Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (15)
$109.00
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$86.25 New
$66.41 Used
Thomann
4.9 (223)
$83.00

Average Price: $100

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EMG 60". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the sonic landscape of hard-rock and metal with the EMG 60 Active Ceramic Humbucker. Designed to thrust your guitar into the limelight, this powerhouse humbucker delivers a sound that's as colossal as it is pristine. Whether you're laying down rhythm tracks that demand to be felt or weaving through solos that need to slice through the mix, the EMG 60 stands up to the task with unmatched clarity and presence. Its active design ensures a high output that, when combined with its sparkling high-end, results in a tone that's both beefy and brilliantly sharp. This is no ordinary pickup; it's a gateway to achieving those dream tones that dance on the edge of aggression and clarity.

Crafted for the musician who refuses to be ignored, the EMG 60 comes with everything you need to revolutionize your sound. Its Quik-Connect cable simplifies installation, allowing you more time to play and less time tinkering. The package also includes a pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set, ensuring you have all the nuances of your sound at your fingertips. Ready to elevate your guitar's performance with a pickup that commands attention? The EMG 60 Active Ceramic Humbucker is your ticket to sonic supremacy.

Key Features:

  • High output for robust sound
  • Brilliant high-end for clear, cutting tones
  • Quik-Connect cable for easy installation
  • Includes pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set
  • Comes with output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs

Product specs

Type Humbucker
Position Neck
Active/Passive Active
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Conductors 2 wire plus battery
DC Resistance 10K
Connectivity Solderless
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered

FAQs

Is the EMG 60 pickup suitable for the neck position on a guitar?

Yes, the EMG 60 is specifically designed for the neck position, providing clarity and character to your guitar's sound.

What type of magnet does the EMG 60 use?

The EMG 60 uses a ceramic magnet, which contributes to its high output and bright tonal characteristics.

Is the EMG 60 an active or passive pickup?

The EMG 60 is an active pickup, featuring an on-board preamplifier for higher output and enhanced tonal response.

Does the EMG 60 pickup require soldering for installation?

No, the EMG 60 features a solderless installation system using EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable.

What is included in the EMG 60 package?

The package includes the pickup, EMG's Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs.

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

ACTIVE vs PASSIVE Pickups! - Can You Hear The Difference?

Video thumbnail for ACTIVE vs PASSIVE Pickups! - Can You Hear The Difference? by Darrell Braun Guitar

ACTIVE vs PASSIVE Pickups! - Can You Hear The Difference?

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for EMG 81 vs EMG 60 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

EMG 81 vs EMG 60 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 60 vs EMG 66 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

EMG 60 vs EMG 66 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 81 battles EMG 60 \\ Comparison of EMG active guitar pickups (METAL) by Thevon

EMG 81 battles EMG 60 \\ Comparison of EMG active guitar pickups (METAL)

Thevon

Thevon

Video thumbnail for EMG 60A (Alnico) Active Pickup Demonstration // Comparison with  EMG 60 (Ceramic) by Thevon

EMG 60A (Alnico) Active Pickup Demonstration // Comparison with EMG 60 (Ceramic)

Thevon

Thevon

Video thumbnail for Shootout & Opinion: EMG Retro Active Hot 70 vs EMG 60 & 81 (vs. Seymour Duncan Jazz & Custom 5) by Made by Miike

Shootout & Opinion: EMG Retro Active Hot 70 vs EMG 60 & 81 (vs. Seymour Duncan Jazz & Custom 5)

Made by Miike

Made by Miike

Video thumbnail for EMG 60 vs EMG JH "HET" SET - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review / Demo by Mike Stamper

EMG 60 vs EMG JH "HET" SET - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review / Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 85X vs EMG 60 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo by Mike Stamper

EMG 85X vs EMG 60 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 60 vs BLACKOUTS - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

EMG 60 vs BLACKOUTS - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Debunking Active Pickup Myths EMG 60 EMG 85 by Joe Pearson

