Best Pickups For Baritone Guitar (2024 Update)

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 have installed several of these, never disappointed. Note- you'll probably have to change mounting screws, as the holes in the pickup brackets are really small…………gtr4peace

Securely packaged and arrived on time. Installed pickup to replace the stock one that came with my D'Angelico. Easily drilled hole in tab to match the one on the pick guard and wired in to the new CTS pots. Sound is far superior to the pup I replaced. It's an investment I'm glad I made.wbeard52-us

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

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.

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

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

Ich wyr sehr erstaunt, nach einem Youtube test Video. Ich habe ihn an der bridge position und er gibt richtig Stoff. Ausgezeichnete Tiefen, starke Mitten und bissige aber NICHT lstig quitschende Hhen, sondern super ausgewogen. Toller Sound, ich bin mehr als zur Hlfte auf Alnico V Humbucker umgestiegen. Ich wrde sagen es ist (kaum zu glauben aber) eine harte Konkurrenz zu DiMarzio's evolution humbucker und hlt looocker mit semour Duncan mayhams… Das Warten lohnte sichalexmikri0

The pickup is just like a Alnico 5 PU has to sound. Sharp, very present… Just how I wanted it (you also find a test video on YouTube)alexmikri0

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

Sound: I put this set into a Squier Contemporary HH Strat and after some trial and error experiments with pickup height, I am blown away by the versatility of this set.You want METAL, you got it.You want funk ala 'Love Rollercoaster' by the Ohio Players, you got it.Blues, psychedelia, pop, Skynyrd… It's all here if you know to EQ your gear.I've used this guitar through three Marshalls; a DSL1CR, an Origin 20 head through an MG412, and a Valvestate VS15R.Through the clean channel on the DSL I found it really easy to drive the tubes for a nice dynamic sound that varies with the nature of your picking technique. Through the Ultra Gain channel… Pure Mayhem – roll back the treble.With the Origin 20 I found a similar response as on the clean DSL, just louder.The VS15R is solid state and the variety of sounds was totally dependant on the EQ settings. The VS15R has dual pre-gains and with both of them dimed… ULTRA MAYHEM.I've also run this set through a Vox VT40X using the 'Fender Deluxe Reverb' model. With some light compression and a splash of reverb you can achieve a funk sound that is suitable for everything from RHCP to the Ohio Players.I had no idea… This is one incredible set of pickups! Features: When I modded the guitar I replaced the stock 'master volume/master tone' pickguard with a standard Strat model except that I configured it for dual volumes and master tone.If you, the reader, intend to put these pickups in a Strat style guitar, I IMPLORE you to not go the 'master volume' route. By tweaking the individual volume levels you can get an endless variety of sounds. With a master volume you are cheating yourself out of so much… It's almost an insult to these pickups to use a single volume to control them. Ease of Use: It's incredibly easy to get a great sound from these pickups. It's all in the amp's EQ and the height of the pickups. I found the "sweet spot" to be half way between the strings and pickguard. Quality: This is a US made Seymour Duncan pickup. Their quality… Dumb question. Next! Value: For the price this set is an incredible value. Manufacturer Support: I've never had a problem with SD pickups, but I've only been using them since 1986 so… The Wow Factor: "Wow Factor"… In summary I would say this set is like a slight brighter and more modern version of the DP100 Super Distortion. Yeah, they're THAT GOOD.Wow, huh? Overall: Summary: This is an incredibly versatile set of pickups. They're capable of more than just metalMark

I'm getting old and just recently got into the digital side of things with amps and tone. I actually was quite impressed with how far the digital technology has come and my Fishman Fluence pickups sounded… almost like hooking up to real amps. Huge range of tone! I then bought a new guitar that came with a Black Winter guitar pickup that I planned to swap out. As I tuned and tested the guitar with my old pedal board and amp I found a very good match for this pickup. I play older death/black metal for a hobby now and I found the Black Winter to capture the tone perfectly and it even sounds good when you spike the mids. The Fluence has better range and clean tones but the Black Winter has a "sour melt" on the harmonics that I can't pass up. Works best with; Death Metal, Sludge, Alternative styles. It tightens up nicely but struggles a little with Djent/Metalcore and clean tones but got the job done. Like any modern pickups in its class it handles higher mids peels off any style of palm muting and pinch harmonics, but some how it got me stuck playing my best covers of Hammer Smashed Face by Cannibal Corpse and Soul Crusher by White Zombie. Played live using a LTD M-Series into a TS-808, Rocktron Hush,Randall RG1003H 100W Solid State. Recording test played using a Gibson 1975 Flying V into a Kemper Profiler Head with preloaded (free) amps/effects.Bent Gimlet

I have a Chibson Les Paul that looked amazingly good but unfortunately sounded a lot less than good. Wilkinson pups didn't do much to help so this purchase was to be my last resort. Since each pickup comes with a separate ground wire I was able to wire out-of-phase in addition to the usual split coil effect. These 2 effects (3 if you count using them together) is what's made this purchase worthwhile. The combination of both effects sounds especially great!. I'm going to make a second purchase and try out on a decent guitar.johnstarr41

The pickup is from very good quality and sounds clear and powerful. I have mount them in 10 of my self built guitars and I really like them.ktmlc82013

Picked up the "Broadcaster Quiet Coil" Tele Pickup Set" from MF, was exactly what I hoped for after researching online. Matched this up to the Mojotone quiet coil Pre-wired control kit which the components are perfectly matched to these pickups. These pickups fit into my custom Cedar Tele body with vintage size pickup routed cavities (3/4" deep bridge, 5/8" deep neck) which are smaller than the routed pickup cavities in modern Tele's. I first tried to use Fender Vintage Noiseless pickup set and the neck pickup wouldn't fit, it was too tall and wide and required additional routing which I didn't want to do on this guitar. I will try the Fender pickups in another guitar build but glad I went with these Mojotone's in this build as they are awesome.Scratch

I installed these in a cheap but well playing Telecaster and they sound great! Easy to install if you also get the MojoTone pre-wired harness.Jason H.

