What is the primary position for the EMG 60?

The EMG 60 is specifically designed for the neck position of the electric guitar to take advantage of its treble response and clarity.

Does the EMG 60 require a battery?

Yes, as an active pickup, it requires a power source, typically a 9V battery, to operate its internal preamp system.

What kind of output does this pickup provide?

The EMG 60 is a high-output pickup, ensuring that the signal remains clear and audible even through high-gain amplification.

Is this pickup suitable for 7-string guitars?

No, this specific model is designed for 6-string electric guitars.

How does the EMG 60 handle single-note solos?

It features a full treble response and boosted mids, which are engineered to make single-note lead lines sound full, rich, and clear.

What color options are standard for this model?

This specific version of the EMG 60 comes in a classic black finish.

Can I use the EMG 60 in the bridge position?

While it is designed for the neck, pickups can technically be placed in any position; however, its tonal profile is optimised for the neck's harmonic characteristics.

What is the typical price range for an EMG 60?

In the UK market, the typical price for this pickup is approximately £85.00.

Does the EMG 60 provide good sustain?

Yes, the active circuitry is designed to ensure every note sparkles with beautiful harmonics and long-lasting sustain.

How would you describe the low-end of the EMG 60?

The manufacturer describes the low-end as 'gigantic,' providing a deep resonance that complements its bright treble.

Does it come with mounting hardware?

As a standard part and spare, it typically includes the necessary components for installation, though specific mounting rings may vary by guitar type.

Is the EMG 60 better for clean or distorted tones?

It is versatile for both; its high clarity prevents distortion from becoming muddy, while its brightness makes it sing during clean passages.

Gear article

EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup

The EMG 60 is a high-output active humbucking pickup designed specifically for the neck position of six-string electric guitars. It is engineered to provide a balanced combination of full treble response, boosted mid-range, and significant low-end resonance for increased clarity in lead playing.

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Overview

The EMG 60 is a staple of the EMG active pickup line, designed to offer a distinctive tonal profile that deviates from traditional high-output humbuckers. While many neck pickups can suffer from a lack of definition, the 60 is constructed to ensure every note sparkles with harmonics and sustain. It is most commonly housed in a black casing and is utilised by guitarists seeking a blend of high-output power and audible clarity.

Design and Functionality

As an active pickup, the EMG 60 requires a battery (typically 9V) to power its internal preamp. This design allows for a higher output signal compared to passive alternatives, which helps maintain signal integrity through long cable runs and complex pedalboards. The pickup features a full treble response, which is specifically tuned to enhance single-note soloing by ensuring lead lines sound rich and clear rather than muffled.

Tonal Character

The sonic profile of the EMG 60 is characterised by its versatility across the frequency spectrum. Key attributes include:

Treble: Extensive response that provides brightness and resonance for high-register notes.
Mid-range: A boosted mid-section that helps the guitar cut through a dense mix.
Low-end: A 'gigantic' bass response that adds weight to the overall sound without sacrificing clarity.
Harmonics: Enhanced harmonic content that allows for singing sustain during solos.

Applications and User Suitability

While it is a high-output device often associated with heavier genres, the EMG 60's clarity makes it suitable for any player who requires a precise neck position tone. It is particularly effective for musicians who perform intricate lead work or single-note melodies where note separation is critical. Its ability to produce full and rich tones ensures it remains a popular choice for both studio recording and live performance.

Comparison to Alternatives

Unlike many bridge-specific pickups that focus purely on aggression, the EMG 60 focuses on a balanced 'singing' quality. Compared to passive neck humbuckers, it offers significantly more sustain and a flatter frequency response that prevents the low-mid 'mud' often found in high-output passive designs. Within the EMG range, it is frequently paired with the EMG 81 bridge pickup to provide a contrast between the 81's cutting bridge tone and the 60's resonant, bright neck tone.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary position for the EMG 60?: The EMG 60 is specifically designed for the neck position of the electric guitar to take advantage of its treble response and clarity.
Does the EMG 60 require a battery?: Yes, as an active pickup, it requires a power source, typically a 9V battery, to operate its internal preamp system.
What kind of output does this pickup provide?: The EMG 60 is a high-output pickup, ensuring that the signal remains clear and audible even through high-gain amplification.
Is this pickup suitable for 7-string guitars?: No, this specific model is designed for 6-string electric guitars.
How does the EMG 60 handle single-note solos?: It features a full treble response and boosted mids, which are engineered to make single-note lead lines sound full, rich, and clear.
What color options are standard for this model?: This specific version of the EMG 60 comes in a classic black finish.
Can I use the EMG 60 in the bridge position?: While it is designed for the neck, pickups can technically be placed in any position; however, its tonal profile is optimised for the neck's harmonic characteristics.
What is the typical price range for an EMG 60?: In the UK market, the typical price for this pickup is approximately £85.00.
Does the EMG 60 provide good sustain?: Yes, the active circuitry is designed to ensure every note sparkles with beautiful harmonics and long-lasting sustain.
How would you describe the low-end of the EMG 60?: The manufacturer describes the low-end as 'gigantic,' providing a deep resonance that complements its bright treble.
Does it come with mounting hardware?: As a standard part and spare, it typically includes the necessary components for installation, though specific mounting rings may vary by guitar type.
Is the EMG 60 better for clean or distorted tones?: It is versatile for both; its high clarity prevents distortion from becoming muddy, while its brightness makes it sing during clean passages.