EMG 60

(Active humbucker)

Submitted at: 5:05, 9/1/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: dont know/dont care
You musical style(s): blues, rock, a little metal.
Reason for pickup change: Stock Gibsons sound soft and wooly.

Sound

Perceived output level:
Tone: see my review
Sonic evaluation:

Lets get this clear from the start: EMG actives pickups do NOT sound anything like other manufacturers products.If you're looking for a "Gibson-but-with-a-bit-more-edge" kind of sound then these are definitely not for you and you should look elsewhere. These ones have a sound all of their own. If you are addicted to the cosy, syrupy sludge of stock Gibsons and similar types then the tight, focussed neutrality of the EMG 60 will come as a culture shock. Your usual amp settings are unlikely to sound right and you really need to take some time to work with your amp controls to hear the pickup at it's best. +++++Impatient people take note before you go criticising it out of hand. It has more mid-tone body than an 81, less than an 85 and it sounds fabulously crisp and articulate on a clean channel - chords chime out with a crystalline purity like I never heard before and it gets thick and ballsy when you crank up the gain. Every note stands out on fast runs without artificial slurring and you can actually hear exactly what you are playing. Sustain is excellent too and pinch harmonics ring out effortlesss - assuming you can already do them. It gives you an ideal combination of single-coil bite and clarity with humbucker punch and sustain. EMGs come packaged with their own dedicated 25k pots so installation is more than just a simple matter of soldering a couple of wires in place but it's worth the extra time and effort to enjoy such sheer clarity and brilliance. Thanks to the active system you can wind the guitar volume control all the way down without losing that clarity and what a pleasure it is to have a tone control that rolls off the highs gradually and smoothly without muddying up my sound. I'm not really a jazzer but you can get a cool, sweet jazzy tone this way. You can set your amp gain fairly high and clean it up from the guitar controls if you want to without any problem in effect using your guitar knobs to boost and cut your gain level. I can also dismiss the frankly preposterous idea that these pickups are noisy because they are without a doubt the quietest I've ever had and over the years I've used various Gibson, Fender, Duncan, Dimarzio, Kinman and Rio Grande units, among others. Ultra-low noise is an outstanding feature of EMG actives and I have to emphasise THE ONLY POSSIBLE WAY YOU WILL EVER HEAR ANY HUM, HISS OR OTHER EXTRANEOUS SOUND FROM THESE PICKUPS IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE WIRED THEM UP INCORRECTLY. DO NOT BLAME THE PICKUPS FOR YOUR OWN TECHNICAL INEPTITUDE.

I love this pickup. I accept its maybe not ideal for everybody but it's like nothing else on the market. I also rate the 85 very highly but I'm not totally sold on the popular 81 model which sounds great with heavy distortion but just a touch too thin and sharp for my taste when used clean. I currently have the 85 in the bridge position on my SG Standard but I'm going to try switching them round and see how that works out. With EMG's you don't have to rewire once they're installed as they have a plug-in connector system so that should take me all of 10 minutes to do.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Overall Rating

Comments: I've been playing for 23 years. I'm not easily impressed and very few products get a straight 10 from me but this is one that does. It's the most verstaile of the EMG's and can easily cover jazz, blues and most styles of rock, even metal - although I'd admit it doesn't have the all-out attack of an 81 with heavy distortion.But this is still a 10

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Steve O

Submitted at: 17:04, 8/18/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Dude, come on now, quit trying to confuse us
Price Paid: US $99
Purchased from: Don's Music City

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard (year 2000)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson, I believe a 490R
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 in bridge position
Artists using this pickup: Like I care, right?
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, and some Blues
Reason for pickup change: The Gibsons were great sounding pickups. I just felt that, from what I had heard, I could get a little more out of EMGs. Yeah, it makes me laugh too.

Sound

Perceived output level: I suppose it was somewhat hotter than the stock Gibson, but believe me, it doesn't help.
Tone: This thing puts out a ridiculous amount of bass in the neck position...even more than the 85 in the bridge, which is no small feat. The bass was a little tighter than the 85, but the sheer volume of it rendered that fact inconsequential. The bass even overpowered the fact that there is less midrange than the 85, but the whole thing is such a muddy mess that it's hard to tell. Overall, however, the 60 in the neck really didn’t sound that much different than the 85 in the bridge, except that it was noticeably sharper and ‘shriek-ier’ on higher notes. And this is in the fucking neck position! I guess I have to give the 60 credit for being a little, and I mean just a LITTLE, more alive than the 85. Of course, that ain’t saying much; the 60 was pretty dead.
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing my afore-mentioned Les Paul (which, by the way, is my pride and joy) through a Marshall combo. I mean, honestly, I tried to like the EMGs. I worked hard at it. But I just couldn't find it in there. The 60 couldn't touch the Gibson in any respect; it was just so......blah! I really was mortified to hear my darling sounding like complete shit. I hope nothing has been permanently fucked up so that I can get my stocks back in and get my precious baby back.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Honestly I have no idea, but I really couldn't give a flying fuck either.

Overall Rating

Comments: I wish the damn things had been defective so that I could get a refund. I will never buy an EMG again; I'll stick to Gibsons and Seymour Duncans for my Strat. I've been playing for almost 5 years, and have played everything from cheap-ass budget guitars all the way up to expensive high-end guitars, and I have never heard any guitar sound as bad as my precious Les Paul with the EMGs. I will admit, though, that they actually did look pretty sick, but trust me, that should be the last thing you consider when you purchase a pickup, if at all. I mean, the EMGs were terrible right from the beginning. The very first thing I heard when I turned on the amp was a loud and, frankly, disgusting hiss. Yeah, that's right, motherfucking HISS. One of the main selling points on EMGs for me was that I had heard they were quieter than passives. Wrong. The noise on these was literally about 2-3 times worse than the Gibsons. And things only went downhill from there when I started playing, because I ended up with that bullshit tone that could've brought tears to the eye. I must say that I have no idea what everyone on here is raving about as I thought someone was taking a shit through my amp. Just remember, this is only my two cents, and judging by the other reviews here, a lot of people like 'em. But, to each his own, I guess; I'll stick with my sound and you stick with yours. After all, I like variety in this world, we shouldn't all sound the same.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 2

Submitted at: 1:23, 7/6/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: UK Sterling £75 each
Purchased from: www,gak.co.uk

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez SA S32FM
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Ibanez Axis pickups
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60 both Neck & Bridge
Artists using this pickup: Me, Josh Rand (Stone Sour) lots of others using as neck pickup
You musical style(s): Rock, Jazz Fusion, Funk, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Needed more clarity and expression. Stocks were on the muddy side but not too bad.

Sound

Perceived output level: Fairly Hot in neck and bridge
Tone: Very nice mid range, not too bassy or too trebly. Good Balance.
Sonic evaluation: EMG's loaded into my Ibanez SA plugged into a Yamaha MagicStomp II modeler/FX unit. Very clear sound both on clean settings and distortion. With Distortion I can hear the notes I play at speed which is very important. Exellent bone crunching rhythmn sounds with neck and bridge, palm muting sounds great and chunky. The neck sound can sound really clean and glassy when volume is rolled back a it, Voume and Tone controls actually have a big impact on the sound of these pickups which is a first for me, I never used to use the tone control, just had it turned all the way up, but with these EMG's it changes the sound quite well. EMG describes these pickups well on there website, The most versatile pickup they make but not that many people using it especially at the bridge where it is awesome.Cannot fault these pickups at all. Great for all styles.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly rock, metal, jazz fusion and some blues thrown in and these are great as said before for all genre's.