First and foremost, these pickups are quiet as advertised. I replaced the stock pickups in a MIM Fender Tele (which sounded really nice but were noisy). Not only are they whisper quiet but the tonal quality is an upgrade as well. Running through a modeler (Fractal AX8) and it handles all sorts of tones very well, but the Fender amps are particularly glorious. Would highly recommend them.mwc2112

I put this pickup in a cheap HSH Strat that I've had sitting around since the early 2000's. The stock pickups were too thin and sharp sounding–except the middle single coil which sounded okay. I was deciding between this Railhammer pickup and humbucker sized widerange pickups from several manufacturers. I'm glad I picked Railhammer. This neck pickup is exactly the fat noiseless single coil sound that I was searching for. It sounds thick with just a touch of hair in the mids. The clarity across all strings is the best I've heard. I also put a Cleancut pickup in the bridge position but I didn't like that as much as it sounded a little ***** on my Strat. I added a cool rails (humbucker in single coil size) to the middle position–but I wired it in series–so that the low end rounded out the ***** bridge pickup. This is a great sounding set up and maybe one of the best for clean and spanky tones of any guitar that I've had yet (I've owned Les Paul, Hagstrom, Strats, Tele, PRS, Dan Electro, etc.).Jonathan R.

Easy to install here – drops into humbucker slot with no problem, changes the sound and utility of my tele. Highly recommend these pickups – I put the neck version in my tele. I got it in a day or two. Thanks CME!Neal S.

I never thought I'd get my volume this equal across all 6 strings. The half-and-half design really appealed to me, but there was no way of knowing until I actually bought and installed it. It's just as effective as the design implies, it's not a novelty! I play a lot of complex chords using all 6 strings in a high gain setting, and every note cuts through, retaining touch sensitivity all the while. There is an inherent compression in the pickup which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in a mix it's not a problem, if anything it's a benefit. The harmonic content is rich and musical, the high output is assertive without being abrasive, the bass response is fantastic, the highs are pleasing although subdued, which is ok with me because with normal pickups I usually dial the tone knob down to 6 or 7. I keep it wide open with the Railhammer and it sounds awesome. I can't recommend them enough if you want to generate a rich wall of sound with one guitar. I'm surprised this company hasn't become industry standard!Brendan

I've played a lot of different Strats over the years and while they all had "that Strat sound" to varying degrees, the Fat '50s achieve seem to be the most authentic. By adding a treble bleed and turning down the volume a bit, I can get those classic chimey tones from the 50s and with the volume all the way up, I can get the bigger sounds from the 60s. The cleans are sparkling, but they sound great running through higher gain amps as well. Compared to pickups like the Texas Specials, these are not harsh to my ears, even in the bridge position. If you're looking for the solid Start sound, you can't go wrong with these,BOCTOK

The Fender Mexican made 2017 Stratocaster is a nice guitar and as a standard out of the box guitar is good. One easy way to upgrade the sound is by installing the Fender Custom Shop Fat 50's pickup set. I measured the ones on a custom shop 59 before purchase to be sure of string alignment. I purchased a set and fitted them in about half an hour, fortunately my Mex ST had an Oak type 5 way and full size pots so no more upgrade work needed there. I did change the pot knobs and switch knob to white to match the new pickup covers. I installed a new set of strings, the pickups were test adjusted and sound great, a nice full sound, the front one is very rounded and clear, the middle is a classic sound and the back nice and strong. I was after a Shadows style of sound and these pickups did not disappoint. They give a clear sound and the right sound if you are looking for pure vintage tone.matt66red

I waited 5 months to write this review, I'll try to be unbiased. I replaced the stock ceramic pickups from a Fender Standard MIM. It's my first change of pickups ever, and the first time I play a guitar that sounds so classic, so I can not tell about the difference with a higher end model of Strat or a vintage one, but here goes my opinion: This pickups totally rock, well they don't only do rock, they play everything you want to hear from a instrument called "guitar", that means, 6 strings thru a wood body, they deliver the classic and just necessary electric guitar experience. No gimmicks, just the real thing, classic clean sound, lots of harmonics, dynamic sound, and driven sound wonderful, because they can be strong too, classic surf rock sound here. Took me a couple of days to adjust the proper height, the Alnico V magnets are strong so you have to be delicate to find the right spot for the three PUs, but once you are there, they are marvellous. The three pickups are pretty much the same, states the box, but the three positions are there, and the case with the medium pickup is a great surprise, it sounds very nice, very "middy" usable position, sounds as a custom medium pickup. By all means, you don't need no more that a old school Stratocaster guitar, as Leo designed, to be happy. Cheers. Rock on, blues on, jazz on, jangly on, surf''s up!Oscar the mendigo.

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

I have this system in a Crafter 3000 and am purchasing another for a Yamaha LL. I like the sound produced and I like the phantom powering. No worries about flat or leaky batteries.snas3811