The EMG 60 is a great pickup, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a little too hot for clean tones and a little too cold for distorted ones.
I’ve tried a lot of pickups, but the EMG 60 is one of my favorites. It’s great for both clean and distorted tones, and it’s very versatile in both the neck and bridge positions.
In this article, I’ll review the EMG 60 and explain why it’s one of the best active pickups available.
- Warm and full sound in the neck position
- Easy solderless connecting
- Doesn’t produce a lot of twang
- Not splittable
EMG 60 Active Pickup: A Closer Look
Installing the EMG 60 pickup is easy, thanks to the packaged solder and instruction clip that comes with it. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The pickup is decorated with an attractive black finish, with the EMG logo imbedded on it.
- The pickup’s aperture coils are designed to simulate a thin humbucker, giving it a wonderful range of sounds.
- The EMG 60 is marketed as a neck pickup, but it can also work well in the bridge position.
- If you accidentally scratch the pickup while installing it, don’t worry- the manufacturers have designed it to be durable and withstand wearing.
- If you need to stabilize the pickup, you can use a clip to hold it in place.
Sounds and Character
When played clean, the EMG 60 provides a flat and clean signal that adds character to your playing. When distorted, the pickup gives a beefy and dynamic sound that is not overly bright or muddy. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The EMG 60 is capable of producing strange and distorted sounds, making it a great choice for experimental players.
- The pickup works very well in the neck position, providing a warm and full sound.
- The EMG 60 is a great choice for players who want a pickup that is capable of producing a wide range of sounds.
- The pickup is marketed as a neck pickup, but it can also work well in the bridge position.
Cost and Value
The EMG 60 is a great value for its cost, providing a solid upgrade to your guitar’s pickups. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The EMG 60 is marketed as a neck pickup, but it can also work well in the bridge position.
- The pickup is easy to connect and run on a battery, making it a solid choice for those who want a quick and easy upgrade.
- The EMG 60 is a great choice for players who want a pickup that is capable of producing a wide range of sounds.
- The pickup is marketed as a neck pickup, but it can also work well in the bridge position.
Why the EMG 60 Active Pickup is the Best Addition to Your Guitar Wishlist
If you’re a guitar player, you know that the sound of your guitar is everything. The EMG 60 Active Pickup is the perfect product to upgrade your guitar and take it to the next level. Here’s why we love it:
- The EMG 60 Active Pickup is an electric guitar pickup that delivers a clear and powerful sound.
- It’s an actively lead pickup, which means it has a built-in preamp that boosts the signal and reduces noise.
- The EMG 60 is a humbucker pickup, which means it has two coils that cancel out the hum and noise that single-coil pickups can produce.
- It’s perfect for playing in the neck position, providing a warm and full sound that’s great for lead playing and solos.
- The EMG 60 is also great for playing in the bridge position, providing a clear and articulate sound that’s perfect for rhythm playing.
Easy to Install and Use
Installing the EMG 60 Active Pickup is easy, and it comes with everything you need to get started. Here’s what you’ll get:
- The EMG 60 Active Pickup itself
- A set of strings
- A fretboard oil
- A set of Dunlop strap locks
- A Switchcraft output jack
- A Shure tuner
- A Thomann powerplant
- A Junior pickguard
Why the EMG 60 Active Pickup is a Great Choice for Your Guitar
The EMG 60 active pickup is designed to deliver smooth and balanced tones that are perfect for lead playing. The pickup is placed in the neck position of the guitar, which adds warmth and a nice low-end to your sound. The ceramic magnets used in the EMG 60 pickup provide a unique way of compensating for the lower output of the neck pickup, resulting in a warmer and more rounded tone.
Perfect for Clean Sounds
If you’re looking for a pickup that works well for clean sounds, the EMG 60 is an excellent choice. The pickup’s circuitry is designed to retain the crisp and open sound of your guitar, while adding a touch of compression that lends a liquid quality to your notes. The pickup’s output is also well-balanced, which means that you can dial in tons of different sounds without losing clarity.
Awesome for Lead Playing
The EMG 60 active pickup is perfect for lead playing, thanks to its fast and tight response. The pickup’s high gain and compressed sound add punchiness to your playing, making it easier to nail syncopated rhythms and articulate your notes. The pickup also works well for modern lead playing, lending a huge and unique sound to your playing.
Retained Vintage Tones
If you’re a fan of vintage tones, you’ll be pleased to know that the EMG 60 active pickup retains some of that vintage warmth and character. The pickup’s smooth and rounded tones are perfect for blues and classic rock, and the pickup’s passive-like qualities make it a nice choice for those who prefer a more traditional sound.
Unique and Different
The EMG 60 active pickup is a unique and different pickup that adds a new dimension to your guitar’s sound. The pickup’s smooth and warm tones are perfect for lead playing, while its balanced output and crisp sound make it an excellent choice for clean sounds. The pickup’s circuitry is designed to retain the character of your guitar, while adding a touch of compression that lends a liquid quality to your notes. If you’re looking for a pickup that’s different from the rest, the EMG 60 is definitely worth checking out.
