Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $113

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the sonic versatility that the EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup offers, catering to both rhythm and lead players alike. Renowned for its adaptability, the EMG 60X is a testament to innovation in active pickup technology. Its distinctive ceramic magnets and close-aperture coils, combined with a specially designed preamp, grant this humbucker the ability to produce a rich, powerful sound that slices through even the densest mix with ease. Whether installed in the neck position to deliver full-bodied chord work or sparkling single-note runs, the EMG 60X promises a level of expressiveness and tonal clarity that modern guitarists yearn for.

This pickup is not just about raw power; it's engineered for nuanced expressiveness, thanks to its increased headroom. The dynamic range on offer means that from the lightest touch to the most aggressive attack, your playing's subtleties won't be lost. It's this blend of brute force and delicate sensitivity that makes the EMG 60X a standout choice for players who refuse to be boxed into a single genre.

Key Features:

  • High output, ensuring your guitar cuts through the mix
  • Increased headroom for unparalleled expressiveness
  • Sparkling high-end clarity for articulate sound reproduction
  • Ceramic magnets for a rich, powerful tonal palette
  • Specially designed preamp for dynamic and open sound
  • Ideal for both neck and bridge positions
  • Includes all necessary components for hassle-free installation

Product specs

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

FAQs

What type of magnet does the EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup use?

The EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup uses ceramic magnets, which contribute to its thick, boosted mids and big lows, providing a powerful and dynamic sound.

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

Yes, the EMG 60X is specifically designed for the neck position, offering a balanced and clear tone with enhanced dynamic range and headroom.

What is the connectivity type for the EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup?

The EMG 60X features a solderless connectivity system, making installation straightforward and hassle-free for most guitar setups.

How does the X series preamp in the EMG 60X affect its performance?

The X series preamp in the EMG 60X provides more dynamic range and increased headroom, allowing for a more expressive playing experience with a wider tonal palette.

Can the EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup be used with a 6-string guitar?

Yes, the EMG 60X is designed for use with 6-string guitars, offering reliable performance and compatibility with standard configurations.

EMGtv

EMGtv

Marty Friedman performs "Amagi Goe" live on EMGtv

Video thumbnail for Marty Friedman performs "Amagi Goe" live on EMGtv by EMGtv

Marty Friedman performs "Amagi Goe" live on EMGtv

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for EMG X-Series 81X & 60X Pickups set Review by Pete Tross

EMG X-Series 81X & 60X Pickups set Review

Pete Tross

Pete Tross

Video thumbnail for EMG 60X (CLEAN-LEAD TEST) by Stefano Cirignano

EMG 60X (CLEAN-LEAD TEST)

Stefano Cirignano

Stefano Cirignano

Video thumbnail for EMG 81/60 vs EMG 81x/60x Comparison by Gelbertone Audio

EMG 81/60 vs EMG 81x/60x Comparison

Gelbertone Audio

Gelbertone Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds timbre, depth, and clarity across all frequencies

  • Suitable for both metal and bluesy tones

  • Loud output without compression suitable for fingerpicking

  • Improved response to picking dynamics compared to older EMG models

  • Provides warm, clean sounds alongside powerful high-gain tones

  • Straightforward installation with extra components included

  • Enhances solos with an original, distinctive sound

  • Noise-free with a surprising finish when installed

  • Perfect for versatile guitarists combining acoustic, solos, and lead parts

  • Complements well with EMG 81X for a balanced setup

CONS

  • Instructions in English may challenge those not familiar with guitar electronics

  • High price point may deter budget-conscious buyers

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • The 18-volt mod is recommended for increasing headroom and clarity on the EMG 81/60, using an extra 9-volt battery for better clean tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EMG 57/66 set is highlighted as more dynamic and versatile than the 81/60, handling blues, rock, and metal with smoother tones and traditional humbucker characteristics.

    Source
  • The EMG 81x/60x pairing is favored over dual 81s for achieving a balanced sound with strong low-end chugging and clear single-note solos.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EMG 57/66 pickups are noted for their suitability in achieving Guns N' Roses style crunch and smooth blues tones with moderate gain settings.

    Source
  • The EMG 81x is preferred in the bridge for heavy punk and metal tones, while the 85 provides a bassier, warmer tone for clean and lead sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the 81 pickup as being too hot for clean tones, suitable mainly for high-gain metal solos.

    Source
  • Owners report that the neck pickup generally benefits from being lower output to balance the naturally louder amplitude of string vibrations in the neck position.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EMG 57/66 pickups offer easy installation with no soldering required, facilitating straightforward swapping from existing EMG setups.

    Source
  • The EMG 60x in the neck position is praised for delivering a clear, articulate sound with a wider amplitude, suitable for solos that cut through the mix.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup height is recommended to balance output between neck and bridge pickups due to larger string vibration amplitude over the neck pickup.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
halloween

Sounds Great for Cleans

Sounds great for Metallica Clean tones like ...And Justice for All & Black Album

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcos Curiel uses EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup

Marcos Curiel

Singer, Guitarist

P.O.D.

...
Verified

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

M

Matt Bachand

Guitarist

Shadows Fall

...
Verified via Emgpickups

Matt uses Ibanez MBM1 (high end) and MBM2 (mid level) Matt Bachand signature model guitars, loaded with the EMG-81X (bridge) & 60 (neck) active pickups and also uses ENGL fireball 100 and Powerball amplifiers and cabinets.

See how Simone Ulino uses EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup

Simone Ulino

Guitarist, Singer

Wolfear

...
Verified via Emgpickups

Simone Ulino uses the EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup, known for its powerful output and balanced tone, featuring boosted mids, deep lows, and clear highs. The pickup's ceramic magnets enhance treble response, making it ideal for distinct single-note solos, particularly in the neck position. According to EMG Pickups, this model's design includes close aperture coils for rich harmonic overtones and easy, solder-free installation, appealing to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

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 60X Active Humbucker Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

EMG 81X
EMG 81X Electric Guitar Pickups
2
EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup
EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup Electric Guitar Pickups
1
Ibanez MBM2 Matt Bachand Signature
Ibanez MBM2 Matt Bachand Signature Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

2 alternative and related items for EMG 60X Active Humbucker Pickup, curated by the Equipboard community.

EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup

$93.00 - $119.00

similar sound

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

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