EMG (Electro-Magnetic Generator) is a California-based manufacturer of guitar, bass, and acoustic pickups founded in 1976 by Rob Turner. Operating initially under the names Dirtywork Studios and then Overlend before adopting the EMG, Inc. name in 1983, the company built its reputation on pioneering active pickup technology — designs that incorporate a built-in preamp powered by a 9-volt battery, delivering a hotter, more consistent output signal with reduced noise compared to passive alternatives. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, EMG became one of the most recognized names in the pickup industry, particularly within hard rock and metal circles, with the pickups becoming standard equipment on Steinberger instruments as early as 1981.

The company's most iconic models include the EMG 81 and EMG 85 humbuckers, which became hallmarks of high-gain tone and are widely associated with heavy metal guitar. The EMG 60, EMG 89, and a range of single-coil designs round out the active lineup, while the HZ and SRO passive series cater to players who prefer traditional pickup architecture. EMG also produces bass pickups in P-style, J-style, soapbar, MM, and other formats, as well as acoustic soundhole pickups, onboard EQ accessories, and a broad catalog of signature artist models.

EMG pickups have found widespread use among both heavy music artists and players across mainstream genres. Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, Zakk Wylde, and Slayer are among the high-profile metal acts associated with the brand, while Steve Lukather — one of the earliest EMG endorsers — along with David Gilmour, Prince, and Vince Gill have also used the company's products, demonstrating the pickups' reach well beyond the heavy music world.

EMG has 122 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Electric Guitar Pickups, Bass Guitar Pickups, and Guitar Potentiometers. Their gear is featured by 277 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Metal, and Pop. Notable users include Jim Root, Tom Araya, and Syu. EMG's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.