EMG 60

The EMG 60 is a Humbucking active pickup.
Whats great about EMG pickups is that you can easily pop one out and put in another one without resoldering the wiring.
A very hi-fi, much evolved pickup, because initially this was the very first pickup EMG invented, but has evolved the most.

It came in stock with my ltd EC 1000 BLK.
Neck pickup, and I wouldnt replace it, ever...
The other pickup at the bridge as a EMG 81.
James Hetfield uses this pickup but I think its underrated, more people should use it.
And I did not buy the EC 1000 BLK only for the looks!
The EMG 60 was a must for me!

A very high output pickup, some say Blackouts have higher power and output, but if I was going for that, I would use the 18 volt mod.
I`ve used this pickup on a variety of amps, but lately on my Peavey Ultra Plus head.
I`ve seen a lot of reviews on here, but I think few were quite right about the sound.
First of all, the pickup has only one minus, the lower notes with distortion can get muddy unless played as a chord, but than again thats not what a neck pickup is made for.
I think the muddyness wouldnt be there anymore if the pickup would be at bridge position though!
The sound itself is actually quite bassy, not trebly.
The bass is very fat and very present, and the mids and trebles are very round and clean, the distortion sound is also very clean.
I think this pickups is suitable for every kind of music, if played with the proper other equipment.
If played on a good amp, and good effects, this is obvioulsy THE most clean sounding pickup I ever heard, and it responds very organic on the way the player plays.
The EMG 81 has more problems with that than the EMG 60.

I play relatively short but I keep hearing from people Im talented, but than again, the only thing I ever spend my money on is guitarstuff.
My second mainaxe is a Ibanez 7 string, and its very raw but I rather rely on my ltd with EMG pickups.
I do think, that if the guys from EMG would put more effort into it, they could obliderate any other brand of active pickups, thus one less point, I mean the SD blackouts are quite a contender at the fight of active pickups.
I love the very clean sound of the pickup, it really rings like a bell, I`m still amazed about the sound each day I got it, quite literally.
I only wished they were cheaper :) so I would put it on all my guitars!

Check out the other reveiws.

I decided to switch this pickup into the bridge position of my LTD EC 1000 just for fun today(it's usually an 81 in the bridge and this in the neck). Apparently James Hatfield uses this in the neck position on his guitars but seriously who the hell uses the neck position for metal.

This obviously has a very high output. Maybe even more than the 81 but definitely not more than those Seymore Duncan ones that take like 3 9 volt battery's. Those things are nuts! My setup is the LTD into a tubesceamer (used as a boost) into a 1971 Traynor YBA - 1. I thought this might have a bit more Mids and Bass than the 81 and I was right. I lost a bit of clarity and tightness but it made my sound a decent amount more meaty and thick. Gave me some more presence on the attack too which is great. I play medium to high gain metal/hardcore in the vein of Cursed and Converge and I think it sounds awesome for that stuff.

I like this more than the EMG 81 but I'm giving it a 7 because there are obviously much better pickups out there. I like how this gave me a more vintage tone with a very high output. If you're looking for an EMG for your bridge position don't get caught up the 81's, but more importantly don't get caught up on EMG's. Even though I like this more than the 81 I'd never actually go out and buy one of these individual pickups (then again I wouldn't really have a reason to as I already have one!).

Active Humbucking

Ibanez RG 560 custom made
Bridge
Not replacing any pickup it's a home made project
EMG SA x2
hetfield
I liked the 81 and wanted to try out the other EMG products

Hot output
Tonelab
Trebly, too trebly for a bridge pickup but most people use it in the neck so i'swap it with the emg 85 on my LTD EX 100. the 85 is probably better in the bridge anyway.
I play rock and metal. This pickup is very good, responsive and quite like all EMG's but it's tighter and has more treble than the 81 and 85.
I just wanted to try it in the bridge but no's i'm gonna put it in the neck of my other guitar. I think my final setup will be: 60 in the neck and 85 in the bridge of my LTD. i'm gonna sell the 81 and SA's and buy Seynour Duncans instead, because active pickups are good but i think having tjhem on 1 guitar is enough they tend to make every guitar sound the same.
You're free to play any style you want with this however the sound is very modern, hi-h??fi and it's a poor match for bles, rock or vintage style. I'm nnot saying you can't play vintage music but the crunch sounds and in-betweens are poor it has nothing to do with a dimarzio paf classic for example...
Great clean sounds, good for funk. Clean or fully distorted sounds.