Overall Rating

Comments: I will be buying these 60's again when I get another guitar. I'll most likely get another Ibanez and put EMG60's in that as well. My current axe is the only one I have at present so a backup would be good. I've been playing on / off for about 12 years but the last 3 years solidly. I love everything about these pickups, they sound awesome in my guitar which is Mahogany body/neck with maple top. I would love to plug into a full stack and blast out with these pickups. These EMG's will be the pickups I'll always use now, I love that much and I obviously recommend them. Thanks for some of the reviews here.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Justin

Submitted at: 5:55, 2/19/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Active
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP M-II special
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: emg 81 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, SlipKnot, ...
You musical style(s): Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to sound great. And now I do!

Sound

Perceived output level: It will blow your ears!!!
Tone: Really powerfull and well balanced
Sonic evaluation: I use an Engl Thunder 50 (REAL GOOD sound, go check one)and a Boss GT-3 (which is a crap...)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It´s PERFECT for my music style! Suits bridge position perfectly

Overall Rating

Comments: I´ve tried it recently and imediatly decided to buy it! I will put this pickup in all my guitars for shure!!! Everybody´s using it in the neck position with an emg 81 in the bridge, trying to copy James Hettfield, but that might be a not so good solution due to diference in output levels. I´m no expert on this subject but my set was installed by a fender´s oficial technician who sugested this combination. Make no mistake: James and others might HAVE USED it that way, but they had a great, big team behind them doing the sound... For the neck position I would rather use an emg 85 than the 81 but it´s good anyway. However, in the bridge, I think the 60 is a better solution than the 81. The other guitarist in my band has an 81 and we agree on this subject. Go try it yourself! You won´t regreat it! I would rate it 11!!!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted at: 0:50, 1/3/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: HB. Active
Impedence or other specs: ???
Price Paid: US $70
Purchased from: Jonny Z's Music

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Peavey V-type EXP
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock ceramic passive
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield was for a while, idk who else.
You musical style(s): Metal, Blues, Experimental, Classical, Shred
Reason for pickup change: I needed tone, character and dynamics.

Sound

Perceived output level: decent medium bucker range.
Tone: scooped. gives an awesome jazz like clean
Sonic evaluation: Crate Blue Voodoo, Kalamazoo Model Two, Roland Micro Cube and a Fender studio lead that I rarley use. First off, if any 1 is thinking "ohh its an EMG and it has a scooped tone, it must be fore metal only!" That is very VERY wrong. I actually bought this Pup bc the guy at my local shop said of the EMG Pups offered it provided the best jazz like tone in the neck. He was right, but it isnt your traditional jazz tone. It is a very clear articulate pick up. The scopped mids make it sound almost like a stacked single with more output. Clean it has alot of character and definition, it wont clip a tube till very late, later than the PAF Pro on my dinky. When it coems to driving an amp quick, it is the mids that do it. I run it in the neck now, but i did have it in the bridge for about a week. This is THE BEST shred pickup out there if you have the technique to use it. AKA you can't be sloppy. On high gain settings it sings like no other Pup i have ever heard. Claritoy out the wazoo, neck or bridge. it likes ell of my amps and evffects bc it is so clean crisp and clear. I really fell in love with this Pup as soon as i got it installed and heard it play. Incredible, thats all there is to it. You would Have to paly it to apreciate it. I run it in an 18 volt configuration as well, it makes all EMGs sound more full.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play just about any thing, and I love it, It will work any where. no joke!

Overall Rating

Comments: I would be very upset if I lost it some how. I would buy another 1 in a heart beat. I am debating making my SL3 a HSH config so i can put a 60 in the neck, SA in the mid, and an 81 in the bridge. I also want to get another guitar and set it up as a SA SA 60. I am a huge fan of coil tapping and paralell wiring, but it is so amazing, it doesnt need it. This IS one of "those sounds" only thing i wish it had was a buy 1 get 2 free deal going on :-( I almost bought an 85, but i compaired my 60 to my friends 85 later on, and mine kicked his ass ;-) go buy 1. NOW! If you want sound clips or have questions Email me. I dont bite and I am normally pretty friendly.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Jason <Jaxaron@yahoo.com>

Submitted at: 9:40, 9/25/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Active, low impedance
Impedence or other specs: check out www.emgpickups.com
Price Paid: US $50 used
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Custom 1990, Gibson Les Paul Classic 1993
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock Gibson 498R pickups (I think...)
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 (on the Les Paul Custom) , EMG 85 on the Les Paul Classic
Artists using this pickup: Beats me.
You musical style(s): progcore (Meshuggah, Textures, Mr. Bungle)
Reason for pickup change: I changed pickups because the stock Gibson pickups are a bit too full-bodied and fuzzy. Looked around for the clearness of a SC with the output of a HUM, and found it in the EMG60.

Sound

Perceived output level: Output level is difficult to measure. The resonant peak is higher than the EMG81 (and that's saying a lot), but overall, it's quite balanced.
Tone: trebly/midranged with strong harmonics response.
Sonic evaluation: Setup: Either guitar>>Dunlop Crybaby-Wah>>Dunlop Rotovibe>>Chorus>>Delay>>Splitter box: 1 signal to Laney GH100TI Valve Head (100 watt), 1 signal to VHT Pitbull.

Well, I run a lot of long cables, and quite a heavy setup as you can see. I found in the EMG60 (and the active series of EMG in general) an output that I can use without needing signal boosters. For sound definitions, look below.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a variety of styles, mostly described as 'racket' by other bands. This pickup pulls through. I wouldn't recommend using it in a bridge position, as the sound would become too trebly.

Overall Rating

Comments: - Destroyed? Replace it. And who the fuck steals a pickup? - Been playing 11 years, professionally. Have a ton of guitars, an endorsement with Laney and tons of stuff. - I like just about everything about this pickup, HOWEVER, watch your battery life. If you keep the guitar plugged in, the power will drain. And use Duracells.

I've always been satisfied with my sound.

Later people.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8

Submitted at: 19:35, 7/3/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucking active
Impedence or other specs: see their website
Price Paid: euro 120€
Purchased from: Thomann

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD MH-301
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: EMG-HZ H-4
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: Various
You musical style(s): Any
Reason for pickup change: Single Coil sounding humbucker in the neck position

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot (not something to die for...)
Tone: Amazing full-range violin-on-guitar
Sonic evaluation: Rocktron VooDu Valve Online BBE 362 Sonic Maximizer 2x12 combo (various)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: any style

Overall Rating

Comments: Trebly neck PUP with single coil sound... no sounding one, but actually putting ALL neck pickups behind...

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion

Submitted by: SonicGuitar

Submitted at: 18:04, 6/7/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Low impedance
Price Paid: US $69
Purchased from: ebay

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: esp ltd f-200
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: emg hz-4
Other pickups on guitar: emg 85
Artists using this pickup: james hetfield, me
You musical style(s): rock, metal
Reason for pickup change: needed more variety of sound

Sound

Perceived output level: high output
Tone: pretty well balanced
Sonic evaluation: LTD F-200 85(bridge)60(neck)--->Morley Bad Horsie II---->1. Carvin MTS3200 into Behringer cab for practice and gigs 2.Zoom GFX-8 patched with Digitech Metalzone for home practice.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I mainly play metal and rock. This pickup works well with leads and cleans that the bridge normally can't handle.

