Best Electric Guitar Pickups For Metal (2024 Update)

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.

Dimarzio picked the right name for this PUP. It is Super Distortion all day, which is just what I wanted. High quality product–weighs a ton compared to other PUPs. Maybe that's what gives it such a heavy sound! Brilliant high gain tones with lots of treble. You may need to adjust your EQs. Used in bridge position of my Strat which has Fender Hot Noiseless PUPs in middle and neck. Combines very well with them. Only gripe is the tiny wires are a little tricky to work with and you'd need some wiring knowledge to get it wired up right, but my friend had that covered for me. Can't recommend this PUP enough. Exceeded expectations…Lefty54

I've had an American strat since 2001, its always been left at home while I played out because it was so low gain and dry (awesome cleans), other than studio work, its untouched. with this dimarzio in the bridge position, its fun to play, great harmonics. glad I finally decided to modify the strat. better to play it than leave it in the closetguitarist for Pulpit

I bought these because I like my EMG 81 & 85 set, and wanted to experience other models from EMG. I was impressed within the first few seconds! The 57 is richer and fuller than the EMG 81, while retaining the squealing harmonics that I desire. If you like active pups, you'll love these. If you don't, there's probably somethin' askew with your wiring. 🤣Weebly

I have tried many EMGs over the years and have never found any that I liked. To me, the tone always sounded sterile, lifeless, maybe even a bit processed…just didn't do it for me. After reading several reviews & watching numerous YouTube videos, I decided to take a chance on these. I'm glad I did! I had an LTD Deluxe EC-1000FR that I bought used and it had a pair of the Seymour Duncan Slash signature pickups in it when I got it. While those pickups sound great in a Gibson Les Paul, they were not well suited for this guitar. The LTD originally would have had EMG 81/60 in it, but I already knew I didn't like those. So having PAF-style pickups in all of my other guitars, I wanted a similar tone for this one but with the amount of gain similar to the Bareknuckle Nailbomb that I have in my Les Paul. I didn't really want to put a $360 set of Bareknuckle pickups in a guitar I only paid $500 for though so when I discovered these at almost half the cost, I thought I'd give them a try. They're perfect for this guitar! All the mids, fullness, and dynamics normally associated with PAF pickups but with plenty of gain to really get things cooking! They are quite versatile for most any kind of music, whether it be metal, hard rock, classic rock, or heavy blues, I feel any styleis possible. Finally, a set of EMGs I love! I have a new found sense of respect for EMG and will likely have more guitars with these pickups in the future! Well worth the chance and a great bargain considering the cost compared to others.dsloan5150

Overall: These have a bottom end growl like no other pickups I've played, very touch and attack sensitive, no matter how low I tune there is no mud, the neck pickup is the best I've ever played , fluid , smooth with definition , I play Duncan Jupiter's and they kick ass , the Fishmans are easily on par with them with a growling voice I've never heard from a passive pickup , I like EMG's but the Fishmans are hand's down better. Installation will be a bit frustrating for first timers and novices , I installed them in 2&1/2hrs That included modifying my Epiphone Les Paul Custom Special , the pot holes , were too small as was the input jack hole , I did have to order Long Shaft pots as the included pots are short shafts , If you like EMG's you'll love these. I gave the fetures a low score because they should make them plug and play at this price.Dennis

These pickups are amazing for someone who wants to run with one bass and wants pickup options. The different voicings are truly different and can change the sound quite well, also considering they can be coil split. These are perfect for the guy who has one bass or wants to use one bass and is a session guy. The voicings and ease of change on the fly make it ideal for studio work. I would say though, if there's a specific tonal sound you are going for, I would buy the pickups that beat give you that tonal sound. Are there better single coil jazz bass pickups? Yes. Are there better active soapbar pickups out there? Yes and no, depending on what you like. But what this does is give you very good pickup sounds for the different styles and voicings it offers, and pretty much puts 6 basses into one bass (if you consider the coil splitting). If you already own multiple basses, this may not be for you as it may not add to your Arsenal unless you're looking for a singular bass to travel with. But if you own a single bass and are wanting more tonal options, this is the way to go. One thing to note, I did have to route out just a little bit the pickup cavities in my Jackson JS3VQ bass, so do check your pickup cavity size. I didn't need to remove much though and they fit.Matthew P.

