Are you looking for the Best Active Guitar Pickups? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Active Guitar Pickups can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as EMG, DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, Fishman, Dragonfire. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Active Guitar Pickups available.
The average cost is $167.24. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $36.62 to a high of $272.99.
Based on the research we did, we think EMG SA Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set, Black is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Active Guitar Pickups (20 Sellers)
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$249.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive
Features:
- Emg's exclusive quik-connect cable
- Prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
- Output jack
Reviewers Noted:
Ease of use
Features:
- Soundhole mounted volume control
- Active preamp in the endpin
- Battery clip for a 9v block
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to install . Ease of use . Visual appeal . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Quick and easy installation
- Includes ibeam placement jig (pin bridge guitars only)
- Peel-and-stick
$199.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Well made . Attractive . Ease of installation
Features:
- Outstanding body sensitivity with great warmth and presence
- Class a electronics
- Long battery life
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Compatible with electric guitar which can be installed humbucker pickup.
- Magnet: alnico 5 humbucker pickup, 6 non-adjustable slug pole pieces & 6 adjustable screws pole pieces.
- Resistance: neck pick is 7-8k, bridge pickup is 8-9k.
$119.95
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal
Features:
- Colour: black
- Made in: china
- Colour: white
$199.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Ease of installation
Features:
- Inspired by the ingenuity, tone, and feel of the original paf, evoking the best tones of the '50s and '60s
- Adds an external preamp for the benefit of a low-impedance output; virtually no hum or added noise
- The alnico magnets in traditional open-coil bobbins deliver fat, warm lows without losing any high-end clarity
$199.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Ease of use . Visual appeal . Ease of installation
Features:
- Included in the photos are screenshots of my inquiry with emg about whether these were truly zakk wylde sigs or not, just for proof.
- Cheers!
- Open to trades for pedals or cool small amps.
$59.99
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Emg's exclusive quik-connect cable
- Prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
- Output jack
$139.00
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal . Ease of use . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Type: humbucker
- Made in: usa
- Number of strings: 6
$109.00
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal . Ease of use . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Classic emg 81 sound in a 7-string housing
- Dimensions: 38 x 89 mm
- Quick-connect cable, volume / tone control set with knurled shafts, output jack, battery clip, screws & springs
$149.95
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal
Features:
- Magnetic material: alnico v
- Magnetic circuit: bar magnet with poles
- Gauss strength: 140 gauss strength at string
$239.00
5.0
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal
Features:
- The 57 is a bridge humbucker pickup designed for today’s guitar player regardless of style or genre
- The unique combination of alnico v magnets and steel pole pieces evoke an unmistakably paf quality in its tone
- The active attributes provide the headroom and punch necessary to deliver excellent definition and presence
$209.00
5.0
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Sound quality
Features:
- 81/85 active electric guitar humbucker pickup set red
- The emg 81/85 set gives offers up one active emg 85 and one active emg 81 humbucking pickup for scorching tone
- You'll also get two quick-connect cables, two 25k long-shaft volume/tone controls, two 25k split-shaft volume/tone controls, screws and springs
$272.99
5.0
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Get your tone back with our unparalleled version of the '72 wide range humbucker
- Most are not aware of the differences between the original wide range humbucker from the '70s and the modern versions made today
- The main difference is the magnet structure
$229.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
Features:
- Dimensions (overall): 6.9 inches (l), 2.3 inches (h) x 4.9 inches (w).
- Weight: .95 pounds.
- Package quantity: 1.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal . Ease of use . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Emg's exclusive quik-connect cable
- Prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
- Output jack
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Ease of installation
Features:
- Includes the original box, paperwork, cables, and pots, as shown.
- These pickups are in excellent condition with only some very light wear on them, as shown.
- They were only installed for a very short period before being replaced.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Easy to install . Durability . Instruction quality
Features:
- Construction: humbuckers, active
- Output: high
- Connections: solderless
Features:
- Tones features: full, sensitive solid and thick sound. it is specially designed to enhance distortion and metal power for strat style bridge position. alnico 5 single-coil-sized guitar humbucker pikcups, ideal…
1. Emg Sa Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set, Black
Product Details:
The emg-sa pickup combines the attributes of the early strat sound but with an added midrange response and higher output, giving it bell-like ringing harmonics and increased sustain. one single alnico bar magnet delivers classic overdrive with a smooth midrange distortion, while still retaining the familiar high end of a single-coil pickup. these characteristics provide greater versatility than what is normally found in single-coil pickups. the internal preamp rejects every bit of hum and buzz for noiseless operation. this is emg's most popular pickup for stratocaster-type guitars.
Specifications:
Reviews:
I have been using these pickups, emg-sa , for over 20 years and I have yet to find another pickup that sound as good as emg pickups. I have tried other brands and I can get a good sound out of them but they are always missing something. Then I go back to emg's and they give me the sound other are missing. I hear from other musician's that an emg pickup sounds sterol and they are wrong. Not sterol at all. From sparkling clean sound to nice smooth over-drive to a jazzy sound….they will perform nicely. Most of all, they sound perfect in the studio and in live performances.Harry
Bought a set of EMG SA to pair it with a 89R to find those 80s studio guitar tones and to eliminate all the hum from single coils. Nowadays I mainly play thru an interface/pc and with single coils I used to get a lot of noise especially if I played with some med/high gain. EMG's were the perfect solution to get rid of the noise. Sonically they're more flat/balanced and compressed than a single coil wich has a more open sound and a caracteristic scooped eq curve.
Overall: Meh, a lot of people say EMG pickups are sterial and lack their own character. I'm afraid I agree whole heartedly. These sound like a lack luster Telecaster pickup with no life of their own. I'll take a Seymour Duncan JB over these any day. Oh well, 250 bucks down the drain maybe the kid next door will buy them. A few tweeks from your amps EQ, and you might find an aceppable tone. Good luck.