Best mellow solos
The pickup’s smooth and warm tones are perfect for lead playing, while its balanced output and crisp sound make it an excellent choice for clean sounds.
Actively Lead: Exploring the Dynamic Design of EMG 60 Active Pickup
An active pickup is designed to work with a battery-powered preamp, which provides a higher output and a more dynamic tone. Unlike passive pickups, active pickups have an internal preamp that boosts the signal before it reaches the amp. This results in a more balanced and powerful sound, making them ideal for heavy metal and rock players.
EMG 60 Active Pickup: A Killer Bridge and Neck Pickup
The EMG 60 active pickup is a super versatile pickup that can deliver plenty of cool tones. It’s designed to produce a fat and powerful sound, making it ideal for heavy metal and rock players. Here are some of the main features of the EMG 60 active pickup:
- Geared towards the bridge and neck position
- Excellent output and clarity
- Designed to achieve a warmer and richer sound
- Equally good for clean and distorted tones
- Loaded with plenty of harmonic nature
- Lacks the vintage character of some passive pickups
- Super balanced and smooth
EMG 60 Active Pickup: A Versatile Pickup for Different Guitar Types
The EMG 60 active pickup is available in different versions, including single-coil and humbucker models. This makes it a versatile pickup that can be used with different guitar types. Here are some of the main features of the EMG 60 active pickup:
- Available in different versions, including single-coil and humbucker models
- Ideal for heavy metal and rock players
- Can deliver plenty of cool tones
- Designed to produce a fat and powerful sound
- Equally good for clean and distorted tones
- Loaded with plenty of harmonic nature
- Super balanced and smooth
EMG 60 Active Pickup: The Function of Pole Positioning
The EMG 60 active pickup is designed with pole positioning in mind. This means that the poles are positioned in a way that maximizes the pickup’s output and tone. Here are some of the main features of the EMG 60 active pickup:
- Pole positioning is optimized for maximum output and tone
- Designed to produce a fat and powerful sound
- Equally good for clean and distorted tones
- Loaded with plenty of harmonic nature
- Super balanced and smooth
EMG 60 Active Pickup: The Quality of Steel and Chrome
The EMG 60 active pickup is made with high-quality steel and chrome. This ensures that the pickup is durable and can withstand heavy use. Here are some of the main features of the EMG 60 active pickup:
- Made with high-quality steel and chrome
- Durable and can withstand heavy use
- Designed to produce a fat and powerful sound
- Equally good for clean and distorted tones
- Loaded with plenty of harmonic nature
- Super balanced and smooth
Who’s Rocking the EMG 60 Active Pickup?
When it comes to heavy metal, the EMG 60 is a popular choice among guitarists. Some of the most notable guitarists who use this pickup include:
- James Hetfield of Metallica: Known for his aggressive playing style, Hetfield has been using EMG pickups for decades. He’s been known to use the EMG 60 in the neck position of his guitars to achieve a warm, full-bodied tone.
- Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society: Wylde is a master of heavy riffs and shredding solos. He’s been using EMG pickups for years, and the EMG 60 is a staple in his arsenal. He often uses it in the neck position to create a smooth, creamy tone for his lead playing.
Alternative and Indie Rockers
While the EMG 60 is often associated with heavy metal, it’s also a popular choice among alternative and indie rock guitarists. Some notable examples include:
- Matt Bellamy of Muse: Bellamy is known for his innovative guitar playing and use of effects. He’s been using the EMG 60 in the neck position of his guitars for years to achieve a warm, clean tone for his clean passages and arpeggios.
- Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse: Brock’s unique playing style and songwriting have made him a cult favorite among indie rock fans. He’s been known to use the EMG 60 in the neck position of his guitars to achieve a smooth, mellow tone for his clean passages.
If you’re looking for a convenient pickup that comes with everything you need to install it, then you’re in luck. The EMG pickup box includes not only the pickup itself but also a Quik-Connect™ cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs. That’s all the hardware you need to get up and running in no time.
Do EMG 60 pickups work well with a tube amp?
EMG 60 pickups are actually quite popular among guitar players who use tube amps. They are designed to produce a clear and consistent tone, which is especially important when using a tube amp. Unlike passive pickups, which can sometimes produce unwanted noise or hum, EMG pickups are active and produce a very low noise signal. This can help your tube amp sound its best by minimizing any interference or distortion. So, if you’re a fan of tube amps, don’t hesitate to give EMG pickups a try.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the EMG 60 is a great pickup for anyone looking to upgrade their guitar. It’s perfect for lead playing and gives you that warm sound you’re looking for in a neck pickup. Plus, it’s easy to install. I hope you’ve found this review helpful and I hope you’ll consider it for your next pickup.
Also read: this is how to choose between a EMG 81/60 or 81/89 setup
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