I just installed these in my baritone Viper tuned to DropG and hoooolly ***!! I expected nice articulation and clarity but I didn't think they'd sound THIS good. These are truly next-level and I don't think anything else comes close. The lows are just nasty, the tightness, bite, the attack…it's just drool-worthy and I can't put the guitar down. The definition is consistent across every string but nothing ever sounds harsh or treble-y. Most 'metal' pickups are all about output and I've never understood that. Too hot, too boomy, too compressed, etc. Both voices are extremely useful and the neck never gets muddy. Cleans are nice and flat, nothing in the EQ is 'boosted' so it's the perfect platform for layering effects. I was skeptical about all the hype and rave reviews but I stand humbly corrected. It's all true and I can't recommend the Fishman Fluence Moderns enough. They are extraordinary.Cody

Overall: These have a bottom end growl like no other pickups I've played, very touch and attack sensitive, no matter how low I tune there is no mud, the neck pickup is the best I've ever played , fluid , smooth with definition , I play Duncan Jupiter's and they kick ass , the Fishmans are easily on par with them with a growling voice I've never heard from a passive pickup , I like EMG's but the Fishmans are hand's down better. Installation will be a bit frustrating for first timers and novices , I installed them in 2&1/2hrs That included modifying my Epiphone Les Paul Custom Special , the pot holes , were too small as was the input jack hole , I did have to order Long Shaft pots as the included pots are short shafts , If you like EMG's you'll love these. I gave the fetures a low score because they should make them plug and play at this price.Dennis

These pickups are amazing for someone who wants to run with one bass and wants pickup options. The different voicings are truly different and can change the sound quite well, also considering they can be coil split. These are perfect for the guy who has one bass or wants to use one bass and is a session guy. The voicings and ease of change on the fly make it ideal for studio work. I would say though, if there's a specific tonal sound you are going for, I would buy the pickups that beat give you that tonal sound. Are there better single coil jazz bass pickups? Yes. Are there better active soapbar pickups out there? Yes and no, depending on what you like. But what this does is give you very good pickup sounds for the different styles and voicings it offers, and pretty much puts 6 basses into one bass (if you consider the coil splitting). If you already own multiple basses, this may not be for you as it may not add to your Arsenal unless you're looking for a singular bass to travel with. But if you own a single bass and are wanting more tonal options, this is the way to go. One thing to note, I did have to route out just a little bit the pickup cavities in my Jackson JS3VQ bass, so do check your pickup cavity size. I didn't need to remove much though and they fit.Matthew P.

I just installed these in my baritone Viper tuned to DropG and hoooolly ***!! I expected nice articulation and clarity but I didn't think they'd sound THIS good. These are truly next-level and I don't think anything else comes close. The lows are just nasty, the tightness, bite, the attack…it's just drool-worthy and I can't put the guitar down. The definition is consistent across every string but nothing ever sounds harsh or treble-y. Most 'metal' pickups are all about output and I've never understood that. Too hot, too boomy, too compressed, etc. Both voices are extremely useful and the neck never gets muddy. Cleans are nice and flat, nothing in the EQ is 'boosted' so it's the perfect platform for layering effects. I was skeptical about all the hype and rave reviews but I stand humbly corrected. It's all true and I can't recommend the Fishman Fluence Moderns enough. They are extraordinary.Cody