2. Lr Baggs Element Active Acoustic Pickup System
Product Details:
An undersaddle transducer that fits most common string spacings and saddle widths.the element undersaddle transducer for steel-string guitars is flexible, to contact the bridge and saddle more efficiently. the improved coupling increases sensitivity, for a more lively and open acoustic guitar sound with a delicate high end. it works with most common string spacings and saddle widths, including 3/32" and 1/8", for uniform string-to-string balance. the system features a discrete class-a preamp/endpin jack with pre-contoured eq for plug-and-play convenience, and a soundhole-mounted mini volume control that requires no soldering or drilling. a handy no-drill mesh battery bag is also included. 9-volt battery required.
Specifications:
| Pickup active sensor length | 3.4" |
| Pickup thickness | .038" |
| Pickup width | .092" |
| Battery type | Single 9V |
| Battery life | 1000 hrs. |
Reviews:
Real sound , no Frills just the Guitars original tone .savmandundee
Hands down! The best sound for an acoustic. I was looking for something that I could hear each string with the same balance. And this pickup was perfect! You dont hear more of one string or less of one. Every string has the same volume and tone. And in the clean channel with no eq, it has natural low end!performanceautoglassandtint
This pickup works great. It's easy to install yourself if you're brave. It took me about an hour. I recommend several pieces of tape over the end pin hole before you drill the guitar, this helps prevent chipping the finish, I also recommend access to a good belt sander to get the bridge sanded down just right to compensate for the pickup underneath it. I use this pickup with an LR Baggs ParaDI and I always get a great sound with them.ToddAllenHooper
3. Lr Baggs Ibeam Active Acoustic Guitar Pickup System
Product Details:
The ibeam s mipa award-winning design employs a matched pair of virtually weightless film sensors that flex with the soundboard to trace your guitar s voice much like diaphragms in a stereo mic. a key advantage over typical bridge plate sensors is the ibeam s cardioid like response pattern that inhibits feedback and string squeak while selectively admitting rich tone-producing vibrations. weighing less than 1/3 of an ounce, the pickup will not alter the guitar s natural acoustics and easily mounts to the bridge plate with peel-and-stick adhesive. the ibeam active pairs the ibeam with an all-discrete class a endpin preamp with soundhole volume control. the sweet and ultra-quiet audiophile-grade preamp faithfully amplifies every nuance of the pickup. superior sound and performance is built in for easy plug-and-play performance. an auxiliary passive channel is also available for adding a secondary pickup. the ibeam active is also great for direct studio or home recording. comparison tests have demonstrated that the fidelity of this system is a great alternative to studio microphones.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 2.875" x .425" |
| Instrument | Acoustic Guitar |
| Position | Bridge Plate |
| Active/Passive | Active (9V battery) |
Reviews:
I have heard no after market pickup that more faithfully reproduces the tone of an acoustic guitar. Easy install, comes with jig and extra adhesive strips in case you (or your friend), oh I don't know, drop your guitar on the concrete floor of a Masaai church in Kenya and have to send your guitar back to the states for repair, but want to put the pickup into a cheap yahama for the time being. Baggs even sent me and extra jig and adhesives, in Kenya, to install it. And it makes the Yamaha sound very good, even though it doesn't even really sound that good acoustically! An amazing pickup that I will use as long as they are still in production! Easy to use, easy to install, virtually indestructible, lightweight and invisible. Outstanding quality and design. I bought mine years ago. The current price is very agreeable and worth every penny if you really care about tone, even if you have a mediocre guitar to install it in!prof69strat
After considerable research I had a Baggs iBeam active installed in my Martin D28 – I'd found the D28 recorded well with a mic, but tended to be boomy when mic'd for live sound reinforcement. An experienced Martin guitar tech installed it for me. I've tried it straight into a mixing board and through a Genz-Benz Shen Pro-LT. It sounds oh so very natural, and gets all the gain I need. It really shines for finger-style. It may not be a good choice in loud environments, as it would probably feedback, but in such situations tonal subtlety is usually less important. It was also important that it was both visually unobtrusive and physically non-invasive. That way it can be replaced – the D28 is likely to outlive the useful life of any pickup system. I am picky about sound quality and am quite happy…price was reasonable too.Return2Normal
Sound: Installed it in a Composite Acoustics Legacy/Dreadnought guitar. The sound is very natural. A lot easier to install. Like one other person said here it is real boomy at your regular settings. I had to back the bass off on my amp. It is real microphone sounding as thats probably what it is. Thus it is feedback prone if you are sitting in front of your speakers. It did well in a solo performance. Not sure how well it will do in a setting where volume is needed. But I would just use a different guitar. I do like it a lot. Features: Has a volume wheel you stick inside the sound hole out of sight. Ease of Use: With the installation jig that comes with it you can position the pickup exactly under the saddle perfectly. I really did not want to get into drilling holes under the saddle for the pickup wires, soldering wires, and sanding down the saddle. Installation is a snap. The Wow Factor: A pretty girl came up and said my guitar sounded real nice.
4. Lr Baggs M1a Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup
Product Details:
The m1 active features built-in all class a electronics, so there's no need for any external preamps and it's compatible with any outboard equipment. the new volume control gives you fingertip access in any performing situation. the m1 is a humbucking pickup with a twist. in a common stacked humbucker, the second, lower coil cancels hum but doesn't contribute anything positive to the sound. in fact, the m1 unlocks the second coil. this allows it to make a positive sonic contribution while maintaining the pure open sound of a single-coil but without the hum. triaxial dynamic technology the hum-canceling coil is suspended under the main coil by a tuned support that allows it to move in 3 dimensions. the primary coil moves with the guitar top and creates a body signal in the suspended secondary coil. this brings the m1 to life, with string and body sound all in one. it's like having a dual pickup system in your sound hole.
