Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$319.00
Amazon
4.1 (13)
$319.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$269.00 New
$201.92 Used
zZounds
4.5 (4)
$319.00
Thomann
4.9 (22)
$215.00 $212.00 $3.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£189.00

Average Price: $285

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

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Standard

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Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "EMG 57/66 Pickup Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set, an upgrade to one of the most popular sets in the music world. These dual-mode pickups boast a range of single and dual coil sounds, thanks to EMG's ground-breaking three-coil design. The set has been tailored to cater to a plethora of musical styles, ensuring you bring your A-game to every performance.

The 66 model neck pickup is a hybrid, featuring both ceramic and alnico magnets that deliver a clear and powerful tone in single coil position. Its humbucker design and brilliant fluidness make it an appealing choice for musicians.

On the other hand, the 57 bridge pickup, a perfect blend of alnico and steel, is a true rocker. It stands out in both single and dual coil positions, with its high resonance carrying the tone with unmatched clarity. The single coil selection is both smooth and seamless, offering a muscular rock tone that is second to none.

This set includes EMG’s solderless wiring harness, a push-pull potentiometer for each pickup, and two standard tone controls, making installation a breeze. With the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set, you get to explore a vast sonic landscape while enjoying the ease of use and versatility that is synonymous with EMG products.

Key Features:

  • Update of EMG’s popular 57/66 Set
  • Dual-mode design with single- and dual-coil voices
  • The 57TW bridge pickup combines alnico and steel magnets
  • The 66TW neck pickup employs both ceramic and alnico magnets
  • Includes solderless wiring harness, push-pull potentiometer for each pickup, and two standard tone controls
  • Easy installation and versatile use
  • Delivers clear and powerful tone in single coil position
  • Smooth, fluid sound in dual coil position
  • High resonance for unmatched clarity.

Product specs

Type Set: Humbucker
Active/Passive Active
Configuration HH Set
Magnet Material Alnico/Ceramic (bridge), Alnico/Steel (neck)
Number of Conductors 5 wire plus ground and battery
DC Resistance 10K
Connectivity Solderless
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered

FAQs

What type of music is the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set best suited for?

The EMG 57/66 Pickup Set is versatile and well-suited for a wide range of styles, from rock and metal to blues and jazz, thanks to its active design and balanced tone with Alnico and Ceramic magnets.

How does the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set differ from other EMG pickups?

The EMG 57/66 set combines the warmth of Alnico magnets with the clarity of Ceramic, offering a unique tonal balance that differs from the higher-output, more aggressive character of pickups like the EMG 81/85 set.

Is the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set compatible with a solderless installation?

Yes, the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set features a solderless installation system, making it easy to install without the need for soldering skills.

Are the EMG 57/66 pickups active or passive?

The EMG 57/66 pickups are active, which means they have an onboard preamp that provides higher output and more tonal flexibility compared to passive pickups.

Can the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set be used with a 6-string guitar?

Yes, the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set is designed for 6-string guitars, providing a rich and dynamic sound across all strings.

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

EMG 57/66 Set - Demo

Video thumbnail for EMG 57/66 Set - Demo by Riffs, Beards & Gear

EMG 57/66 Set - Demo

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Video thumbnail for Let's Try The EMG 57/66 TW Pickup Set! | GEAR GODS by Trey Xavier

Let's Try The EMG 57/66 TW Pickup Set! | GEAR GODS

Trey Xavier

Trey Xavier

Video thumbnail for EMG 57/66 pickup set - Josh Middleton of Sylosis by Josh Middleton

EMG 57/66 pickup set - Josh Middleton of Sylosis

Josh Middleton

Josh Middleton

Video thumbnail for Richie Faulkner EMG-57/66 Set Demo on EMGtv by EMGtv

Richie Faulkner EMG-57/66 Set Demo on EMGtv

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for Is the EMG 57/66 the New Modern Classic? A Metal Comparison with the EMG 81/60! by Dawn of Existence

Is the EMG 57/66 the New Modern Classic? A Metal Comparison with the EMG 81/60!

Dawn of Existence

Dawn of Existence

Video thumbnail for EMG 57/66 full Demo clean crunch and dirty by Christian Lee Vasquez

EMG 57/66 full Demo clean crunch and dirty

Christian Lee Vasquez

Christian Lee Vasquez

Video thumbnail for EMG 57/66 Set Sound Demo by Jan Steiger

EMG 57/66 Set Sound Demo

Jan Steiger

Jan Steiger

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound, suitable for various genres from metal to jazz

  • Clean and clear tones, even under high gain

  • Easy installation with no soldering required

  • Chrome finish adds aesthetic appeal

  • Excellent sustain and dynamic response

  • Modern take on classic EMG sound

  • Delivers powerful sound without excessive aggression

  • Complements both rhythm and lead guitar playing

  • High gain tones with clarity and definition

  • Fits in small electronic compartments easily

CONS

  • Chrome finish prone to scratches

  • Some reports of packaging issues with missing parts

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 57/66 Pickup Set.

Comparisons

  • The EMG 57/66 set has a passive-like tone, similar to Jim Root Daemonums, suitable for vintage tones but possibly lacking in chug compared to EMG 81/85.

    Source
  • Fishman Opencore Modern pickups with Alnico 5 magnets and blade design are noted for reduced noise and similar brightness and clarity to EMG 57/66.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EMG 57/66 pickups are noted for their versatility, but some players prefer the EMG 81/60 combo for a balanced metal sound with better palm mutes.