Players of all ages and abilities out there: I am not Morazt, but I have been playing and composing for 30 years on some of the finest guitars made, and interestingly, on some of the most modestly priced that happened to have proved incredible vehicles across the decades. So I have some experience as I have studied intensely the guitar market since the early eighties, and I know the shell-game tricks they all pull. The Gibson 490 is the equivilent to the inefficacious "Alnico Classic" humbucker Epiphone once or still tries to palm off on people, just to cut costs. The 490 is Gibson's standard junk pickup, and they throw it in to cut costs or else inspire you to upgrade, which you must, even if you have to walk over your mother to do it. Gibson knows this perfectly well, which is why any serious Gibson model has '57s in it, as it is apparently the pickup Gibson values most highly. Gibson values ITSELF most highly in the guitar world…go see…its name-emblazoned t-shirts cost five clams more than Fender's or Gretsch's or Marshall's for the same cotton large. Gibson has an ego, bigtime. The 490s give you sound that out does a Squire, sure, but in the vast world of Duncan, DiMarzio, EMG, et al., the 490 is: "I'm sorry…you have WHAT in your guitar? A 4-what?!" The perspicacious player knows that there are limitless sounds out there that allow you to design the tonal colors of your own musical palette, whatever your goals. The Gibson 490 is a cheap tonal brush. They are paperweights waiting to be disconnected. Gibson's Burstbucker line is too shrill, and Gretsch's MegaTron pickup achieves what Gibson wishes it could with the Burst-stuff. Go with the Gibson '57, as it delivers wonderfully. But I say explore more, you new players; just 'cause it says "Gibson" doesn't mean anything inherently. The simple, current, Duncan Alnico 2 'bucker is hard-hitting power and grit. The Gibson 490 is hard-to-swallow ****. Other than Gibson's '57, they don't have a card to play, and I have played cards with Gibson for a long time. Time to talk turkey now that they unnecessarily destroyed Epiphone's quality, across the board, so completely, that it breaks my heart.Chris

As with all reviews – do your research so you can separate the facts from the BS. These are NOT Alnico 5 – these are Alnico II. I own a '87 Les Paul Standard with the original 490R and 490T factory installed. The 490 is THE pickup that the Seymour Duncan Slash pickup attempts to emulate. They are not TOO hot, but hot enough to drive a tube amp nicely while retaining good tone and harmonics. The 490 pickups sound very close to the original PAFs that Gibson is famous for. Great picking dynamics – not squashed and compressed sounding like active EMGs. Bite into the string and it bites back! Another thing to keep in mind is the type of wood these are installed in. Gibson's primary tone wood is Mahogany – which is deep and full sounding with lots of sustain. So a bright pickup is needed to even out the tone. This pickup won't sound the same in an Alder bodied Fender as it will in a Mahogany bodied Gibson. Ash and Alder both have a brighter sound than Mahogany. Do your homework before choosing – and avoid an expensive mistake ……..Old Rocker Dude

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

I got this pickup installed in a cheap guitar for traveling shows. Being an active player my entire life I wanted to try something different. I didn't want to sway too far away from what I knew just to be safe but man this thing kills. It's very tight, as tight as an 81 but is way more quiet. I've played with this in drop Bb all the way up to standard and it sounds great. Chords ring out clearly, has headroom, dynamics and has the option to coil tap. My favorite thing about this pickup is how extremely quiet it is. Would definitely recommend this pickup as an alternative to actives.Spencer S

add as much bass as you want these never flub out. I tune to C with a 6505 Peavey head. I installed these on a gibson sg standard. With these pick ups I do not need a noise gate anymore. Basically these are miracles of tone. Not as sterile as emg's with way more rock grit. If you tune down do yourself a favor and buy these now. They are loud. They ooze tone and they are super quiet. Palm muting is now ridiculously heavy. I thought I needed a new amp. I just needed new pick ups.that guy-00a.m

I'm experienced with building guitars and designing electronics and both pickups were dead when I wired it them up. They also hummed like crazy. I got the neck pickup to give great output but I had to add a jumper wire that was missing in the back. The bridge pickup only ever worked at half volume and I tried every possible wiring on the output with different jumpers and eventually the pickup wires that run out to the coils gave way from being reworked so many times. Way more work than they are worth.Clark