Specifications:
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
Reviews:
I have an Ovation legend that came with a poor quality saddle pickup that was cutting out on me so i went cheap and got a Seymour Duncan woody humbucker that has a terrible ac buzz, so I decided to try the M1A. Installation was a snap and bang I was back in business. This thing sounds great with my radial pz delux preamp. It is very bright but also has a rich low end. I had to dial back the high mids a bit but it eq's really well. It is also very active and brings out some of the imperfections of my instrument i had not previously noticed due to the extreme clarity this pickup brings to the table. I also play a bit of percussion on the body of my guitar and this unit picks up the finger tapping on the sound board well (the Seymour Duncan did not). For the price this is a great pickup. My only real disappointment is that I cannot use my sans amp distortion anymore because the M1A is so active it squeals wildly with feedback when overdriven. Oh and I had to put a little piece of clear tape on the volume knob so I would stop bumping it down when playing aggressively.Rarefaction
I've always used a mic to record my acoustic guitar, but the ongoing search for new ways of recording and new tones led me to purchase and install the LR Baggs M1 Passive pickup. I'm glad I did. It sounds great and offers a new sound palette that has expanded both my recording and musical horizons. I'm using a Martin 000-18 and the pickup is running through a Great River Me1nv into an Apogee Duet interface. I tried plugging directly into the Duet, but the Great River had a more appealing sound and needed less gain than the Duet. The only flaw that I can find in the Baggs M1 is the temporary installation method which requires that the external cord cannot be removed without removing the entire pickup. I chose the temporary installation because I didn't want to drill holes into an expensive guitar. I assumed that while the pickup would stay in the sound hole, the jack/plug assembly would be accessible and that the cord could be removed. It turns out that I was wrong. You can't just unplug the chord. This means that every time you put the guitar back in it's case, you also have to pack ten feet of cord. It's not a huge issue, but you would think that the pickup would be designed with this in mind.d willis
I have the passive version. I use this with my 1978 Yamaha FG770s. It's the best sound I have ever gotten out of this guitar. Plays really nicely into the acoustic channel of my Boss Katana 50 (Mk 1). I can get the tones I need just by using the amps Bass, Mid and Treble and get full range from full-bodied finger-picking to bright top percussion. I liked that I could do a test install with an external cable before committing to a permanent install.kcd1961
5. Fleor High Output Alnico 5 Guitar Pickup Double Coil Humbucker Pickups Neck And Bridge Set (Cream+black)
Product Details:
Compatible with electric guitar which can be installed humbucker pickup. magnet: alnico 5 humbucker pickup, 6 non-adjustable slug pole pieces & 6 adjustable screws pole pieces. resistance: neck pick is 7-8k, bridge pickup is 8-9k. fully wax potted and sealed to eliminate any unwanted feedback and noise. color: zebra. come with screws and springs, easy to install. specifications: /b br position: neck pickup & bridge pickup set. br magnet: alnico 5. br pole pieces: 6 non-adjustable slug pole pieces & 6 adjustable screws pole pieces. br pickup pole spacing: neck-50mm, bridge-52mm. br resistance: br neck – total is 7-8k ohms. /b br bridge – total is 8-9k ohms. /b br bobbin: abs bobbin,zebra colors. br fully wax potted and sealed. br br package included: br 1 x neck pickup br 1 x bridge pickup br 4 x screws br 4 x springs
Specifications:
Reviews:
I received a Fleor M00074-4 wrapped in tin foil with 2 screws and 2 springs. If you do a search for this brand, you'll see nothing but good reviews. I replaced the original single humbucker in my Peavey Rockmaster with the Fleor. The Fleor is quieter than the original (silence—no hum at all!). Plus, all the poles are adjustable. Sounds really good and just as loud! I suspect Fleor probably makes pickups for the other major brands. At this price, it is worth experimenting. They say you could a lot of money for a bad sounding pickup, so I recommend you start with this one.inyotree
Fixing screws are not suitable, you need M 2,5 a sent M 3.0ab0731396
Quite a bright and versatile little humbucker. Biting highs and a flat Mid. A surprising sound.ukdan.kirpr5dnl
6. Fishman Fluence Ss Single Width Pickup – Active, Black/white
Product Details:
Tailor your sound with the fishman fluence single-width active pickup for six-string electric guitars. this pickup lets you toggle between two distinct voices and opens up a variety of sonic options when combined with a single-width passive pickup and the fluence humbucker of your choice. alternatively, it can be combined with one or two fluence humbuckers for further tonal possibilities. equipped with an active preamplifier, this pickup is tuned to match the output level of fluence humbuckers. a black and a white cover are included. the fluence sound is very low noise and can be controlled for volume without sacrificing high end or clarity. feel and response, as well as output, can be customized by raising and lowering the pickup in relation to the strings. fluence runs on a standard 9v battery or on a li-ion rechargeable battery pack (both available separately).
Specifications:
Reviews:
The fishman fluence single width pickups are the most amazing sounding pickups I have herd in my strat. They are very bright yet can be super warm in the neck position. The push pull pot gives you that beautiful Texas strat tone as well. The cleans are amazing and the gain tones are amazing from blues to hard rock. If you are looking for the perfect pickups for your strat look no further. I highly recommend checking these out
great pickup system , easy to fit great clear sound.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
These were recommended to me by Russ Parish (Satchel from Steel Panther). I used em to upgrade a 60th anniversary classic vibe squire strat. That guitar was pretty nice to start with, but this upgrade put the sound on par with any strat I’ve ever played. I cannot recommend them enough. Imagine rolling down the volume without sacrificing any tone. Need a little boost, just pop up the pot and activate a little hotter voicing. Tremendous value.
7. Emg Retro Active Fat 55 Pickup Set – Black
Product Details:
Here is the new emg fat 55 humbucker set in a black bobbin configuration with tune-o-matic bridge spacing. the fat 55 humbucker was inspired by the original pickups of the 1950s and 1960s – the original paf pickups! no longer limited by technology, emg took that design and added an external preamp that provides the benefit of a low-impedance output! no hum or noise! the alnico magnets in traditional open coil bobbins deliver fat, warm lows without losing any clarity on the high end. the fat 55 is capable of sitting back in a blues riff or rising up to the overdriven solo with ease. staying true to conventional design can bring buzz and hum, which is where the new plug-on preamp comes in. the preamp cleans up all of the output noise but retains the passive character of your tone. this is a passive pickup with all the benefits of active technology, yielding a new level of tonal control.
