifies the signal internally, delivering a -100 dB noise floor and consistent output regardless of cable length or impedance. This is a huge advantage in live and studio settings where cable runs vary or you're feeding multiple devices, since the signal stays clean and stable without tone coloration from the signal chain.

Will this fit my guitar, and what's the long shaft for?

The P60A uses a standard P90 soapbar footprint but includes an 18.7mm long shaft, which accommodates guitars with recessed pickup cavities that would reject a standard-shaft pickup. If your guitar has a standard-depth P90 cavity, the long shaft still works fine—it just gives you flexibility for deeper recesses without compromising tone.

Does this require soldering to install?

No—the EMG P60A uses a solderless connectivity system. It includes 25k volume and tone potentiometers, a battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup in/out buss, mounting hardware, and all connection cables, so you can wire it entirely with connectors.

How does this tone compare to a vintage P90 or other P90 humbuckers?

The P60A bridges vintage P90 warmth with modern EMG consistency and clarity. It's voiced around a 1.80 kHz resonant frequency with Alnico V magnets for responsive dynamics, cutting through dense mixes while retaining articulation—less dark than a Seymour Duncan P-90 or DiMarzio P90, more polished and noise-free than a Fender Original P90.

What genre is this pickup best suited for?

Hard rock, rock, metal, studio sessions, and live performance are ideal matches. The controlled, articulate output and cutting high-mids work against folk and jazz applications where warmer, more open tone is typically preferred.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG P60A Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory

The EMG P60A delivers articulate, controlled output in a compact P90 soapbar format with the extended reach of an 18.7mm long shaft. This active humbucker bridges the tonal character of vintage P90s with modern EMG circuit consistency, making it an ideal choice for tracking sessions where clarity and definition matter without sacrificing warmth. The ivory finish pairs classic aesthetics with contemporary electronics engineering.

Tracking & Mix Presence

Voiced around a 1.80 kHz resonant frequency with -100 dB noise floor, this pickup cuts through dense arrangements while maintaining articulation across the frequency spectrum during recording. The Alnico V magnet provides responsive dynamic response that captures nuanced playing dynamics, and the active circuit delivers consistent output regardless of cable length or impedance variations—essential for repeatable takes and predictable mixing headroom.

Studio Installation & Workflow

Solderless connectivity streamlines installation using the included potentiometers, battery bus, and cabling system, reducing setup time in the studio. The long shaft positioning accommodates guitars with recessed pickup cavities while maintaining the familiar P90 soapbar footprint, and the entire system runs on a standard 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3,000 hours—sufficient for extended session work.

Key Features

P90 soapbar housing style
Active humbucker design
Alnico V magnet
18.7mm long shaft
Ivory finish
Solderless installation system
Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting hardware, and all connection cables
1.80 kHz resonant frequency
-100 dB noise output
3,000-hour battery life on standard 9V
Manufactured in the United States

This pickup combines EMG's reputation for noise-free active circuitry with the tonal footprint that made P90s sought-after, all backed by domestic manufacturing and a comprehensive accessory package.