Overall Rating

Comments: The EMG-60 is an amazing neck pick-up. I am really happy with my buy and whenever I get more guitars, I'll probably consider this to be the neck pick-up for them. My only complaint with it was the installation because there was a lot of problems with wiring it(probably my fault lol) so I had to take it in and get professionaly done, but I won't complain. Use this in conjunction with an 85 in the bridge and you got a nice sounding guitar.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Adam

Submitted at: 21:50, 2/16/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Low Impedance resulting in low noise.
Price Paid: US $98
Purchased from: Guitar Center

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG421
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield
You musical style(s): Melodic/Death Metal
Reason for pickup change: Since the only pickups I like is the EMG 81/60 combo and the guitar didn't come with it stock I changed it.

Sound

Perceived output level: I don't know how much more or less output it has compared to stock and don't care.
Tone: Warm and Prestine. Does not muddy up in the neck position and gives one of the best cleans I have heard.
Sonic evaluation: I'm running the Ibanez RG421 in a J-station. I also have a Gibson Gothic V stripped down to one EMG-81 and volume control.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Melodic/Death metal.

Overall Rating

Comments: If you are looking into getting into EMG active pickups. but are worried you won't get great cleans. Don't worry the EMG-60 is phenominal for cleans. I really like it that much better for cleans than what passive pickups gave me.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Matt

Submitted at: 8:57, 1/7/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: www.emginc.com will tell you
Price Paid: £ 80
Purchased from: AdLib Music

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP F-200 (2002 model)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: EMG-HZ 4
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: I dunno, but I don't really care.
You musical style(s): Anything really, blues, jazz, various offsets of metal, classical, old rock, blah blah blah
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups (EMG-HZ 4 set) were a bit weak and flat sounding.

Sound

Perceived output level: Higher than the HZ 4, not high enough to destroy my pedals
Tone: Very well balanced, slight boost in the mids and bass I reckon.
Sonic evaluation: I use this in an ESP F-200 (2002 model) and either straight into a Peavey Bandit 112 with a cabinet (solid-state amp, 100watt), straight into a Laney LC50 (all tube amp, 50watt) or my uber-pedalboard into either of those amps. The EMG-60 sounds fantastic. It gives a beautiful clean tone, very soft and mellow sounding. It also gives a very thick and powerful distortion, and excellant harmonics. It also compliments my EMG-81 perfectly for the perfect uber-distortion sound.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play many musical styles. It fits everything I do (email me if you really care). This pickup works very well in the neck position, didnt try it in any other positions.

Overall Rating

Comments: If this pickup broke or something, I would buy a new one without hesitation. I have been playing guitar for around 3 years now, ask if oyu really care what other gear I have. I compaired this pickup with the EMG-85, but chose this one because its better suited to me. This pickup gives me the sound I have been searching for since I first started guitar (yeah, its not that long, but what ya gonna do about it). Only problem with it is the EMG logo on it is a rather dull grey colour :P

Email with any questions

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Chris Mortimore <c.mortimore@zoom.co.uk>

Submitted at: 8:25, 9/12/2003

Product Info

Pickup features: Active pickups
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $130
Purchased from: eBay

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Gothic Flying V
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: EMG 60 in the neck and 81 in the bridge position
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: METALLICA
You musical style(s): hard rock, southern rock, blues, everything just about
Reason for pickup change: Project to see what the EMG's had....

Sound

Perceived output level: The emg 60 is sweet for clean tones and the 81 in the bridge is really hot...you can perform tap-ons and harmonics with ease...rock on
Tone: The 60 can become a little bit muddy at times but the 81 for lead is balanced as ever and just screams any note you play...rock on
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a 2001 Gibson Gothic Flying V running it through a Digitech RP X400 pedal with recording software and then to the Marshall MG250DFX with its stereo, 50W + 50W, power amp driving 2x12" custom speakers - awesome!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play everything from Skynyrd to Metallica to The Used......these pickups suit all styles for me....EMG's just plain rock....rock it on

Overall Rating

Comments: If destroyed i would buy a gibson sg because always wanted one and i would put the same pickups in it or something similar but an EMG product....I have been playing for about 6 years....i also own a 2002 Fender Standard Strat, Ibanez GRX 40, Epiphone Les Paul Custom, and an Alvarez acoustic (old as hell) VINTAGE!....I love these pickups and i suggest anybody looking for the "Metallica" tone or something similar to try these...also they are active pickups which require the use of a 9 volt battery to power them....i suggest gettin these installed professinally because the wiring can get quite lengthy and difficult....Also if you are thinkin about putting these pickups in the same guitar i have or another flying v model then the body cavity doesnt have enough room for all the wiring thus you have to sacrifice a volume or tone pot/knob to make room for all the parts....but a small sacrifice for a GREAT product that will shred your ears off and kicks major ass....EMG 60 and 81....one word....bad ass....excuse thats two words...one word would be just bad....yeah...

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: BR <br142003@yahoo.com>

Submitted at: 16:10, 8/16/2003

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: You already know it
Price Paid: US $40
Purchased from: A friend

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez S 470 Hsh
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Emg - 85, Still Looking for an active clear single coil!
Artists using this pickup: A couple of blues dudes and J. Hetfield from Metallica
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Blues, Heavy/Thrash Metal, Death/Black Metal, etc
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups (Ibanez Powersounds) were kinda nosiy at high gain volumes, good clean sounds and punk distortion from them tough, but i wanted something heavier and just plainly more defined for my soloing.

Sound

Perceived output level: Hotter than most Seymours and Dimarzios, Really Awesome output!
Tone: Very defined, excellent distortion sound, Focused on the mid- lows giving u a to-die-for thickness in soloing!
Sonic evaluation: The 60 it's an incredible pickup (the guys at emg did an incredible job), the distortion is far superior than my emg 85, in the matter that it's super defined and clear, when u play a solo at high gain it's incredible how defined each note sounds. Also, it's a very heavy pickup, it gives me an awesome low end distortion that can't be replaced easily with other stuff out there (Thanks to the randall 2!. The clean sound is another story tough......... The overall sound is very active, it' doesn't have a warmth to it, but it's still clean. However, i'm having a huge problem with my pickup because it sounds vvverrrryy distorted ON clean, i can't strum chrods at all 'cause u hear it all out loud and it's just not right, i have no idea if this is with all the 60 pickups (u have to twick the settings like the mf)to get a clear sound or if it's only with mine. Also, the volume pot makes a loud noise too, very anoying so i have to leave it at max all the time, it's not right because when u wanna get a decent clean with the 60 u have to really twick ur volume and tone knobs altogether with ur amps eq to get good sounds. Very messed up in this manner!. I would really appreciate if anyone out there experienced something similar and has a suggesion to fix it up! Thanks a lot. By the way, my gear is an Ibanez S470, through a Randall rh200 with an Ibanez angled cab, Boss me-50, crybaby 535q and all monster cables. (Always use good cables people, never compromise the tone)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For Blues and Metal, It's an exceptional match!