Debunking Active Pickup Myths EMG 60 EMG 85

Joe Pearson

Joe Pearson

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan 59' SH-1 vs EMG 60 - Neck Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo by Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan 59' SH-1 vs EMG 60 - Neck Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clean tones, reminiscent of an acoustic guitar

  • Quick-connect system for easy, solderless installation

  • Versatile sound, suitable for rock, blues, and metal

  • Enhanced dynamics with 18v setup, reducing compression

  • Excellent complement to EMG 81 for balanced sound

  • Warm, creamy, and clear tones ideal for smooth, singing leads

  • Tight low-end, great for thick lead work

  • High output, suitable for high-gain applications

  • Helpful instruction sheets simplify installation process

CONS

  • Lower volume compared to EMG 81, may require volume adjustment

  • Limited cable length can lead to crammed wiring spaces

  • Not dynamic enough for blues or classic rock, compared to EMG 85

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 60.

Features and functionality

  • The EMG 60 TW-R's split coil is positioned closer to the neck, capturing a Strat-like sweet spot for cleaner tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 60 TW-R in single coil mode is likened to the EMG S, known for its bright and airy Strat single coil sound.

    Source
  • EMG pickups deliver an immediate tight chug sound, while the Seymour Duncan JB/59 set is favored for its dynamic range and character-rich tones.

    Source

User experience

  • The EMG 60 TW-R is praised for its versatility, providing both hard rock and jazz tones with a balance of thick mids and rich harmonic overtones.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ease of achieving desired tones with the Seymour Duncan JB/59 by adjusting amp gain settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Battery life for EMG pickups exceeds 1000 hours; changing batteries during string changes can mitigate inconvenience.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping in Seymour Duncan JB/59 pickups can significantly enhance the tonal range of an LTD EC-256, elevating it to a more versatile instrument.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EMG pickups excel in metal and hard rock genres, whereas Seymour Duncan pickups offer a broader tonal palette suitable for multiple styles.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
axel_tnl

Only in the neck

The EMG 60 is a pickup that is a variation on the typical EMG humbuckers. It is commonly paired in the neck position of a dual humbucker loaded guitar with an 81 or an 85 at the bridge position. I have one as stock in my ESP Eclipse II and I can certainly see the appeal in this pickup for active pickup users. Compared to the 81 or even the 85 it's a a fairly bassy sounding pickup, and it has a certain tightness in the low end that is optimum for really thick sounding lead work. Compared to the 85 as a neck position pickup, the EMG 60 definitely has more output going through it which makes it ideal for higher gain applications. The 85 is a bit more vintage in character and has a slightly more classic quality to it to my ears.

I'm particularly a fan of this pickup's clean tones. This is where you really start to hear the output that this pickup has. I find it to be a particularly dynamic pickup. The drive tones on thr other hand, are wonderful and I think the EMG 60 makes for an excellent compliment to the 81 in my ESP. It's very thick and fluid, and the harmonic overtones are simply astounding. I don't think it's a dynamic enough humbucker for blues or classic rock - that's a job for the 85. All in all I think the EMG 60 is a cool pickup for someone looking for a killer high gain pickup to compliment something like the 81.

From Gear Setup
marcoiv

Very good neck pickup but....

When I'm playing in the bridge position (with and EMG 81) and I switch to the 60... the volume of it is lower, comparing it to the 81. If you use the same preset and change to this pickup the volume will be lower.

From Gear Setup
N

LOVE IT

ANY GUITARIST SHOULD HAVE IT NO MATTER WHAT MUSIC YOU LIKE TO PLAY. 10/10

trenova

Great neck humbucker

This is a fantastic neck humbucker. Paired with an 81 it balanced really well and sound great.

metal_messiah

If you have the Gibson Explorer you gotta have this in the neck position

When you buy a $1100 guitar you gotta go the extra mile & put a EMG 81 in the bridge and this one in the neck. Love the tones you can get from this pickup when you rip it up & getcha pull. I know that's a DimeBag reference but gotta remember the greats DLA \m/(-_-)\m/

skylinerr

Good active pickup

Great active neck pickup used in Gibson Explorer

Genres:
martin_boesvang

Classic

Really nice pickup. I always use it as a neck pickup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses EMG 60

James Hetfield

Guitarist, Singer

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Used in the neck position of all his guitars from like 1987 all the way up to a few years ago when the hetset came out.