I would buy one again for its clean hi-fi sound and tigh leads. It will probably be a cool neck pickup. I'll put the 55 in bridge because i like it massive sound. However on this guitar i'll remove the passive set because it tends to anihilate the natural sound of the guitar, so i will sell the 81 and SA's. the 81 is good for soloing but i prefer the versatility of the 85 and it's massive bassy sound. The sa's...
Welll to be honest i didn't really like the sa's.
I had many pickups including half od the dimarzio's and the 60 IS a really good pickup. I recommend a passive set for people who ave an average guitar but like the neck and want to give it a better sound, especialy for heavy metal or modern music.
However if you have an expensive guitar with quality wood, i think EMG's are the wrong choice because they don't let the natural sound of th guitar shine. So for expensive guitars, go passive, it's no use having such a great piece of wood for EMG's because they sound the same on any guitar.
To people who bought an expensive "ESP Kirk hammet" or so: your guitar is one of the best out there but please change the pickups, you'll get the same exact sound using the EMG's on a squier or LTD, no joking.

Minihumbucker in a standard EMG humbucking size, ceramic magnets.
Average to hot output.
Active.

ESP Eclipse CTM1, neck position.

Crystal clear, tremendous cut and very brilliant. I've not come across another pickup so suitable for quick clean chording. You can strum full chords across all strings and still hear every note or you can deliver brilliant single-notes with perfect ringing clarity.

The EQ is notched towards the bright side. The sound reminds me a lot of singlecoils in sound and fell, it's not as fat as other humbuckers.

The bad side?
Well first I'm not impressed how it works with gain; if you like the way singlecoils sound with gain you will like this pickup, for me it lacks smoothness and body with gain, but it cuts really well through a band context when soloing as I have to admit.
The other thing is that the pickup is somewhat cold and clinically, if not to say sterile to my ears. A decent tube amp can warm it up, but it will never match a true warm alnico-singlecoil or humbucker in warmth. Lastly, I think the dynamics are rather weak on this pickup; I know neck pickups tend to be like this but this is one of the worst I've come across.

It's perfect if you want the most clarity and cut, but not if you want warmth. Blueser would hate this pickup.

I have since replaced this pickup after using it for over a year with an EMG85; that pickup has some shortcomings as well but at least it has a warmer and bluesier feel to it. So I would NOT get another EMG60 but rather an EMG85 for the neck.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

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.

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:

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

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Dude, come on now, quit trying to confuse us

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active
Impedence or other specs:

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!

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

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!!!

Pickup features: HB. Active
Impedence or other specs: ???

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.

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!

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.

Pickup features: Active, low impedance
Impedence or other specs: check out www.emgpickups.com

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Humbucking active
Impedence or other specs: see their website

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

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

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

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Low impedance

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

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Low Impedance resulting in low noise.

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: www.emginc.com will tell you

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.

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.

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

Pickup features: Active pickups
Impedence or other specs:

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....

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

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...

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: You already know it

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.

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!

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.

Pickup features: Ceramic Magnet Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Very hot active pickup, 9V

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active Humbucking.
Impedence or other specs:

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...

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

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

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.......

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

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ??

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.

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.

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

Pickup features: active mini humbucker in standard humbucker housing
Impedence or other specs: http://www.emginc.com/Specs.html#EMG60

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Humbucker/active
Impedence or other specs: ?

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

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: ^^^^^^^^

Comments: Like-em

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

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!

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.

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.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

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.

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.

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.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Hot, I guess?

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.

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

Comments: I've been playing four years, have three gui