Overall Rating

Comments: If it was stolen, i would think about it before buying it again because of the clean matter, though, i think i would since i had to make the input hole bigger so the Huge input hole of the pickups would fit!! and i guess i passive one would only fly into the hole. Don't get me wrong though It's great pickup, i really recommend it for metal distortion uses and for blues soloing 'cause it's fat and thick. Try it out! But because of the clean issue I'm in the middle ground with this pup.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8

Submitted by: Mike L. <mikeleon111@msn.com>

Submitted at: 18:35, 7/10/2003

Product Info

Pickup features: Ceramic Magnet Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Very hot active pickup, 9V
Price Paid: US $90
Purchased from: Main St. Music, MN

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP EC-1000
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: EMG-81
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield, and others
You musical style(s): Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: I have 81's on other guitars, wanted something sweeter.

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot, louder than the 81.
Tone: Thick, yet pristine and clear. A scooped sound.
Sonic evaluation: The 60 is more suited for cleans than the 81. Thick, round sound, yet has a cerain shimy to it like the EMG-S. I play it through an all Peavey rack system. The EC-1000 it is in came with two 81's, but the neck just wasn't what I wanted. So I threw in the 60 I had from another guitar (that I rarely play).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Best served at the neck.

Overall Rating

Comments: After almost 10 years of guitar playing, 4 spent teaching, I firmly believe EMG makes the highest quality pickups. I've dealt with customer service only to order pots, and they were more than helpful. I urge anyone who wants a modern clean sound to get this pickup. It is also great for a thick bluesy solo sound. Bottom line is this...any guitar I buy/play will have this pickup in it.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Wade F. <fels0014@umn.edu>

Submitted at: 6:58, 3/20/2003

Product Info

Pickup features: Avtive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: I love the quick wireing. I can switch the 60 to a 85 in 5 minutes. I keep the 81 in the bridge and go from Metallica straight to Ozzy.
Price Paid: US $80
Purchased from: Steve's Music

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP EX-251
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 496r
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield
You musical style(s): All Metal
Reason for pickup change: I love Metallica. I wanted to get the Metallica sound and I figured this would be the best way.

Sound

Perceived output level: This pickup has alot of output. Everyone says that the 81 is so hot. I'd say the 60 has more output.
Tone: Has a very good tone. I'd say just a little bit more bassy than i wanted. but i could care less about the difference. It wounds great with my distortion.
Sonic evaluation: I Use a ESP EX-251 to a Digitech Metal Zone, then to a DOD Death Metal Distortion, to the Dimebag CryBaby from Hell then to a Marshall MG50DFX. The pickup sounds perfect with the Metal Master. Cuts out dam near all of the noise when you turn on the distortion pedals.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly Metal. I might switch over some time and play some punk. When i do that i just turn up the mids on my Death Metal Distorton Pedal.

Overall Rating

Comments: If it were stolen I would buy it again in a heartbeat. but i don't have to worry about that cause when i am not in school i am watching my guitar like a hawk. It is my life. I have been playing for about a year. I am not that advanced but i'd say i have come along way in a year. I love everything about it. You name it I like it. I cant name a thing i don't like about it. I can only compare it to the Gibson 496r. This pickup is 20 times better. The 496 had way way too much bass to it. I didnt like it clean or on distortion. I choose this one cause it was what Hetfield uses and I got his sound perfect. I am completly satisfied with this pickup. I am giving it a 9 becuase of the little bit of too much bass. but it's only noticable on clean anyways.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: AllStar <allstar_19_68@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 9:35, 3/3/2003

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucking.
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $90
Purchased from: worldmusicsupply.com

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson USA Custom RR-1
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan SH-2
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 (bridge), EMG Afterburner, EMG EXG Expander
Artists using this pickup: Hetfield, me, ?
You musical style(s): Hard Rock/Metal
Reason for pickup change: Needed a nice neck pickup to match my 81. The guys at EMG kept recommending the 60 like crazy. So, now it's in my guitar...lol...

Sound

Perceived output level: High Output. If you want stupid hot, then get a Duncan Live Wire Heavy Metal and add an active gain boost to that! But what's the point after a while if you're happy anyways?
Tone: Balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I run my Jackson into a Marshall JCM 900. Basically this pickup sonically balances really well with the 81...great match. There's practically no difference in volume between the two. I use the 60 in my neck position, so naturally I get a more bassier bluesy type of sound. But with this pickup, it is EQ'd in such a way that it almost balances out that "neck" tone. Makes it sound real nice! You can go ULTRA acoustic like clean with this pickup and it has a nice overdrive too. But I am a fan of bridge position overdrives so I use the 81 for that. Overdrive soloing also goes to my 81 in the bridge, but clean, melodic soloing or playing goes to the 60. It sounds beautiful and full and very balanced in the neck. With the 60 engaged or the combination of the 60/81 engaged, I can get heavenly SRV, Hendrix, and Gilmour tone. I used to wish I had a pair of single coils in my neck to play some hot texas blues. Not anymore!!! The Afterburner and EXG make it sound even more incredible!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hard Rock/Metal. This 81/60 combination is unbelievable for anything I could ever think of.

Overall Rating

Comments: I'm really happy with my setup. Basically I sound like an over the top hyper sensitive, harmonic monster Zakk Wylde-type on distortion solos and riffs. Then I can tone it down and do the SRV/Hendrix thing. Or get that EVH tone on my clean channel with my Afterburner on. Really, there are other choices out there to put in your guitar, but I see no need to go any further. I get the exact tone I want coupled with extreme versatility without having to continually switch pickups, fiddle with knobs, or engage pedals in the middle of songs! Does it sound processed? A little. But the pickups have all the ingredients to make you sound like a god.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Ed <sbcgroup1@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 11:47, 12/16/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?
Price Paid: US $85
Purchased from: Audiowatts (Bolivia)

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Esp Ltd M-100
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: 81 at bridge
Artists using this pickup: Hetfield
You musical style(s): Metal mainly, but also clasical latin and spanish music
Reason for pickup change: Wanted good pickups

Sound

Perceived output level: Could melt your speaker
Tone: well balanced
Sonic evaluation: Trough Crate at club, Fender x-15 at home, with Zoom 505 and Dunlop Cry Baby. It's the best humbucker I've ever heard, can do everything the 81 does, plus an excellent tone for soloing, and clean tone. Forget the noisy DiMarzio, or the Duncan distortion or invader, they´re nothing, can't compare....

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I haven´t tried at the bridge, but 81 is excellent there. It's excellent for metal, but you cuold play classic rock and even blues if you like. The best Emg humbucker......, and the best humbucker of all.......

Overall Rating

Comments: Run to the store to buy it, if you haven't hear it, you don't know what I'm talking about. Don't stay in the past, buy EMG, are far better than Duncans, and incomparables with the noisys DiMarzio's. The 60 is not just a metal pickup, can play anything with it, super versatile

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Claudio

Submitted at: 23:31, 8/29/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ??
Price Paid: US $discounted
Purchased from: Victor Litz Music Center(my work)

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson DR-2
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock pu
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfeild
You musical style(s): Metal, dark/goth metal
Reason for pickup change: Getting new sounds, never heard the guitar w/out them. Bought them and the guitar at the same time wanted to have a guitar with active pu's.

Sound

Perceived output level:
Tone: smooth, nice blends for cords, great bass
Sonic evaluation: Ran it through every thing from a JMC2000 triple super lead to a vox pathfinder and keeps sounding great.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal(from Metallica to white Zombie) and more dark moody goth like metal. Could use it for any thing I've let guys I work with try it and they get it sounding great with what ever style they dig.

