Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $285
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$99
$200+
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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
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What type of music is the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set best suited for?
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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.
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How does the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set differ from other EMG pickups?
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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.
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Is the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set compatible with a solderless installation?
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Yes, the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set features a solderless installation system, making it easy to install without the need for soldering skills.
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Are the EMG 57/66 pickups active or passive?
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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.
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Can the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set be used with a 6-string guitar?
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Yes, the EMG 57/66 Pickup Set is designed for 6-string guitars, providing a rich and dynamic sound across all strings.
Videos
Riffs, Beards & Gear
EMG 57/66 Set - Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound, suitable for various genres from metal to jazz
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Clean and clear tones, even under high gain
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Easy installation with no soldering required
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Chrome finish adds aesthetic appeal
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Excellent sustain and dynamic response
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Modern take on classic EMG sound
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Delivers powerful sound without excessive aggression
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Complements both rhythm and lead guitar playing
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High gain tones with clarity and definition
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Fits in small electronic compartments easily
CONS
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Chrome finish prone to scratches
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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
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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EMG 57/66 pickups are suitable for classic rock and blues, and can produce clean and warm tones suitable for diverse genres beyond metal.
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Users in areas with poor electrical circuits report higher interference with EMG 57/66, suggesting location-specific performance issues.
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Mods and upgrades
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Consider switching to Duncan Sentient and Nazgul pickups if seeking a hotter, ceramic passive tone for genres beyond the typical EMG metal sound.
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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.
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User experience
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Owners report that EMGs, while providing a distinct metal sound, may be less versatile across various genres compared to Fishman pickups.
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A modern approach to active pickups means they no longer compress or boost excessively, offering more versatility for vintage and modern styles.
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Some users experience significant interference with EMG 57/66 pickups, even in well-shielded guitars, potentially due to local electromagnetic interference.
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Software and compatibility
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Compatibility concerns with modeling amps like the Yamaha THR-30II-W are unfounded; users report satisfactory performance with active pickups.
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Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings
795
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.
244
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
As of 0:19 in this video, Devin can be seen playing on a Framus equipped with an EMG 57.
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.
As shown in this Premier Guitar rig rundown, Eric Peterson uses a set of EMG 57/66 pickups on his signature Dean guitar.
In this video, Syu used EMG 57/66 pickups in the ESP EX21-17 Limited Edition guitar.
This is his artists page from EMG, he uses the 57/66 set in his signature Kramer Nite V's.
In his smp guitars, joss has an emg set. He has the 57/66 set of pickups in his guitar
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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