What position is the EMG 60 designed for?

The EMG 60 is specifically designed for the neck position of the electric guitar. This placement allows it to capture the warmth of the neck while providing the treble clarity needed for lead playing.

Is the EMG 60 a passive or active pickup?

It is an active pickup. This means it requires an internal preamp and a power source, typically a 9V battery, to function and provide its characteristic high-output signal.

What is the typical price for an EMG 60 in white?

The typical price range for this specific pickup model is approximately £89.00. This price may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

How does the treble response of the EMG 60 affect soloing?

The full treble response ensures that single-note solos remain rich and clear. It prevents the lead lines from sounding thin or muffled, providing a sparkling quality to harmonics.

Can this pickup be used for 7-string guitars?

The standard EMG 60 described here is designed specifically for 6-string electric guitars. Users with 7-string guitars would need to look for the specific 7-string variant (often designated as 60-7).

What kind of tone can I expect from the mid-range?

The EMG 60 features boosted mid-range notes. This design choice helps the guitar sound fuller and ensures it remains audible when playing alongside other instruments.

Does the white finish affect the sound of the pickup?

No, the white casing is purely aesthetic. The internal components and sonic performance are identical to the standard black version of the EMG 60.

Is the EMG 60 suitable for clean playing?

Yes, it is highly regarded for its clean tones. Because of its high treble response and clarity, it produces a bright, resonant sound that is often described as 'singing'.

What are the benefits of high output in this pickup?

High output ensures that the signal sent to the amplifier is strong and clear. This leads to better sustain and allows the guitar's harmonics to be more audible.

How does the EMG 60 handle low-end frequencies?

The pickup is designed with 'gigantic' lows. This gives the guitar a resonant and powerful foundation, preventing the high treble response from sounding too shrill.

What genre of music is the EMG 60 best for?

While versatile, it is particularly suited for styles requiring clarity under gain, such as metal and rock. However, its brightness also makes it popular for blues and jazz fusion.

Do I need to change my guitar's wiring for this pickup?

Since it is an active pickup, it requires a battery and specific low-impedance potentiometers (usually 25k). If you are switching from passive pickups, a full electronics swap is generally required.

Gear article

EMG 60 Humbucker Pickup

The EMG 60 is a high-output active humbucking pickup designed primarily for the neck position of six-string electric guitars. It is engineered to provide a balanced frequency response featuring crisp treble, prominent mids, and a resonant low end, facilitating enhanced clarity for lead playing.

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Overview

The EMG 60 Humbucker is a foundational component in the EMG active pickup range, specifically tailored for the neck position. It is designed to bridge the gap between traditional humbucker warmth and the high-fidelity clarity required for modern electric guitar performance. This white-cased variant offers a distinct aesthetic choice for players looking to customise their instrument's appearance while retaining the signature high-output performance associated with the brand.

Technical Features and Design

The EMG 60 utilises an active electronic system to ensure every note maintains audible clarity even under high gain. Its internal architecture is focused on maximizing sustain and harmonic content. Key technical specifications include:

Treble Response: Optimized for single-note soloing to prevent the sound from becoming muddy.
Mid-range: Boosted frequencies to help the guitar cut through a dense band mix.
Low-End: Deep, resonant bass response that provides a full-bodied foundation.
Active Circuitry: Requires a 9V battery to power the internal preamp, resulting in lower noise and higher output compared to passive designs.

Sonic Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the EMG 60 is its 'sparkle' and brilliance. Unlike many neck humbuckers that can sound muffled or overly dark, the 60 is noted for a rich, clear top-end that emphasizes pick attack and harmonic overtones. When played clean, it offers a transparent, bell-like quality. Under distortion, it maintains note separation, making it highly effective for complex chord work and fast lead runs.

Intended Use and Compatibility

This pickup is ideal for guitarists who require a versatile neck pickup that can transition between lush clean tones and articulate high-gain solos. While frequently used in metal and hard rock, its wide frequency range makes it suitable for various genres. It is commonly paired with higher-output bridge pickups, such as the EMG 81, to create a balanced tonal set. The pickup is designed for standard 6-string electric guitars and fits most humbucker routing slots.

Market Context

Positioned at a typical price point of £89.00, the EMG 60 sits in the mid-to-high tier of the replacement pickup market. It is often compared to other EMG models like the 85, though the 60 is generally preferred by those seeking more treble and 'single-coil-like' clarity from a humbucker. Within the broader market of guitar components, it competes with offerings from brands like Fender and Gotoh, though it serves the specific niche of active electronics.

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Frequently asked questions

What position is the EMG 60 designed for?: The EMG 60 is specifically designed for the neck position of the electric guitar. This placement allows it to capture the warmth of the neck while providing the treble clarity needed for lead playing.
Is the EMG 60 a passive or active pickup?: It is an active pickup. This means it requires an internal preamp and a power source, typically a 9V battery, to function and provide its characteristic high-output signal.
What is the typical price for an EMG 60 in white?: The typical price range for this specific pickup model is approximately £89.00. This price may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
How does the treble response of the EMG 60 affect soloing?: The full treble response ensures that single-note solos remain rich and clear. It prevents the lead lines from sounding thin or muffled, providing a sparkling quality to harmonics.
Can this pickup be used for 7-string guitars?: The standard EMG 60 described here is designed specifically for 6-string electric guitars. Users with 7-string guitars would need to look for the specific 7-string variant (often designated as 60-7).
What kind of tone can I expect from the mid-range?: The EMG 60 features boosted mid-range notes. This design choice helps the guitar sound fuller and ensures it remains audible when playing alongside other instruments.
Does the white finish affect the sound of the pickup?: No, the white casing is purely aesthetic. The internal components and sonic performance are identical to the standard black version of the EMG 60.
Is the EMG 60 suitable for clean playing?: Yes, it is highly regarded for its clean tones. Because of its high treble response and clarity, it produces a bright, resonant sound that is often described as 'singing'.
What are the benefits of high output in this pickup?: High output ensures that the signal sent to the amplifier is strong and clear. This leads to better sustain and allows the guitar's harmonics to be more audible.
How does the EMG 60 handle low-end frequencies?: The pickup is designed with 'gigantic' lows. This gives the guitar a resonant and powerful foundation, preventing the high treble response from sounding too shrill.
What genre of music is the EMG 60 best for?: While versatile, it is particularly suited for styles requiring clarity under gain, such as metal and rock. However, its brightness also makes it popular for blues and jazz fusion.
Do I need to change my guitar's wiring for this pickup?: Since it is an active pickup, it requires a battery and specific low-impedance potentiometers (usually 25k). If you are switching from passive pickups, a full electronics swap is generally required.