Overall Rating

Comments: I buy another one in a hart beat, this thing is awsome. I kill the guy who'ld try to steel this. I've got lots of guitars with lots'a tones but this one's my main axe, between the 60 and 81 i've got all I need to go from cool to hot

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted at: 2:21, 8/15/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: active mini humbucker in standard humbucker housing
Impedence or other specs: http://www.emginc.com/Specs.html#EMG60
Price Paid: US $89.99 x 2
Purchased from: Guitar Center...in the future I'd probably get it from http://www.scottysguitarshop.com/. They cut good deals.

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Carvin DC127
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: I've been through most of the EMG, Dimarzio, and Seymour Duncan lines (as well as the stock Carvin M22V and M22T pickups) in this axe alone.
Other pickups on guitar: This guitar is equipped with neck and bridge EMG 60's.
Artists using this pickup: "Jaymz" Hetfield has used it in the neck on some of his ESP's... and me of course!
You musical style(s): eclectic and ethereal pop/dance rock: I'm heavily influenced by the music of The Cure, Garbage, Hum, A Perfect Circle, Rasputina, The Rentals, Steve Vai, and the Dance Dance Revolution video game series.
Reason for pickup change: I've been on a pickup-centered tone quest (like countless other players) for about four years. No other pickups have been as well-suited to my playing as this one.

Sound

Perceived output level: Specs say the output ranges from 1-3 Volts. Potentially one of, if not the, loudest pickup on the market, but output is adjustable through pickup height of course. Perfect level.
Tone: Focused on the mids...exactly where the guitar is. Balanced response across the board. Ideal.
Sonic evaluation: Carvin DC127 (maple neck through alder body, ebony fretboard) into Line 6 Flextone II Head (I prefer modeling and solid state amps due mostly to their superior clarity...I'm not vintage at all). Carvin Legacy full stack (the actual Legacy amp head is my backup) with Celestion Vintage 30's. Effects vary...nothing too great for now.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I'm a guitar principal at the Berklee College of Music, so versatile pickups help me out a lot for classes. I've never encountered another equally versatile pickup. As another guy said below about this thing: this is a "Holy Grail"...for me, anyway.

Overall Rating

Comments: I really have no desire to use any other guitar pickup than this one now...quite an impressive feat for this thing, seeing as how I've soldered different pickups into my instruments approximately 57,190,375,823 times. When I first tried EMG's, I thought they sapped subtle nuances out of my playing. I now realize that those nuances weren't really mine, but those of passive pickups with pole pieces. The bar pole magnets, along with whatever other EMG magic is going on, eliminate a lot of the peaks and quirks in traditional passive pickup frequency response. Thus, they provide a better field for putting your own emotions into your playing. Unfortunately, the 81 and 85 models are the EMG humbuckers most users are familiar with...they're both excellent, but the 85 uses Alnico instead of ceramic magnets, which muddies up tone just a bit too much for me, and they both have something of a mid-scooped EQ. While I feel this clears things up a good deal, the majority of the nuances guitar players put in themselves are centered in the mids. Hence, there is anti-EMG sentiment out there, as many people find these pickups are "sterile", or "lacking feel and emotion". The EMG 60 is focused in the mids, however, and yields ungodly tone and ability to cut through the mix.

As I said, I'm not a vintage guy...my tastes have evolved a lot over my 6-7 years playing, and I love this pickup because it allows me excellent control over my sound, and picks up what I put into it better than any other pickup I've used. I use active EMG's exclusively now on all my guitars and basses: they all are wonderfully clear and powerful. The 81, 85, and S models are in my backup guitars, but I'd never get any of those again now that I've discovered the 60.

This thing does everything from rich, pristine clean sounds to searing SaTaNiC distorted sounds, and sounds great every time. A lot of the excellent tone quality comes from the fact that inside, this thing is a mini humbucker (think Les Paul Deluxe), but while vintage minis were pretty weak, the active circuitry allows the 60 to cover the entire frequency spectrum of the guitar, and still have perfect power.

This pickup deserves a 10...it's the best ever, but each one is about $90; a little hefty compared to most other pickups. If Carvin could put these things in stock (Carvin gear is top-notch and the best value on the market), I'm sure it would end up being a "Fantastic value", but for now, the price point drops its score a point.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Jessy <cenobitten.vampkitten@verizon.net>

Submitted at: 12:20, 8/1/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucker/active
Impedence or other specs: ?
Price Paid: US $Trade
Purchased from: Muncie Music Center

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul studio
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: ENG-85 @ bridge
Artists using this pickup: Dunno
You musical style(s): Metal-core, rock, blues, power ballads, and worship.
Reason for pickup change: None really

Sound

Perceived output level: Medium-High output
Tone: Huh-Duh-Buh-Boo-Bam-Tinkle-Tinkle-Salivate-Drool
Sonic evaluation: Lp through a marshall. SOOOOO much sustain I almost DIED, Killer tone and an awesome vibe with the perfect midrange and all the cut that youd ever need.Inexplicably awesome. I play metal but I play Christiam metal-core and dont think that its neccessary to use so much profanity in a reveiw, cause all it does is give people a stereotypical image of an idiot/angry metalhead, so I get branded as one too which I dont appreciate....But I still love ALL metalheads alike. If dont need Tone than dont bother to waste your time with this, Instead go and get a POD or some other solid state amp and sound like the rest of the world,...But if you crave that perfectly smooth/airy/hot/rich tone than get this. I usually dont dig active stuff but this aint bad. P.S.-Im only 17 too.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: ^^^^^^^^

Overall Rating

Comments: Like-em

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Wes

Submitted at: 15:48, 6/28/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: £ Sterling 85
Purchased from: Griffin Guitar Centre, Plymouth

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson DX-10D
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Jackson Stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Jackson Stock pickup in the neck position
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield, Metallica
You musical style(s): Metal, baby!
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to upgrade from the stock pickup. Something with less noise, more sustain - and a move closer to Het's sound!

Sound

Perceived output level: H-O-T
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: Using a Jackson DX-10 with a new Peavy Bandit 112.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock and metal, which it is ideal for.

Overall Rating

Comments: The problem (???) with these pickups is that my stock neck pickup can't be wired into the system - i need another emg for the neck (not a problem, i just need to save up again!). The abscence of a magnet in this pickup adds to the sustain and the preamp circuitry included means i can plug it into my cat (not tried this yet) - and still get a great sound. Very happy with this pickup, and can't wait to have the neck position with another one or an emg-51.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: <phil_jones_80@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 1:15, 6/7/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $70
Purchased from: Sam Ash

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD M-100
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: crappy EMG select PU
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield and myself
You musical style(s): Heavy mother fuckin metal
Reason for pickup change: EMG select pickups are crap.

Sound

Perceived output level: pretty hot, almost as much as the 81, it still distorts on my clean channel
Tone: bassy in the neck
Sonic evaluation: Running my M-100 straight into my AVT50. This pickup distorts my clean channel slightly, not as much as the 81, but just a little. pretty bassy output. This pickup gets really muddy when I kick in the distortion. I only use this for clean, as the 81 does a much better job of handling distortion.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play heavy metal, mainly Metallica. This is a great match (obviously) for their sound. I think this pickup may work ok in the bridge, but I have no idea if it will still give a muddy response.