Specifications:
| Active | Yes |
| Wiring | Completely Wired |
| Output | Low |
| Kappe | No |
| Position | Bridge, Neck |
Reviews:
I purchased an Epiphone Les Paul with active EMG 81/85 pickups. It wasn't horrible, but I felt that the pickups were a little sterile. Changing them out for the EMG Fat 55 pickups was a breeze since they both have quick connect wiring. All you have to do is unscrew them, disconnect the wire then connect it to the new pickups and screw it back in. It's a 15 minute job with no sodering required. The tone is much more passive in nature, with good natural tone, but it's also hot enough to drive an amp for metal or classic blues/rock. I would not say these are as natural sounding as a passive pickup, but much, much better than the 81/85 combo (for my needs).bonedigger
I had been hesitant about installing active pickups for years, due to all the mixed reviews I'd read. There seems to be no middle ground, people either love them or hate them. A friend of mine swears by the 81/85 combo, so I ordered the RetroActive set. All I can say is WOW! The neck pickup alone is worth the price of admission. These pickups have a very warm tone, not glassy or shrill, and the tone pot actually works. Even with the bass rolled up, the tone is clear and smooth. Installation was a breeze and my guitar is dead quiet, even at full gain. I will never buy another brand. EMG has outdone themselves with these vintage voiced pickups. Five stars.Dru
Overall: Just installed the zebra set in my Les Paul Prophecy EX and, wow! This is the best sounding set of pickups I have ever installed in a guitar! The clarity and gain structure is second to none. When playing clean, you can hear everything, all the way down to the pick impacting the strings, helping create a nicely percussive sound and giving you that clean tone you've been longing for. Dirty, these pickups push you further into the territory of sonic, god-level, overdriven greatness!!! Pinch harmonics are much easier to attain and are supremely clear! All-in-all, I'd say these pickups resemble a Hot-Rodded Duncan that was hot-rodded even further! I've found no style of music that these can't handle. Give em a shot. You won't regret it.Iron
8. Emg Zw-B Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Set, Black
Product Details:
Both this set last year. only been installed in one guitar. all the wiring and pots have been taken out of the guitar and are included. i am not a guitar tech but everything that was in the guitar is in the packing you get. you can reference the pictures to see more or less what you re getting. everything should be fine but i ve made the price reflect the event that something needed isn t there. the set is missing a tone pot. the set comes with 2 volume pots and 1 tone. you would have to get an emg passive tone potentiometer if you wish to do a 2×2 configuration. happy bidding !
Reviews:
Just fitted this zakk wylde set into my Les Paul. Easy to fit as everything was plug in with no soldering required. Took 2 hours from start to finish. The sound is amazing with no hiss or hum..which is one of the amazing features of active pickups. High clear punching lead with plenty of tone & the ryhtmn is tight and controlled even with screaming amounts of distortion and high amp volume. Would recommend even if your not a zakk fan or into metal…these cover a wide genre of styles. The kit came with long shaft pots which are a must for gibson Les Paul but buy the standard set if you have a thinner guitar like a SG type.imp_uk
I've been a passive humbucker user for a while and decided to go a different route with my Gibson Les Paul…I followed the tutorial installation video on the EMG website and viola!! Easy installation. They have a great overall sound…I play metal, Rock, Punk and similar types of songs. These pickups can pull it all off…I was a little afraid to turn my 2017 Les Paul Studio into a Frankenstein guitar but decided to purchase these and glad I did. I installed them myself, in about an hour, and after restringing my guitar, it was sounding awesome. My pickups arrived in 3 days from placing my order and I will always order through American Music Supply because of the payment plans and quick delivery.Tom W
I have been looking for the right tone for 10 years. And with these I found what I was looking for. These blew me away. Absolutely quality sound from brutal distortion to the cleanest clearest dreamy melodies. Unreal to say the least. Just remember one giant thing black wire isn't always ground in les pauls. I found that out the hard way. Ha! These are worth every penny.Deep sleep Kentucky
9. Emg 60 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black
Product Details:
One of the most popular emg’s, the 81 is the one that started a revolution. utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut, and fluid sustain. traditionally used in the bridge position of your guitar, this humbucking pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix.the 60 humbucker packs plenty of output with a balance of thick, boosted mids, big lows and singing highs. featuring close aperture coils, similar to a mini-humbucker, this model produces rich harmonic overtones with plenty of sustain. due to its ceramic magnets, the emg 60 has a full treble response and loads of output great for distinct single-note solos. the 60 provides clarity and character to your guitar and works very well in the neck position. like all emg active guitar and bass pickups, the 60 installs without the use of a soldering iron, making it easy to do at home.
Specifications:
Reviews:
This pickup came stock in the neck of my ESP LTD EC-1000 along with an EMG 81 in the bridge. All I can say is that this pickup is amazing. I play metal and play with my treble and bass turned up and the mids pulled way back on my amp. It definitely has the mid range crunch and brillance as advertised. For distorted lead playing the sound is smooth and full with just the right amount of crunch and for rhythm it packs plenty of punch. The clean sound is very strong and sounds good for chords and lead alike. This pickup is so good that I don't hardly ever use the 81, for lead or rhythm. It's a shame that this pickups isn't more popular because it is a very versatile and excellent sounding pickup. Just be warned that if you get this pickup that you may never need to use a bridge pickup again!Anonymous
I had the EMG 81, 85 combo. I replaced the EMG 85 with the EMG 60. This pickup gets the most pretty clean sound and compared to the 85 I like the 60's clean tone lots, lots better. The volume and bass are more equal to the 81 so when I switch pups there is no volume change. It also has a very nice distorted tone. I'm metal all the way. The EMG 60 and EMG 81 are the way to go. This is a much better combo than the 85 (no offense to anyone). I did keep my 85 and will always have it in storage but I'm sticking with the 60. The 81 is by far hotter than the 60 but the 60 gets a great bite. I love the pickup. I'm very satisfied with my 81, 60 combo. This is the way to go…..Thanks for reading my review.Lucusarts
10. Emg 808x 8-String Active Guitar Pickup Black
Product Details:
Based on the original 707, the emg 808x gives players all the tone and presence they demand in an 8 string guitar pickup with the added headroom of the x series preamp. the emg 808x eliminates the problem of a muddy low f# string that often lacks rich harmonic character and definition. featuring alnico v loaded, wide aperture coils, emg was able to beef up the tone of the low strings while maintaining a balanced and articulate upper register. this along with the x preamp provides the responsive and dynamic control that eight string players love. this pickup will articulate every note, chord, and harmonic you ask of it. used equally in the bridge and neck positions, the emg 808x pickup will forever change how you hear and play your 8-string guitar. solderless wiring makes installing the 808x easy to do on your own.
