Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $118
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the true potential of your electric guitar with the EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup, a blend of vintage tone and modern precision. This active humbucker is crafted to perfection for the bridge position, offering a unique combination of Alnico V magnets and steel poles that delivers a PAF tone with enhanced definition and presence. The active circuitry ensures every note rings clear and true, making it ideal for players seeking that classic sound with a contemporary edge.
Installation is a breeze thanks to EMG's innovative solderless system. You'll be up and playing in no time, letting the medium output and standard string spacing bring out the best in your performance. Made in the USA, the EMG 57 is not only about exceptional sound but also about quality craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this pickup is your ticket to a rich, articulate sound that stands out in any musical setting.
Key Features:
- Active humbucker for electric guitar
- Ideal for bridge position
- Unique combination of Alnico V magnets and steel poles for PAF tone
- Medium output
- Standard string spacing
- Solderless connectors for easy installation
- Made in USA
- Includes EMG's Solderless Installation System and all necessary cables and components
Product specs
| Available since | June 2014 |
| Active | Yes |
| Wiring | Completely Wired |
| Output | Medium |
| Cap | No |
| Colour | Black |
| Position | Bridge |
FAQs
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Is the EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup suitable for metal music?
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Yes, the EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup is ideal for metal music, offering a balanced output with clarity and punch. Its active design ensures powerful tones and reduced noise, making it suitable for high-gain settings.
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Can the EMG 57 be used in the neck position?
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The EMG 57 is specifically designed for the bridge position, providing optimal performance and tonal characteristics when used there. It delivers a unique blend of vintage and modern tones that excel in the bridge spot.
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What type of wiring does the EMG 57 require?
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The EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup comes with completely wired connections, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. It integrates seamlessly into guitars equipped for active pickups.
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How does the EMG 57 compare to passive pickups?
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The EMG 57 offers a quieter operation with less noise than passive pickups due to its active design. It provides a medium output with dynamic response and clarity, ideal for a wide range of styles.
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What color options are available for the EMG 57?
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The EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup is available in black, providing a sleek and classic look that complements most guitar finishes.
Videos
Mike Stamper
EMG 57 vs EMG 81 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review
EMG 57 vs EMG 81 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review
Mike Stamper
EMG 57 battles EMG 81 \\ Comparison of EMG active guitar pickups (METAL)
Thevon
Fishman FLUENCE MODERN (ceramic) vs EMG 57 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo
Mike Stamper
Reviews
PROS
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Seamlessly combines warmth of passive pickups with active punch
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Exceptionally clear sound with balanced vintage-modern tone
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Minimal noise, even compared to other active pickups
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Simple solderless installation process
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Performs well close to the strings, no need for major adjustments
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Dynamic response similar to passive pickups
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Less compressed and more organic than EMG81
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Adequate mid tones for a warm yet bright sound
CONS
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May require routing adjustments for some guitar models
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Not as deep or bassy as some players might prefer
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 57 Humbucker Pickup.
Comparisons
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Some users prefer the EMG 81/85 or 81/60 combos for more pronounced palm-muted chug compared to the 57/66, emphasizing a balanced metal sound.
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Fishman pickups, specifically the Tim Henson models, are highlighted for their versatility across genres, suggesting an edge over EMG for multi-genre flexibility.
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EMG 57/66 pickups are EMG's attempt at PAF-style sound, offering versatility similar to passive pickups while retaining active pickup advantages.
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The EMG 57 has a smaller magnetic field due to alnico magnets, resulting in less bass and a clearer sound compared to high-output pickups like the EMG 81.
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The 89 is an 85 that can be coil split, making it a versatile choice for metal, whereas the 57/66 set is more vintage-voiced.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The 57/66 set is noted for its passive-like tone, appealing to those who desire a vintage feel while still being suitable for metal genres.
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Some players find EMGs excel in the classic EMG metal sound but might not perform as well in other musical styles compared to high-output passive pickups.
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EMG 57/66 pickups are suitable for covering a wide range of styles, including classic pop, rock, and blues, not just metal.
Source
User experience
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The EMG 57 is described as a very hot pickup, but may not deliver the desired palm mute response for thrash metal enthusiasts.
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Active pickups like the EMG 57/66 require less volume and tone for vintage tones, allowing amp distortion to dominate.
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Owners state that the 57/66 set enhances even poor-quality pedal chains, providing a dynamic and multi-dimensional sound.
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Some players with extensive EMG collections, including ten different models, prefer the 57/66 set for its versatility and less modern sound.
Source
Software and compatibility
Features and functionality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
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Matt Skiba uses the EMG 57 in both of his single pickup guitars for Blink-182.
I used other guitars besides Dean. I used a Marc Bolan Les Paul with PAF pickups in it and a Joe Bonamassa Signature with [EMG] 57 or 58 humbuckers. I also used my old skull Signature Dean and I used a Fender Strat for soloing. I also used a [Harmony] Bobcat Holiday guitar from 1964 that’s crazy. I found it at Guitar Center. I plugged it into a Mesa Boogie or some version of a Roland Jazz Chorus amp and it was really clean and it was like, “Oh, my god.” I used that on “Love Of the Damned.” I also used a Gibson Hummingbird.
In this video, Syu used EMG 57/66 pickups in the ESP EX21-17 Limited Edition guitar.
In description he writes that he uses EMG 57 humbucker for seven string guitar.
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 Humbucker Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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