Overall Rating

Comments: I would buy this pickup again. Despite the muddiness when distorted, I think the 85 in the neck would be even worse. I like the clean w/ the 60, much better than the 85 and the 81. I'm happy w/ my setup right now.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: <abshortay@yahoo.com>

Submitted at: 19:22, 5/10/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Hot, I guess?
Price Paid: US $90, too much!!!
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Strat... Ash body I think
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock single coil
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: No idea...
You musical style(s): Indie/space rock/hardcore thrash/emo
Reason for pickup change: The single coils really lacked output, sucked when distorted, and I'm a much bigger fan of humbucker clean.

Sound

Perceived output level: Pretty hot, almost as hot as the EMG-81 to my ears
Tone: It's pretty bassy in general, good cleans, but a little STERILE to my ears!
Sonic evaluation: I've been playing four years now I think, and while I am in love with the distorted tone of the EMG 81 at the bridge, I was a bit disappointed with the 60. I am a big fan of fat organic warm clean sounds, and maybe this was the wrong guitar to put it in (a bright tonewood) but it's a bit too sterile and thin. It's good nonetheless, very clear in its notes, but it doesn't seem to have much character. I'm not very good at describing tone, but my Dimarzio PAF Pro in my other guitar makes my Carvin Legacy clean channel drip and sound like a VOX AC30, while the EMG 60 keeps it very clear and warm, but just not too much character and tone.

It's pretty good distorted though, the rythm distortion was surprisingly nice. I can get nice Kirk Hammett lead tone (think Fade to Black intro solo) and lead tones in general are pretty nice.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Indie/emo/screamo/hardcore/metal

Overall Rating

Comments: I've been playing four years, have three guitars, and was just a bit disappointed with this guitar. I won't be changing it out anytime soon and it serves my needs very well, but it's just a bit too sterile for me. I like how it makes your notes very clear, but it just lacks the character. I love my EMG-81 however. Maybe if I had put it in a darker tonewood my sentiment would change, so perhaps my advice here is be wary of getting a bassy organic tone out of a bright tonewood with this pickup.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8

Submitted by: derrick <hivedestruction@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 4:11, 5/2/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: visit www.emginc.com
Price Paid: EURO 127.50
Purchased from: Vox Humana

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Explorer '76
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 496R
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 89
Artists using this pickup: Don't know
You musical style(s): pop-rock-metal
Reason for pickup change: stock pickup sounded too muddy

Sound

Perceived output level: slightly more than stock PU
Tone: Balanced, rings like a bell
Sonic evaluation: Exporer into Tube Screamer into Yamaha DG-stomp

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play all kinds of music, this pickup is great for clean to medium distorted sounds.

Overall Rating

Comments: I recently installed the EMG PI2 (phase inverter) and this pickup out of phase with the 89 in humbucking mode sounds better than anything I ever heard before.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Remco Raaphorst <poppenmeester@xs4all.nl>

Submitted at: 12:53, 3/7/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: active humbucking
Impedence or other specs: low (i think)
Price Paid: US $90
Purchased from: Guitar Center, houston

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: 490R
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81 (bridge)
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield
You musical style(s): metal with hardcore influences
Reason for pickup change: wanted to match output level and character of 81 in bridge

Sound

Perceived output level: very hot, more than the gibson, actually more than the 81
Tone: crunchy in bridge, perfect at neck- warm and smooth
Sonic evaluation: i play my sg into a Marshall JCM 2000 Triple Super Lead head with a boss overdrive (the newer, yellow version) and a noisegate. my cabninet is the one from the original vavlestate series (8412, i think)- great for metal, esp with the tube head

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: to be honest, i have tried this in the bridge position and did not like it at all- too crunchy, no bass. HOWEVER, i bought it to put it in the neck and it is perfect there. with the tone all the way down on clean, it sounds like an acoustic guitar. overdriven, it is warm and smooth, almost jazzy. maybe even good enough for country, but you're asking the wrong guy about that

Overall Rating

Comments: i've been polaying for six years, seriously for only about two and a half. honestly, i don't use the neck position much, never enough time in my songs to swith between the two and it's just not my style. but when in the mood, i'll plug straight into the amp and play some clean stuff or jazzy stuff using it and this is perfect for that. i really only got it to make a good match to my bridge position. i don't like the 60 in the bridge at all. also keep in mind the gibson is mahogany and the pickup will sound different in a different wood. i have an 81 in the bridge of an alder bc rich and my gibson and they really do sound pretty different (and both guitars are fixed bridges that don't run through the body, so it's not that)

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: jason <floppy@yourmom.com>

Submitted at: 20:14, 2/23/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: Don't know
Price Paid: US $70.00
Purchased from: Guitar shop in Greenwood indiana

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: 1989 Gibson LP Studio Lite with Floyd Rose
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson Stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 in the bridge
Artists using this pickup: Who knows, and who cares?
You musical style(s): Rock, maybe Blues, Rock, and Rock.. did I say rock?
Reason for pickup change: Wanted quiet output, more sustain, less chance of shock, etc.. I have had an EMG 85 in another guitar and it sounded pretty good

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Balanced.. Great in the neck position, and I may try it later in the bridge it is so cool
Sonic evaluation: I tried it on both a POD amp.. The spider I think it is.. at the shop that installed the pickups for me.. and I tried it thru my Peavey Classic 30 tube amp..and in my Digitech Amp Modler

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I would say a great blues pickup and rock

Overall Rating

Comments: I'd buy it again for either the neck or the neck and the bridge.. Only in the bridge of a guitar used for blues for the most part though, or classic rock

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Tim <seymoursoftware@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 13:00, 1/6/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: I like pie
Price Paid: Canadian $200 (w/ installation)
Purchased from: Musicstop

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Korina Explorer
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 in bridge
Artists using this pickup: I guess the obvious would be James Hetfield
You musical style(s): Hardcore/metal/emo
Reason for pickup change: Epiphone stock pickups aren't good. I guess that's about it.

Sound

Perceived output level: Moderate to Hot, nothing crazy
Tone: Balanced, really nice
Sonic evaluation: Explorer into a SansAmp into a Peavey Bandit with a Boss ME-30 in there for delays/reverbs/chorus/flange/phaser/etc.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hardcore, metal, emo, classic rock, blues.... I end up playing alot on this guitar. My band is a melodic metalcore band in the vein of GlassJAw, Thursday, Poison The Well, etc.

Overall Rating

Comments: I couldn't believe how perfect this pickup was when I first played with it. It sounds great for single notes and chords and it's amazing for cleans overall.

Basically I'm using the 85 in the bridge for distortion. I was just using that and I wasn't completely satisfied with it for clean, and I've always loved the sound of a neck position single coil for clean. Someone told me these are close to that sound so I figured I'd buy one just to have a neck pickup I'd actually use. It's great, it has that smoothness of single coils but it's rounder and fatter at the same time. Very, very nice.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Matt <mattapooh@yahoo.ca>

Submitted at: 18:41, 9/22/2001

Product Info

Pickup features: Active single coil in a humbucking housing
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $17 used
Purchased from: i bought it from my friend

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock epiphone pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio Tone Zone
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): emo, melodic hardcore, metal, punk
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickup picked up all the sounds of the pick scraping across the strings when i picked clean stuff out and sounded like crap, it was way too bright for what i play also.