I wanted to like these pickups, but unfortunately they are too tall. The American Ultra guitars must have a deeper route to accommodate these or something. My vintage style MIM Fender body (purchased brand new as a replacement body from Fender/MF for a Partscaster) did not have enough depth in the pickup cavities to fit these. Fits standard single coils with tons of room to spare, so it's not a shallow route. These would go in if you bottom them all the way out, but then they're just barely under the strings, buzzing on the pole pieces, no room for adjustment. From what I heard, they do sound ok, but obviously need an adjustment, which I can't make. The noiseless aspect was good. They are pretty low output. Even with them near touching the strings they were significantly lower output than the Fender Tex Mex set I was trying to replace. I made recordings of before and after to compare, and they weren't any better than the Tex Mex – actually preferred the Tex Mex for tone and output. The Ultra Vintage had slightly less mids, less output, and no hum. that's about it. If you can fit them, I'm sure they'd be great, though I would opt for the Ultra Hot Noiseless instead for the increased output. For reference, from bottom of the PCB to top of the tallest pole piece they are roughly 0.984" tall or roughly 25mm. Also only available in aged white, so no color options either. Side note – the listing says they come with pots, switch, etc. They do not. This is just the pickups and mounting screws/rubber "springs" – that's it. The screws are different from typical single coils too, using threaded inserts instead of plastic screws directly into the bobbin. Keep that in mind.c00lkatz

I was a bit underwhelmed with the N3 noiseless set that came fitted to a 2013 Deluxe Strat I bought used. I noted the Gen4s had a higher output, but some forum comments suggested they weren't a worthwhile upgrade. They were wrong! More noticeable than the higher output is the improved tone the Gen4's provide. Far more 'stratty' than N3s, more touch sensitive, alive, present, and less compressed (most noticeable with the neck pick-up). Positions 2 and 4 give an authentic chimey sound. And, as a bonus,with the S1 switch activated there is less of an increase in volume than there was with the N3s. I now have 10 very usable tones! Brilliant purchase!greengoatster

It's a fantastic pickup . Sounds great in my Ltd eclipse . I bought it being a fan of Aldrch and Lion . Previously my favorite pickup was seymour duncan Jb . I definitely have a new pickupJoel Fox

Great pickup with a punch. Wired directly to the output jack, bypassing volume and tone pots, gives this thing a monstrous sound.EUGENE

Not for everyone, takes away the sparkling Fender highs, but add a treble bleed cap and enjoy a very versatile 1970's fat Strat pickup!David W.

If you want to re-create the Johnny Ramone sound, this is where you'd start. This is the pickup that he used in the bridge position of the famous white Mosrite that was his main guitar. The Seymour Duncan mini bucker at the neck was disconnected.Stig

I was looking for a blade humbucker to install on a black Hofner Shorty I had found for a super low price so I wasn't going to spend big bucks on an expensive pickup… This one does just fine, it has a small amount of hum but nothing too bad and does exactly what it's supposed to do…wagscjerom

I have been searching for years for a pick up like this! I primarily play Hard Rock and Metal. I have spent hundreds of dollars on Seymour Duncan, Dimarzio, and EMG pickups. I was always looking for the pickup that was so well rounded that it sang when I played my guitar. But, I could never find a pickup that gave me the clarity to hear every note on the low end and fatten up thin mids and treble. Well now I've found it. Railhammer pickups are 5 star plus in my book. Loud, clear sound, and tones through my amp. Clear sharp lows which are not muddy. Mids and Highs even and not thin. They actually sounf beefy. Artifical and natural harmonics ring out. NO feedback at all, and they are as quiet as my EMG 85/81 set. As a matter of fact for a set of passive pickups, they put my EMGs to shame! I have a Hypervintage (neck) and Chisel (bridge) setup. Really worth the money, you can't go wrong buying this pickup.Frank

I've had a number of Railhammer pickups in various guitars over the years, since they first hit the market: Gnarly90, Tel90, Alnico Grande, and Hypervintage and they have all been fantastic pickups. The Hypervintage is one of my favorites (put it in 2 guitars), because it has a great vintage PAF tone when rolled back and/or played clean, but really shines with a little overdrive. Very responsive to pick attack, super articulate, even with heavy overdrive and is one of the easiest pickups I've found to bring out nicely controlled pinch harmonics. I tend to favot single coils and feel that many humbuckers are too dark nd mushy, but these have a balanced brightness and clear tone. Definitely in the same class as Seymor Duncans and Bare Knuckles, for half the price!Ronbo

Not many humbuckers deliver clean bell-like mid-tones and high clean treble, but these are very different and deliver the goods! I was really surprised at how well they improved the sound of my SG (cheapo knock off) now the guitar is not just hanging on the wall in disappointment! Well worth the 'cheddar', as Jesse would put it…Ray