Specifications:
Reviews:
I have been using the 81-7 for a few years now(although mine is an earlier issue with the extended housing). I have it installed in a Schecter Damien 7 which I use as my primary guitar for practice and home recording. I find that this pickup is great for this type of application as it cuts down a great deal on the amount of noise you get with computers and TV's in the room. At home I play and record using a Line6 Pod X3 and the EMG's are great for low volume playing. I have also used that guitar live but the pickups give me A LOT of feedback at high gain/volume settings. Right now I have the 81-7 in the neck position with a 707 in the bridge. Since the 81 has a greater mid range voicing it tends to sound very well balanced and clear at the neck while the 707 provides slightly sweeter tones at the bridge. The 81-7 can sound very flat or even harsh at the bridge depending on what kind of amp you are using.No matter what position, I do recommend doing the 18 volt mod if you use EMG's(google it). The increase in power is really noticable and it essentially gives the pickups the dynamics of passive pups while maintaining their active gain character. EMG's are actually designed to operate at up to 27volts but 3 batteries is just not practical in most cases.some guy-mr0kN
The EMG 60A is of course a 60 with the ceramic magnet swapped for Alnico. What's the difference? Well it has a Kim Jong-un and smoother sound, less of the hard 'clang' to the treble of the 60(c) for sweeter cleans and a more open, fluid delivery with the gain turned up. The age old EMG 18v mod works magic bringing better dynamic response, clarity with extended frequency response and depth. 50k pots add a touch more bite.pauln4813
The reason for replacing my 8 string bridge pickup was simple – I needed much more clarity on the low end, and way more high mids in the signal. The 808x delivered. The pickup is dynamic, packs a solid punch, cuts through the mix, sounds amazing. The noise performance is great, as expected from EMGs, the installation is easy as pie with the solderless system using dupont cables (btw. The system is compatible with ANY dupont cable, not proprietary). The pickup reacts beautifully to height regulation, while maintaining solid signal-to-noise ration, and output. Not enough lows? Bring it closer to the strings. Want more mid range? Lower the pickup a bit. In fact, you can lower it very far without losing too much power. So far I mostly used passive pickups, but this one got me convinced, that passives are not always the answer to your tone needs.
11. Emg 81-7 7-String Active Guitar Pickup – Black
Product Details:
One of the most popular emg's the 81 is the one that started a revolution. utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain. traditionally used in the bridge position, this pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix. when used in both neck and bridge positions the sound can only be described as blistering. other recommended pairings include the classic 81/85 setup and the versatile 81/60 combo.
Specifications:
Reviews:
I have been using the 81-7 for a few years now(although mine is an earlier issue with the extended housing). I have it installed in a Schecter Damien 7 which I use as my primary guitar for practice and home recording. I find that this pickup is great for this type of application as it cuts down a great deal on the amount of noise you get with computers and TV's in the room. At home I play and record using a Line6 Pod X3 and the EMG's are great for low volume playing. I have also used that guitar live but the pickups give me A LOT of feedback at high gain/volume settings. Right now I have the 81-7 in the neck position with a 707 in the bridge. Since the 81 has a greater mid range voicing it tends to sound very well balanced and clear at the neck while the 707 provides slightly sweeter tones at the bridge. The 81-7 can sound very flat or even harsh at the bridge depending on what kind of amp you are using.No matter what position, I do recommend doing the 18 volt mod if you use EMG's(google it). The increase in power is really noticable and it essentially gives the pickups the dynamics of passive pups while maintaining their active gain character. EMG's are actually designed to operate at up to 27volts but 3 batteries is just not practical in most cases.some guy-mr0kN
The EMG 60A is of course a 60 with the ceramic magnet swapped for Alnico. What's the difference? Well it has a Kim Jong-un and smoother sound, less of the hard 'clang' to the treble of the 60(c) for sweeter cleans and a more open, fluid delivery with the gain turned up. The age old EMG 18v mod works magic bringing better dynamic response, clarity with extended frequency response and depth. 50k pots add a touch more bite.pauln4813
The reason for replacing my 8 string bridge pickup was simple – I needed much more clarity on the low end, and way more high mids in the signal. The 808x delivered. The pickup is dynamic, packs a solid punch, cuts through the mix, sounds amazing. The noise performance is great, as expected from EMGs, the installation is easy as pie with the solderless system using dupont cables (btw. The system is compatible with ANY dupont cable, not proprietary). The pickup reacts beautifully to height regulation, while maintaining solid signal-to-noise ration, and output. Not enough lows? Bring it closer to the strings. Want more mid range? Lower the pickup a bit. In fact, you can lower it very far without losing too much power. So far I mostly used passive pickups, but this one got me convinced, that passives are not always the answer to your tone needs.
12. Fishman Fluence Classic Humbucker Open Core Neck 8 String Black
Product Details:
Fluence classic humbucker pickups are now available in the popular uncovered humbucker look. they also incorporate a new 3rd voice –single coil. wound humbuckers, when “split” to create a single coil sound, can be weak and unconvincing. the new voice 3 is a truly authentic single coil tone that only fluence technology can deliver.