Sound

Perceived output level: This is a hot pickup. Its hotter then anything else i've played through cuz its an active pickup obviously and its a really hot pickup for an active.
Tone: Really trebly but with my switch in the middle spot, the tone zone balances it out quite nicely, sounds great for melody chording or leading. Insane harmonic overtones with this thing.
Sonic evaluation: I play a epi Les Paul with a Tone Zone in the Neck spot, an emg-60 in the bridge, and an active EMG-EXG expander which cuts my mids and boosts my highs and lows when its wide open. My amp is a Vintage mid 70's era 100 watt Gibson Jazz Tube amp. The boss EQ I play on makes it all so much more rounded and beautiful in the end.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: emo, melodic hardcore, metal, punk

Overall Rating

Comments: If it were distroyed or stolen, I'd proally replace it with a newer Emg-60 with the saddle on it so i could easily change the pickup in that spot.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted at: 4:47, 8/21/2001

Product Info

Pickup features: this is a emg60 humbucking picking ...completely active.....
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $$69.00
Purchased from: guitar center

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: gibson les paul
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: gibson classic 57'
Other pickups on guitar: emg 81
Artists using this pickup: metallica's jaymz hetfield
You musical style(s): heavy metal and blues
Reason for pickup change: classic sucks

Sound

Perceived output level: it has a high out put but not hott
Tone: it has excellent tone except for the top strings for distortion...clean its absolutly perfect ...no better pickup for clean
Sonic evaluation: im using a randall warhead with crate 4x12 into a a/b switch with a crate pa system powerring a pod.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: for metal it is very kool...................and ive had this in the bridge and its a awesome tone for rock

Overall Rating

Comments: great pickup.....definitly it is my main pickup in the enck for all my guitars

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted at: 19:22, 2/13/2001

Product Info

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: don't remember
Price Paid: US $89
Purchased from: Guitar Center Tukwila, WA

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Imperial (explorer shape)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Kramer Quadrail
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: Metallica and ?
You musical style(s): blues, rock, metal
Reason for pickup change: original pickup a little to bassy clean (not muddy) and not enough highs distorted (sounds a little muddy distorted).

Sound

Perceived output level: definitely higher output than the original, but I knew it would do that being active
Tone: pretty balanced
Sonic evaluation: using a Kramer Imperial (Explorer shape) which is solid alder with Floyd Rose and rosewood fretboard through a BOSS ME-30 and either into a Fender Princeton Chorus or direct into a computer with 50W speaker system for recording purposes. The pickup is a vast improvement over the stock pickup. It still has a lot of bass to it, but that's due only to the fact that it's in the neck. If you are using/have heard an EMG81 in a bridge position, the 60 is actually supposed to be brighter than that so the neck position definitely accounts for the amount of lows it picks up. It sounds great for clean, very full, and it also sounds great distorted, not as much crunch as a bridge pickup, but definitely sounds good.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this pickup is great in the neck position for clean stuff and for anything distorted that doesn't need a LOT of high end in it

Overall Rating

Comments: If it somehow disappeared out of my guitar, I would definitely replace it. I have been playing for about 6 years now and in addition to the above mentioned equipment I also have a Jackson JSX-94 guitar. I love this pickup for clean stuff, and for slow singing leads. Also use it for the intial distorted parts on Metallica's "Sanitarium" song before it really gets fast. I am definitely satisfied with this pickup for a neck position. Oh, and no I did not buy this pickup just because Hetfield from Metallica uses it, I bought it because he uses it for their clean stuff and I liked the sound it had, so it was bought for the sound not the "image". The only thing I don't like about it, and I've noticed this with all the EMG's I have, is that they pre-solder the wire braiding around the center conductor and so you can't pull the braid off and solder it separately. I have followed their diagrams which show to solder it just like that still wrapped around the core to the volume knob casing and haven't, I hope, melted the inside insulation yet, but I'm always nervous after an install as to if that's happened or not. Otherwise it would get a 10. Sounds like a small thing maybe, but being an active pickup, what happens if those two short together due to melted insulation?

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Charles <knight_of_the_xfiles@yahoo.com>

Submitted at: 19:02, 1/1/2001

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucker, Active
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $120 thaz wit installation
Purchased from: sam ash

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Ltd EX-250 custom
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: ESP Duncan design
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: Jaymz hetfield!!!!
You musical style(s): Heavy Metal,,,,, METALLICA!!!!, and hard rock
Reason for pickup change: Jaymz hetfield uses the emg 60 and 81 and the 60 is awesome for harmonics and is ultra clean! or great for soloing....AND JAYMZ DOESNT USE AN 81/85 COMBO!!!!!!

Sound

Perceived output level: its f^%%%% awesome!
Tone: its like.....good lolol
Sonic evaluation: Lin6 flex, line6 pod, boss me30

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal baby!

Overall Rating

Comments: If some riped the pickup out of this guitar, id carry my esp with me take the emg back andwith my esp id shove the pointed part right up his ass and make it come outa his mouth....

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: mike <mcgs@aol.com>

Submitted at: 15:53, 10/24/2000

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: birthday present free ! !
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio PAF Pro
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: This is an update to my submission right below. I forgot to talk about the clean sounds of this pickup, which is the whole reason I wanted the damn thing.

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: balanced, just enough bass and treble
Sonic evaluation: What I completely forgot to talk about was the clean sounds of this pickup. Ya, it has a great warm, sustaining lead tone. It is the best neck pickup for that. But why I truly like this pickup is for its clean tones. With my 5150 setup, I can get (almost) Fender Twin sounds out of my amp. I SHIT YOU NOT! This pickup has a great clean sound. EMG's manual said it's supposed to have single-coil attack with humbucker sustain. I don't know about that?? It's a great neck pickup though, the best!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good neck pickup, too warm for the bridge

Overall Rating

Comments: On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Sam Janski <janskisd@uwec.edu>

Submitted at: 14:47, 10/23/2000

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: birthday present free ! !
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio PAF Pro
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield
You musical style(s): Hard rocking metal with a lot of lead work
Reason for pickup change: I wanted an 81 in the bridge, so naturally I needed an active in the neck too. I decided that I wanted a real warm, sustaining neck pickup

Sound

Perceived output level: Not overly hot for a neck pickup, but just right
Tone: Very balanced, warm (you don't even need an amp, literally)
Sonic evaluation: I run my guitar through a Bad Horsie wah, then a Boss chours, the to the High Gain input on my 5150 head. In the loop there's a 482 Sonic Maximizer and then a Boss DD-3 delay. I run 18 volts instead of the normal 9 for super clarity.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly heavy metal. For super sustaining leads, this is the best pickup. I don't think this would be a very good bridge pickup.

Overall Rating

Comments: I would get these pickups again in a nanosecond! EMG's are the best pickups, ever! I've been playing for 7 years and my Les finally sounds the way I want it to. I can't compare these pickups to any other pickups because that would be a joke. There is no comparison.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Sam Janski <janskisd@uwec.edu>

Submitted at: 8:01, 9/24/2000

Product Info

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: active
Price Paid: US $79
Purchased from: jackson music center

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: esp ltd explorer
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock esp humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: emg 81
Artists using this pickup: james hetfield , kirk hammet
You musical style(s): metal
Reason for pickup change: metallica uses them. i wanted their sound

Sound

Perceived output level: hot
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: marshall mg80rcd solid state. digitech valve fx preamp/effects rack unit. esp ltd explorer with emg pickups

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play metallica . i only have it in the neck

Overall Rating

Comments: id buy it again if stolen. but i only need 1 guitar with this pickup. i also have a jackson rhodes with stock pickups. iam verry satisfied with the sound. found the sound i was searching for. i but this because james hetfield uses this pickup.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted at: 16:48, 7/26/2000

Product Info

Pickup features: active bucker
Impedence or other specs: 25k impedance
Price Paid: Can. 125
Purchased from: guitarworks

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD M-250
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Seymore Duncan designed humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 and a single coil not currently in use, (it just fills up the hole)
Artists using this pickup: lots
You musical style(s): various
Reason for pickup change: wanted a better sounding set of pickups

Sound

Perceived output level: At times it almost feels like it has a higher output then the 81, I have no idea why.
Tone: middy, very much so.
Sonic evaluation: ESP guitar to a Peavey Bandit 112. *NOTE* for these pickups to truly shine you will need a tube amp. However, even without a tube amp they sound great (better than a duncan JB 59' combo IMO) to give a frame of reference.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: works in all positions, it just depends on your prefered type of sound.