See how Jim Root uses EMG 60

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

"This sig offset has an EMG 81 in the bridge and a 60 in the neck," reads this rig rundown by Premier Guitar.

See how Ichika uses EMG 60

Ichika

Guitarist, Bassist

Dios

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Ichika's Iron Label Ibanez was used, which is equipped with the EMG 81/60 set.

See how Paul Landers uses EMG 60

Paul Landers

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via Guitar Center

Paul Landers uses the EMG 60 Active Ceramic Humbucker in the neck position of his signature Gibson Les Paul, as detailed on Guitar Center's product page.

See how Kurt Ballou uses EMG 60

Kurt Ballou

Guitarist, Music Producer

Converge

...
Verified

Kurt Ballou, guitarist of Converge, uses the EMG 60 Active Ceramic Humbucker pickups, as confirmed by EMG Pickups. He prefers the EMG-85/EMG-60 combo because they "give me crunch when I need it."

See how Andy James uses EMG 60

Andy James

Guitarist

Five Finger Death Punch

...
Verified via YouTube

In the description of this video, it says he using EMG 85 & EMG 60 humbucking pickups.

See how Jeff Ling uses EMG 60

Jeff Ling

Guitarist

Parkway Drive

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

In this article from premier guitar they state "EMG pickups (81 and 60)—a Ling preference."

See how Kevin Skaff uses EMG 60

Kevin Skaff

Guitarist

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via Emgpickups

According to EMG website, Skaff uses EMG 60 pickup.

See how Phil Demmel uses EMG 60

Phil Demmel

Guitarist

Slayer

...
Verified via Emgpickups

According to EMG's official site, Phil uses EMG-81 in the bridge position and the EMG-60 in the neck position.

See how Luke Kilpatrick uses EMG 60

Luke Kilpatrick

Guitarist

Parkway Drive

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

In this article from premier guitar they state "but his special spiciness shows up in the pickups (EMG 81 and 60)"

See how Ryan Peake uses EMG 60

Ryan Peake

Guitarist

Nickelback

...
Verified

According to EMG's official site, Ryan uses EMG 60 pickups in his guitars.

See how Neil Westfall uses EMG 60

Neil Westfall

Guitarist

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via Emgpickups

according to the emg website Neil used a emg 60 pickup. He used this along with an emg 81. he used this until he switched to bareknuckle pickups which are in all of his signature guitars

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 60, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

EMG 85 Active Alnico Humbucker
EMG 85 Active Alnico Humbucker Electric Guitar Pickups
3
MXR M109S Six Band EQ
MXR M109S Six Band EQ Equalizer Effects Pedals
2
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Noise Gate Effects Pedals
2
Maxon OD808 Overdrive
Maxon OD808 Overdrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Shure GLXD16
Shure GLXD16 Instrument Cables
2
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
2
ESP E-II ECLIPSE QM DBSB
ESP E-II ECLIPSE QM DBSB Solid Body Electric Guitars
2

Community setups

Show yours
axel_tnl

axel_tnl

Gear IQ 2135

axel_tnl

axel_tnl

Gear IQ 2135

marcoiv

marcoiv

Gear IQ 310

crunchy32123

crunchy32123

Gear IQ 536

smyrna

smyrna

Gear IQ 180

3 alternative and related items for EMG 60, curated by the Equipboard community.

EMG 60A

$83.00 - $148.75

similar sound

Same pickup design with an Alnico (60A) instead of ceramic/steel magnet (60).

EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup

$93.00 - $139.00

similar sound

Similar pickup design except with the X-preamp onboard.

EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup

$93.00 - $119.00

similar sound

Same pickup design with an Alnico (60A) instead of ceramic/steel magnet (60) and with the X-preamp onboard.

More EMG Electric Guitar Pickups

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Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 5226