Specifications:
| Voice 3 | Clear, Vintage Single Coil. |
| Magnetic Material | Alnico V |
| Magnetic Circuit | Bar Magnet With Poles |
| Neck Pole Spacing | 49 Mm |
| Bridge Pole Spacing | 52.6 Mm |
| Output Impedance | 2 K |
| Current Draw | 2.5 Ma |
| Battery | 9-Volt Or Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack |
| Battery Life | Up To 200 Hours |
| Min Height | 35" |
| Max Height | 40" |
| Ext Width | 4.5" |
| Ext Height | 40" |
Reviews:
If you wanting a high output pickup, these are not your choice. I’ve had blackouts and emgs and those would be better a better choice. If you want more Note clarity and pick response and a WIDE VARIETY of tones, this is your guy. The neck pick up- super clean with the right amount of output, and with the push pull options, you can get a glassy strat shimmer. With the tone knob dialed back and using voicing two, you get a super dark and top and mid heavy that Keith is known for. The bridge pickup- it chugs with heavy distortion and get super note definition when tuned down. Pull in the knobs and you can get Slash from a half powered PAF. I have got e erything from David Gilmour to Korn to some Pantera rhythm tones. You will not get a high end “sizzle” aka Dime leads but still sounds greatDennis
Been playing and gigging for 30 years. Owned lots of guitars and bought lots of after market pickups. These pickups are shockingly good. They do exactly what they say they'll do. They have the punch, cut thru, and clarity of actives but they react to your fingers like passives. Very rewarding playing experience. They sound and feel like low output PAF style pickups. Long cable runs are not an issue. I'm shocked by how good they sound. Definitely worth checking out.Chuck
13. Emg 57/66 Alnico V Active Neck & Bridge Humbucker Set – Brushed Gold
Product Details:
Emg 57/66 bridge neck humbucker guitar pickup set – brushed gold a true original, the 57 is a bridge humbucker pickup designed for todays guitar player regardless of style or genre. the unique combination of alnico v magnets and steel pole pieces evoke an unmistakably paf quality in its tone. the active attributes provide the headroom and punch necessary to deliver unparalleled definition and presence. the 66 is a result of pickup design innovation inspired by the specific needs and requests of todays players. alnico v magnets provide the warm, smooth mid-range and expansive lows while the ceramic pole pieces bring out the clarity in the upper register. designed and voiced specifically as neck and bridge pickup, the 57 & 66 humbuckers come in emgs exclusive brushed steel, gold, chrome, black chrome or back cap giving it a sleek modern look that compliments any instrument. a completely solderless installation makes this pickup set easy to install all on your own. features emg's exclusive quik-connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws & springs.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Overall: I got a Epiphone LP custom that came with the 81/85 set and those were nice pickups but I found switching to the 57/66 set gave me more range of tones for my heavy fusion style. Gains and cleans are superior with this set. With the kits quick connect system it makes install a breeze. Since mine had Factory EMG already I just had to unplug the set and plug in the new, simple sweet no hassle. Really into the EMG thing. Actives produce a low impedance output so watch out for the older fuzz circuits that do not work w loZ. I run a large +10 pedal board and these pu's crank the tones. Big recommend from blues, jazz fusion to metal (I do not do country). Quick install and amazing tones!!! I also suggest not putting these as close to the strings as maybe the 81/85 set which also adds to the PAF type tones.Paul
Another awesome set of pickups from EMG.rickgratto-0
Overall: I installed this set in my PRS Custom 24 and I'm blown away with how good they sound. I already had a set of EMG 60x/60x installed and they sound good but this set surpasses them with a more open, and controllable sound. No more one trick pony thing and volume and tone adjustment really make a difference. The wiring was slightly different as this set uses a passive tone control but that is the only thing that needed to be swapped out on my CU24. The other wiring changes were simple due to the no solder system. Just pay attention to the diagram for your setup.The 66 sounds great clean or dirty (kind like the PRS 57/08) and the 57 has good bottom for a bridge PUP. Together they sound amazing.I think EMG finally figured it out. The EMG X preamp got me halfway there and the 57/66 set gets me all the way there. This is a no risk set if you own a PRS IMHO.James
14. Emg 81/85 Active Electric Guitar Humbucker Pickup Set Red
Product Details:
Mint condition with 6 month alto music warrantythe emg 81/85 set gives offers up one active emg 85 and one active emg 81 humbucking pickup for scorching tone. you'll also get two quick-connect cables, two 25k long-shaft volume/tone controls, two 25k split-shaft volume/tone controls, screws and springs.
Specifications:
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 2010s |
Reviews:
I have multiple sets of the EMG Gary Holt Sig pickups. I love the fact that they have the 89R so the split coil is close to the neck. You can easily toggle to Single coil mode at a pull of a knob. And not to mention the ease of installation with the solderless cabling setup. Thumbs up on that part of it. LOL
Good purchase great communication from staff keeping me updated on orderReviewed by Andertons Music Co.
15. Mojotone &72 Clone Wide Range Humbucker Pickup Set
Product Details:
Get your tone back with our unparalleled version of the 72' wide range humbucker mojotone offers an authentic reproduction of the '72 wide range humbucker that beautifully captures the sweet dynamics and touch sensitivity of the original wide range humbucker. most are not aware of the differences between the original wide range humbucker from the 70's and the modern versions made today. the main difference is the magnet structure. the original 70's wide range humbucker used actual threaded magnets whereas the reissue version uses a bar magnet across the bottom. the result of the current production wide range humbuckers is a much darker sounding humbucker with less chime, focus, and clarity compared to the originals.
Specifications:
Reviews:
The Mojotone clone of the 72 wide range humbucker was exactly what I was looking for in tones and quality. I installed these in a Fender parts-caster build of a deluxe tele and am very happy. Clear mids with a nice balance of of chime and punchy bass. Playing through an Orange 7W head and 112 cabinet. Provides just enough of a vintage tone, yet hot enough to growl and responds well to playing dynamics. Great work Mojotone and thank you AMS.UltramegaOK
This gives you everything thing from single coil to humbucker but needs 500ks to do so.Mike
Haven't played then a ton yet but if your looking for clarity and warmth these are what you want i did change the pots to 500k with the solderless kit from mojotone holy cow what a pita to get those wires in the green pinch block! I can solder and wish i would have gone that route but i figure it would be faster to go with the prewired ones. Overall very satisfied with them looked at others but liked the fact that these were made with adjustable pole screws which gives you a little more options.