Overall Rating

Comments: good

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Tyler <tylerzd@netscape.net>

Submitted at: 13:52, 2/8/2000

Product Info

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: look it up at www.emginc.com
Price Paid: US $80
Purchased from: Some online store .. I forget

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: LTD M-2
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 in the bridge
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield
You musical style(s): Everything but country and pop
Reason for pickup change: I wanted the sound that Hetfield had, so I got his pickups. :)

Sound

Perceived output level: not too much more than the stock Duncan Designed humbuckers in my LTD H-200 (maybe that's cuz I have .010s on that guitar and only .009s on the M-2).
Tone: anything you want it to be - can seriously go from very rich and deep to almost shrill.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Marshall 8040 (discontinued model, much like the VS30R). The pickup sounds great, it can put out crunch, it can put out warm tones, it can do blues, Floyd, whatever you want.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think this pickup is recommended for the neck only.

Overall Rating

Comments: Excellent pickup, very clear sound, would definitely buy it again if I didn't have a guitar with the EMG60/81 combo. It gave me all the sounds I was looking for (all teh Metallica) and much much more.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Gergely Kota <gergelyk@u.arizona.edu>

Submitted at: 16:29, 12/17/99

Product Info

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $70
Purchased from: MAE Ft. Lauderdale FL

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Heavily customized Yahama Pacifica 120, Custom Built Strat-thing
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio PAF pro(neck) Super Distortion(bridge)on Strat EMG 85(bridge) Yahama
Other pickups on guitar: all 60s now
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Professional musician covering styles from Barry Manilow to Heavy Meta
Reason for pickup change: First Experience with 60 in neck of Yahama was life changing

Sound

Perceived output level: Pretty Hot but still crystal clear if amp isn't being pushed VERY hard or overdriven however as potent as an 81 when overdrivenever
Tone: Very Balanced with perfect string seperation yet not trebly similar to a PAF pro but just a lot better
Sonic evaluation: My Yahama is an alder bodied tele with a maple/rosewood neck. The strat is a set-neck poplar bodied maple/ebony neck. These are played through a Fender Hot Rod Deville 4x10 or a Hot Rod Deluxe 1x12 amplifier with overdrives coming from a Boss Blues Driver.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play in 5 bands including Afro-Cuban, Swing/Rockabilly, Heavy Rock, Fusion Trio, and Club Date, Styles and this pickup is perfect for all

Overall Rating

Comments: I have forever searched for this tone. It sounds very much like a Duncan Jazz with a touch less treble when it is clean and much like a dimarzio Evolution when overdriven. EMG describes its tone as single coil like. I don't know who came up with that assesment as the only thing it shares with a single coil is the incledible clarity yet it is not really trebly just present. It has a swell to the notes after they have been picked and to me sounds like the ultimate PAF. My bass player in the fusion trio has recently replaced his Lindy Fralin PAFs with the 60 in his 335 even after he was dead set against EMGs. He had always said EMGs are sterile which I to believe of the 81 and 85 however, the 60 is anything but sterile. The best way I can describe the tone is to say listen to Scott Henderson's tone on the Tribal Tech records and this is it. IT IS THE HOLY GRAIL!!!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: charles carey <c.carey@ix.netcom.com>

Submitted at: 20:32, 3/17/99

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: http://www.emginc.com for specs
Price Paid: US $80
Purchased from: Ace Music Store (Dayton, OH)

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD Flying V 200
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock "Duncan Designed"
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: The Almighty Hetfield
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a better sound.

Sound

Perceived output level: Fairly hot but not as big a difference as I was expecting over the Stock pu's
Tone: hmm... I'd say fairly Bassy on this guitar
Sonic evaluation: I'm using the ESP into an Alesis NanoCompressor into Mesa/Boogie DC-3. These are definitely an improvement but not as much as I expected. Great clean sound with some chorus. Wonderful. Not as great for high-gain... loses definition but still has MUCH more than stock.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Metal, this pickup is great for clean parts.

Overall Rating

Comments: I'd buy it again, in fact I'm going to. Gonna get another 60 for the neck position of my ESP LTD Explorer and an 81 for the bridge. Hopefully it'll be the sound I'm looking for.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Ryan Eberly <reberly@erinet.com>

Submitted at: 12:09, 10/13/98

Product Info

Pickup features: active humbucking kick in the ass pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $$70
Purchased from: victor's house of music

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson DR3
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Seymour duncan full shred
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 (replaced a seymour duncan distortion)
Artists using this pickup: James hetfield
You musical style(s): Metal, progressive
Reason for pickup change: A longing for better sound...My sound.

Sound

Perceived output level: Significantly higher than any other pickup I have heard besides the 81
Tone: full range. boosted in almost all frequencies. very trebley
Sonic evaluation: (Again) I am using a Digitech GSP 2112 multi effects jobber with a marshall jcm 900 100w dual reverb half stack.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Excellent for clean metal parts. I'd say leave it in the neck position.

Overall Rating

Comments: I'd probably by this again. The only other pickup I considered for the neck position was an EMG 89.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: <Poopmongral@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 17:19, 9/14/98

Product Info

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $83.99
Purchased from: Melody Music in Sterling VA

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD EXP
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock duncan designed
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield(Metallica, Duh)
You musical style(s): Jazz, blues, METAL, rock, and everything else except country
Reason for pickup change: Stock were, how can I say it nicely, were stock pick-ups. They weren't extrmely bad, but I wanted a Hetfield axe.

Sound

Perceived output level: Louder than all the passive humbuckers I have heard, a little less than an 81.
Tone: You know that cool tone and ultra harmonix you get with a wah pedal in the middle? This PU sounds a lot like it with amazing harmix, more than my 81 which I think is weird, but I love this configuration.
Sonic evaluation: I play this guitar through a Peavey at my teachers house, Line 6 flextone and Fender ROC/PRO1000 at my house, All 12" combos.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This has a nice jazzy sound clean and ultra harmonix cranked. The voulume and tone knob can really change the sound, drastically.

Overall Rating

Comments: If this were destroyed or stolen I would buy it again, maybe put in the bridge and neck positions. I have been playing since '96 and I own a Gibson Les Paul Studio w/ P-90s, an absolute jem that I don't even consider using live, so I bought my ESP, replaced the stock PU's and now have an ultimate live guitar for metal and such. I do prefer my Gibson for blues and jazz, but it is worth too much to me to play live. This PU is great, I reccomed it to everyone. I was goignt o get an 89 but the guys at the store reccomeded this because it was cheaper and they thought it sounded better, I am glad I took their advice.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Dan Stone <dan_stone@yahoo.com>