    Source
  • EMG 57/66 pickups are suitable for classic rock and blues, and can produce clean and warm tones suitable for diverse genres beyond metal.

    Source
  • Users in areas with poor electrical circuits report higher interference with EMG 57/66, suggesting location-specific performance issues.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider switching to Duncan Sentient and Nazgul pickups if seeking a hotter, ceramic passive tone for genres beyond the typical EMG metal sound.

    Source
  • EMG's new wiring kit including a 3-way switch, volume pot, and jack may resolve noise issues, especially when grounding is managed through the jack sleeve.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that EMGs, while providing a distinct metal sound, may be less versatile across various genres compared to Fishman pickups.

    Source
  • A modern approach to active pickups means they no longer compress or boost excessively, offering more versatility for vintage and modern styles.

    Source
  • Some users experience significant interference with EMG 57/66 pickups, even in well-shielded guitars, potentially due to local electromagnetic interference.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Compatibility concerns with modeling amps like the Yamaha THR-30II-W are unfounded; users report satisfactory performance with active pickups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • EMG 57/66 pickups have pole pieces designed to enhance high-end clarity and are wound to deliver warm low tones.

    Source
  • The EMG 57 has an Alnico magnet with steel poles, which some users report as prone to interference compared to other EMG models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to test these pickups on your own amp, as store demos with large tube amps can mislead about actual sound quality at home.

    Source
  • Disconnecting the bridge ground wire on EMG pickups can fix noise issues, although results may vary based on individual setups.

    Source
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Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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jakenunez

Active Pickups with a Hot-Rodded Vintage Feel

The EMG 57/66 active pickup set is a modern take on an old school sound. Originally rumored to be a failed attempt at creating a Dave Mustaine signature pickup, the 57/66 combo takes a classic look and feel and updates it for the modern day. Juxtaposed with the 81/85 and the 81/60, the 57/66 has much of the power but without the aggression, and cleans up even nicer. I have a brushed gold set in one of my Agiles (mahogany body, maple cap, ebony fretboard on set mahogany neck) and it shines. In Eb, I can play the raunchiest of GNR riffs to the brutality of Slayer and still nails the tones damn near close with the 57, all with the roll of a volume knob. The 66 delivers smooth solos and gets a pretty nice woman tone. When clean, the 57 is bright and chimey, whereas the 66 is, again, smooth and full and warm. Overall, I am very satisfied with this set and would install it on another guitar and recommend it to others look for a VERY versatile pickup set.

mort
mort

244

66 is really lovely

Chose the 66 to pair with the 85X. In an RG, it is truly versatile and can cover almost all genres, except for the twang as it has none of that! Leave that for the teles and their single coils. Plug in and smile!

maucorleatherjacks

Amazing Pickups

I´m an EMG Pickups Artist. It´s simply amazing to have this babies. Amazing creamy tone, amazing lows and mid lows, but also a huge sustain, gain and mid high definition tones. The perfect pickup if you want to play from Heavy Metal to Rockabilly / Jazz. I really LOVE this kit.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Devin Townsend uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Devin Townsend

Singer, Guitarist

The Wildhearts

...
Verified via YouTube

As of 0:19 in this video, Devin can be seen playing on a Framus equipped with an EMG 57.

See how Richie Faulkner uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Richie Faulkner

Guitarist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via YouTube

Richie playing his Les Paul equiped with EMG 57 and 66

See how Sean Long uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Sean Long

Guitarist

While She Sleeps

...
Verified via YouTube

3:45 on the rig rundown

See how Björn Gelotte uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Björn Gelotte

Guitarist

In Flames

...
Verified via YouTube

At Graspop 2025, Björn's guitars can be seen sporting a new set of pickups. He switched from the 81/85 to the 57/66 in both of his signature Les Paul Customs. It's part of new modifications Björn has made to his live rig. They are moving to a smoother sounding setup and away from the sharper sound of the 81/85. that comes with his guitars.

See how Eric Peterson uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Eric Peterson

Guitarist

Testament

...
Verified via Photo

As shown in this Premier Guitar rig rundown, Eric Peterson uses a set of EMG 57/66 pickups on his signature Dean guitar.

See how Syu uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Syu used EMG 57/66 pickups in the ESP EX21-17 Limited Edition guitar.

See how Charlie parra Del Riego uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Charlie parra Del Riego

Guitarist

Kobra and the Lotus

...
Verified via Emgpickups

This is his artists page from EMG, he uses the 57/66 set in his signature Kramer Nite V's.

See how Scott Middleton uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Scott Middleton

Guitarist

Cancer Bats

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Middleton uses the EMG 57/66 pickup set.

See how Joss Allen uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Joss Allen

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In his smp guitars, joss has an emg set. He has the 57/66 set of pickups in his guitar

See how Jamie Oldfield uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Jamie Oldfield

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Jamie shows off the emg set he had installed in his fgn tele style guitar

See how Morris Kolontyrsky uses EMG 57/66 Pickup Set

Morris Kolontyrsky

Guitarist

Blood Incantation

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram video Morris's black NJ series Ironbird is getting upgraded to a EMG 57/66 pickup set.

Album Usage

The EMG 57/66 Pickup Set has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 57/66 Pickup Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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james_puga

james_puga

Gear IQ 82

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