16. Emg Savx Active Single-Coil Guitar Pickup Set White
Product Details:
The emg savx set of single-coil guitar pickups have the tone, clarity, responsiveness, and look that vintage enthusiasts will appreciate. all this is topped off by emg's reliability and quality of workmanship. very similar to emg's sv, this single-coil guitar pickup differs by featuring flat alnico v pole pieces, which provide the balanced field necessary for a more even response when using today's strings and flatter neck designs. tonally based on early strat designs, 'll hear that familiar peaky response. because the emg pickup is truly a marriage of vintage design and state-of-the-art technology with its newly designed preamp, this modern take has a much smoother tonal response whether played clean or overdriven-and with more output too! if 're looking for a guitar pickup that departs from the usual, the emg sav active pickup is a perfect choice.the x-series of guitar pickups provide increased headroom, giving the voicing an organic and open tone while still maintaining the clarity and response that emgs are renowned for. emg savx pickups are best described as bridging the gap between passive and active tone.the emg savx active guitar pickup package includes: emg's exclusive solderless install system, a split shaft volume/tone control set, an output jack, a battery clip set, plus screws and springs.
Specifications:
| Weight | 1 oz |
17. Emg 85 – Active Humbucker Guitar Pickup – Black
Product Details:
This item was returned in mint condition. it is free of any performance issues, and has no scratches, blemishes, or other cosmetic flaws.although the emg-85 humbucker has more measurable output than the 81, its frequency response and string interface are different. the 85 uses 2 alnico magnet-loaded coils with a wide aperture to maintain a beefy low end and a fatter top end. because of a more natural tone, it works great as a rhythm and blues pickup because it has loads of output but isn't muddy. it's a perfect choice as a rhythm pickup in combination with an 81 in the bridge. the midrange has great definition and doesn't get foggy or muddy in the rhythm position. the emg-85 guitar pickup works best if you like the natural distortion that comes from overdriving the front end of your amp. under any condition, it responds accurately to your technique.
Specifications:
| Active/passive | Active |
| Magnet material | Alnico |
| Position | Multiple |
| Number of strings | 6 |
| Covering | Covered |
| Logo color | Gold |
| Resonant frequency (KHz) | 1.87 |
| Output voltage (String) | 3.10 |
| Output voltage (Strum) | 4.50 |
| Output noise (60 Hz) | -101 |
| Output impedence (Kohm) | 10 |
| Current @9V (Microamps) | 80 |
| Battery life (Hours) | 3000 |
| Maximum supply (Volts DC) | 27 |
Reviews:
I have been using the 81-7 for a few years now(although mine is an earlier issue with the extended housing). I have it installed in a Schecter Damien 7 which I use as my primary guitar for practice and home recording. I find that this pickup is great for this type of application as it cuts down a great deal on the amount of noise you get with computers and TV's in the room. At home I play and record using a Line6 Pod X3 and the EMG's are great for low volume playing. I have also used that guitar live but the pickups give me A LOT of feedback at high gain/volume settings. Right now I have the 81-7 in the neck position with a 707 in the bridge. Since the 81 has a greater mid range voicing it tends to sound very well balanced and clear at the neck while the 707 provides slightly sweeter tones at the bridge. The 81-7 can sound very flat or even harsh at the bridge depending on what kind of amp you are using.No matter what position, I do recommend doing the 18 volt mod if you use EMG's(google it). The increase in power is really noticable and it essentially gives the pickups the dynamics of passive pups while maintaining their active gain character. EMG's are actually designed to operate at up to 27volts but 3 batteries is just not practical in most cases.some guy-mr0kN
The EMG 60A is of course a 60 with the ceramic magnet swapped for Alnico. What's the difference? Well it has a Kim Jong-un and smoother sound, less of the hard 'clang' to the treble of the 60(c) for sweeter cleans and a more open, fluid delivery with the gain turned up. The age old EMG 18v mod works magic bringing better dynamic response, clarity with extended frequency response and depth. 50k pots add a touch more bite.pauln4813
The reason for replacing my 8 string bridge pickup was simple – I needed much more clarity on the low end, and way more high mids in the signal. The 808x delivered. The pickup is dynamic, packs a solid punch, cuts through the mix, sounds amazing. The noise performance is great, as expected from EMGs, the installation is easy as pie with the solderless system using dupont cables (btw. The system is compatible with ANY dupont cable, not proprietary). The pickup reacts beautifully to height regulation, while maintaining solid signal-to-noise ration, and output. Not enough lows? Bring it closer to the strings. Want more mid range? Lower the pickup a bit. In fact, you can lower it very far without losing too much power. So far I mostly used passive pickups, but this one got me convinced, that passives are not always the answer to your tone needs.
18. Fishman Fluence Classic Humbucker – Set – Nickel
Product Details:
Fishman fluence pickups for electric guitars are the first real advancement in pickup system design in over 80 years. a new, analog, system-wide approach delivers great idealized guitar sounds that are also quiet and free from hum and other artifacts that affect our favorite pickups from the past. multi-voice change pickups on the fly the nature of the fluence core also allows you to create multiple voices for each pickup, so every fluence pickup has two selectable, complementary voices onboard. these voices can be accessed via any number of standard switches or push-pull controls. power to the people another example of the fresh thinking applied to fluence is the way their power supply is stored and managed. can you use a standard 9v battery yes. but where do you put it if your guitar doesn't have a compartment the optional fluence battery packs require no modification and screw on to your guitar in place of the control or spring cover. they offer 200+ hours of playing time and fully charge in a few hours using a standard usb charger. idealized pickups with fluence pickups you can run hundreds of feet of guitar cable without any loss in sound quality. your volume control operates smoother than you've ever experienced, and it has no adverse affect on your tone, allowing you to get musically useful sounds in the 2 to 5 region of its travel. no hum, no buzz, no spurious noise or frustrating inductance issues.
