Humbuckers
 

EMG Humbuckers unite a number of crucial EMG innovations in the search for a voice that delivers both classic tones and the benefits of modern technology. Each of these pickups includes an integral preamp (an EMG first) which virtually eliminates hum and noise while simultaneously reducing shock hazard to the player. Low impedance design maintains your tone as you change the volume settings at the guitar and preserves your high frequencies even with a long cord.

EMG's proprietary Impedance Modeling tm and Dual Resonant (tm) technologies allow for precise tailoring of frequency response and resonance yielding a variety of highly tuned and tweaked tones. Another EMG exclusive, the Lo-Flux(tm) magnetic design enhances harmonics and sustain. We tailor the materials and geometry of the magnets to spread the magnetic field evenly across the strings for a balanced sound.

Models

The EMG-81 is a high output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist. The 81 is at its best for high volume overdrive and amps with a master volume. Whether you're playing power rock and roll, or overdriving your amp, there's a razor sharp attack, and incredible sustain for brilliant soloing. If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a rock pickup, the EMG-81  is the one.

This remarkable EMG-85 has a smooth and full-bodied attack with a rich background of  high-mid harmonics for outstanding lead voicing. Its wide-spread alnico magnets give it a full midrange with a bottom end that's clear and powerful. Through string bends, double note bends, vibrato, or long harmonic sustain the output remains solidly true. At high output,  the distortion quality is powerfully live for expressive lead phrasing.

The EMG-89 Dual Mode Pickup is truly two pickups in one; single and dual-coil with two separate outputs. With the single flip of a switch you can change from the crunch of a humbucker to the clarity of a single-coil. Using alnico magnets, the single-coil mode is like that of the EMG-SA, and the humbucking is patterned after the EMG-85. The tone modes can be selected with the included push-pull volume control switch or with a mini-toggle.

By combining ceramic magnets with a narrow aperture, the EMG-60 has increased sensitivity and high-frequency response. The 60 features the attack of a single-coil with the power and the punch of a humbucking pickup. In the mid-to-high frequency range, we've given the harmonics a boost. There's more high end in the  EMG-60 than you would expect from any humbucking pickup. With a distinctive tone for soloing, the 60 works equally well for singing leads or for melody chording.

The EMG-H is EMG's EMG-S single-coil pickup in a humbucking housing. The H is an excellent choice for the rhythm guitarist who needs added definition for chording, or for lead work when  the bright attack of a single-coil pickup is called for. The EMG-H is the best possible choice
when you want a single-coil pickup and you need it in a humbucking housing.

Designed for amplifying acoustic archtop guitars, the EMG-91 is the first "floating" low impedance pickup. Only half the thickness of a standard EMG humbucker (.425"), it fits  comfortably at the end of the fingerboard without interfering with the string vibrations, while still delivering a full, rich tone reminiscent of the classic designs. Special mounting brackets and jacks are included as well as a prewired set of miniature volume and tone controls.
 

Traditional single coil pickups have great tone, but along with those beautiful highs you usually get a big dose of hum and buzz. The noise changes as you move under stage lights or in the studio. Add even a moderate length cord, and the crystalline shimmer turns to mud.

EMG single coil pickup systems solve these problems. With internal shielding and an independent preamp in each pickup, you get great tone over a background of silence. The low-impedance preamp also gives you a higher output level so that all your tone makes it to your amp. Vacuum sealed coils reduce squeals and other microphonic effects.

EMG's exclusive Tone Modeling ® technology allows us to carefully shape the tonal response and sensitivity for added definition and crisp attack. How does this all sound? Check out the incredible sound of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour who uses the EMG-SA System w/ SPC and EXG exclusively on all his Strats for both stage and studio.

All the single-coil pickups are available from World Class individually, or in pre-wired configurations that directly replace your current setup. In addition, you can specify the exact combination of EMG components for your guitar and have a custom combination including pickups and EQ accessories built to order at our Custom Shop. See the Price List for more information on the different pickup packages (both for stock replacement as well as single coil/humbucker combination

Models

EMG's most popular system for Strat* style guitars combines the best features of the early Strat* sound with added midrange response and higher output. Its "bell like" ringing harmonics and increased sustain give the EMG-SA greater versatility than normal single-coil pickups. Single
pole alnico magnets help deliver classic overdrive with smooth midrange distortion, while still retaining the familiar high end of a single-coil pickup.

The EMG-S System has a bright tone quality that's accentuated in the upper middle and high frequency response regions like that of later model Strat* pickups. Ceramic magnets give clear, sparkling highs without brittleness. The S delivers the "Strat Sound" with added definition, brightness, and sensitivity of attack.

Part of their Vintage Series, the EMG-SV gives you the look and sound of a classic single coil without all the disadvantages. Staggered Alnico V pole pieces recreate the sound and look that you know so well. This is the first EMG to have exposed, individual magnets, which give a focused, percussive sound. The black, white, or ivory pickup covers hide EMG's newest internal preamp design and the Quick Connect cable eases installation. The EMG-SV is fully compatible with all EMG active tone circuits.

The new EMG-SAV is the newest addition to their line of Stratocaster replacement pickups.  It combines the exposed Alnico pole piece design from the SV with the classic internal preamp as the popular SA. In the SAV, the pole pieces are mounted flush with the top of the pickup allowing you to raise the entire unit to be closer to the strings. And that means louder, more responsive sound with great string balance.

The EMG-T Set is their original two-pickup direct replacement system for Telecaster* style guitars. Designed with alnico magnets, the EMG-T expands the versatility of a Tele* by emphasizing midrange warmth. The lead pickup (EMG-RT) has a full sound that still has that familiar bite and clarity, complemented by the rhythm pickup (EMG-FT ) which delivers a warm sound with a sweet high end.

Using ceramic magnets, this two-pickup system is geared towards the high end with less emphasis on the mids. The EMG-TC Set features a bright, clear, penetrating high end that's naturally bright while maintaining harmonic sweetness. The lead pickup ( EMG-RTC) has the tone you expect but with an icy attack. The matching rhythm pickup (EMG-FTC ) rounds out the tone.

EMG pioneered the direct replacement Combination System, which features prewired combinations of single coil and humbucking pickups. If your guitar has a pickguard, you can purchase prewired pickguard assemblies. Partially assembled systems are available for guitars that don't have a pickguard. Standard assemblies include two single coils plus a humbucker in the bridge position or humbuckers in the bridge and neck positions with a single coil located in the middle. You can also have a custom Combination assembled at the factory with any combination of pickups and EQ circuits.