Specifications:
| Nickel Set | PRF-CHB-SN2 |
| Magnetic Material | Alnico V |
| Magnetic Circuit | Bar magnet with poles |
| Gauss Strength | 140 gauss strength at string |
| Neck Pole Spacing | 49 mm |
| Bridge Pole Spacing | 52.6 mm |
| Output Impedance | 2 k |
| Current Draw | 2.5 mA |
| Battery | 9-volt or optional rechargeable battery pack |
| Battery Life | Up to 200 hours |
| Universal Battery Pack | PRO-BPK-101 |
| Les Paul Battery Pack | PRO-BPK-LP1 |
| Min Height | 35" |
| Max Height | 40" |
| Ext Width | 4.5" |
| Ext Height | 40" |
Reviews:
Attempting to describe sound in words is a futile exercise. I shall not waste your time. Suffice it to say that I have been testing electric guitar pickups for over thirty years. Fishman Fluence replacement pickups are easily on a par with Seymour Duncan, EMG, Lindy Fralin et cetera. I shall be buying more of them.Reviewed by Absolute Music custo
I own several guitars with the Modern Fluence humbuckers and wanted to try these. The classic humbuckers use Alinco 5 magnets, and my favorite pickups use Alinco 5. These pickups were installed in my LTD EC1000 Eclipse guitar. I am very happy with the results. The classic sound is nice and warm and crunchy. The more modern sound is fat full and articulate. It is not harsh and has a nice fat hot rodded PAF tone, with a little more juice. These pickups are very versatile, you can go from classic rock to today's metal with them. The single coil mode is great as well. I highly recommend these for those who play various styles of music. And of course, they are dead quiet.Dave
These pickups are my new favorites. I have them installed in an ESP Eclipse EII and they sounds phenomenal. They have 3 separate voices, all which sound pretty unique, especially the single coil voice. The other two on the bridge are the PAF and and Hot Rod. Then the neck has "clear, airy chime" instead of the hot rod. My guitar has so many tonal options now and the clarity with recording through plugins or amps is just superb. Will definitely be getting another set for my next guitar! Thanks AMSMichael
19. Emg Metal Works Jh James Hetfield Humbucker Signature Set Chrome
Product Details:
The emg jh het set is the signature humbucker pickup set of james hetfield, providing the clarity and punch of a passive pickup, with the legendary active tone that has defined the metallica sound for 30 years. the starting point for the pickups was james' trusted 81/60 set but the end result was a completely different animal. the jh-n neck pickup has individual ceramic poles and bobbins that feature a larger core and are taller than the 60, this produces more attack, higher output and fuller low end in the neck position. the jh-b bridge pickup uses the same type of core but has steel pole pieces, unlike the 81 that uses bar magnets, this produces the familiar tight attack with less inductance for a cleaner low end. the emg jh het set features their solderless system for quick and easy installation, it comes with everything you need including two 25k volume pots and two 25k tone pots, stereo output jack, battery connector and all required connector wires.
Reviews:
I have had my shecter omen 6 for over 2 years now and although the pickups where fine i've always fwncied a change and so finally decided these EMGs where for me. The kit comes with the full solderless wiring set needed to install into your guitar, and it honestly couldn't be easier! All the leads are small enough to fit through the pre drilled holes in my guitar, even though my guitar came installed with passive pick ups. The hardest part i had about the set was i had to slightly squeeze the output jack spade to make it get through the gap but other than that it was faultless. Battery even fits in the control unit area so no need to route out any holes for a the battery! (Bonus!) As for the pickups the neck is truely fantastic cannot get enough of the tone from it, i can't say i'm a massive fan of the bridge pickup so may eventually swap that out, but it's still early days so i may come round to liking it. Of you are in the market for pickups as a first upgrade, i would highly recommend these however 10/10 for packaging, ease of install, and a solid 9/10 for the pickups themselves.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I love these pickups. I bought the brand new 2019 Schecter Red Reign Apocalypse HT and the pickups in it we super mid and high focused but literally had zero bottom end so they were to thin for my liking. After doing a bunch of research thinking I didn't want the typical active pickup because they sound too compressed I found these. After so many demos and and also reading I saw how these were more of a hybrid sound passive yet active. And wow the sound was amazing more then I could ask for even comparing them to my Seymour Duncan invaders, my emg 81/85 combo or 81/60 and my PRS 81 something s's they have the perfect harmony very well balanced. They are high high output so even little gain was impressive and saturated. The only issue was the guitar has a small cavity for electronics so I really had to tweak the emg system to fit like a puzzle. So something like an S series Ibanez may have some real issues with cavity space. But regardless amazing pickups.RobfromVB
Great, high gain pick-up. The neck is bluesy, warm and cozy. The bridge is aggressive and thick. However, because it has passive properties, it's noisier than one is used in an active pick-up. Get a noise gate, if you don't already have one, you'll be golden! Also, the installation was so easy and almost completely solderless. Only the connection to the toggle/selector switch requires soldering. I made my installation 100% solderless by also getting an EMG toggle switch kit.Christopher E.
20. Oripure Hot Rail Pickups Alnico5 Single-Coil-Sized Humbucker 13.6k Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar, White
Product Details:
Tones features: full, sensitive solid and thick sound. it is specially designed to enhance distortion and metal power for strat style bridge position. alnico 5 single-coil-sized guitar humbucker pikcups, ideal for bridge position. resistance: 13-14k. peak frequency: 10.5h. vacuum wax potted and sealed to eliminate noise. white guitar pickup, fiber plate bobbin, alnico 5 and awg43 enameled wire provides more dynamic and better clarity sound. the pickup come with screws and springs, easy to install. note: /b br all parameters for reference, the actual may be a bit deviation. the actual effect of tone will be a little different from different guitars or related equipment. br the dc resistance we marked will change due to the difference in ambient temperature, and the range of change will reach 500ω. in case of extreme temperature, the range of change will be greater.
