Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (17)
$199.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$219.00
Amazon
4.7 (80)
$199.00
Reverb
$175.80 New
$499.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$219.00
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$219.00
Thomann
4.8 (99)
$171.00 $169.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£175.00

Average Price: $237

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "EMG Bone Breaker Pickups". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the essence of Kirk Hammett's legendary sound with the EMG Bone Breaker Pickups. Crafted with precision, these signature humbuckers are engineered to encapsulate the Metallica guitarist's iconic tone, characterized by a unique blend of Alnico V and ceramic magnets. Designed for versatility, the Bone Breaker set achieves a harmonious balance between raw power and crystalline clarity, without compromising on either gain or clean tones. Whether you're shredding through high-gain solos or strumming smooth rhythm sections, these pickups deliver with unwavering performance.

Incorporating a finely tuned preamp, these moderate-output humbuckers offer more than just face-melting distortion. They provide a full spectrum of tonal possibilities, from the bone-crushing grind of thrash metal to the bell-like clarity needed for precision clean playing. This makes the Bone Breaker set an ideal choice for guitarists seeking both aggressive and nuanced soundscapes. With all necessary installation components included, upgrading your guitar's voice has never been easier.

Key Features:

  • Signature humbuckers designed in collaboration with Kirk Hammett
  • Blend of Alnico V and ceramic magnets for versatile tonal range
  • Moderate output suitable for high-gain and clean settings
  • Tweaked preamp for enhanced performance
  • Includes all necessary components for installation

Product specs

Brand EMG
Model KH-BB/SET Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Humbucker Set
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Pickups

FAQs

Are EMG Bone Breaker pickups active or passive?

The EMG Bone Breaker pickups are active humbuckers, designed with a tweaked preamp and a combination of Alnico V and ceramic magnets to deliver a powerful tone.

What kind of tone can I expect from EMG Bone Breaker pickups?

EMG Bone Breaker pickups provide a strong, aggressive tone with clear articulation, suitable for metal and hard rock genres, reflecting Kirk Hammett's signature sound.

Are EMG Bone Breaker pickups suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?

Yes, the EMG Bone Breaker pickups are versatile enough for both rhythm and lead playing, offering a balanced output with excellent clarity and sustain.

Do EMG Bone Breaker pickups require a specific type of battery?

EMG Bone Breaker pickups, like most active pickups, require a 9V battery to power the onboard preamp.

Can EMG Bone Breaker pickups be installed in any electric guitar?

EMG Bone Breaker pickups can be installed in most electric guitars, but it is recommended to check the guitar's cavity space and wiring compatibility for active pickups.

Agufish

Agufish

Do They WAH?! || EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickup Set Demo/Review

Video thumbnail for Do They WAH?! || EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickup Set Demo/Review by Agufish

Do They WAH?! || EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickup Set Demo/Review

Agufish

Agufish

Video thumbnail for Kirk Hammett EMG Bone Breaker Signature Pickup Set_15 by EMGtv

Kirk Hammett EMG Bone Breaker Signature Pickup Set_15

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for Kirk Hammett EMG Bone Breaker Signature Pickup Set_60 by EMGtv

Kirk Hammett EMG Bone Breaker Signature Pickup Set_60

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Set Review | How do they compare to standard EMGs? by Jon Roberts

EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Set Review | How do they compare to standard EMGs?

Jon Roberts

Jon Roberts

Video thumbnail for Kirk Hammett EMG Bone Breaker Signature Pickup Set_30 by EMGtv

Kirk Hammett EMG Bone Breaker Signature Pickup Set_30

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for EMG Bone Breakers vs EMG 81 & 60 - EMG Showdown and Review by GuitarGuts

EMG Bone Breakers vs EMG 81 & 60 - EMG Showdown and Review

GuitarGuts

GuitarGuts

Video thumbnail for EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickups Demo by Zach Wish | PG Plays by Premier Guitar

EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickups Demo by Zach Wish | PG Plays

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickups by Cryptic Mask Guitar

EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Pickups

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Video thumbnail for EMG Bone Breakers Comparison To EMG 81/85 by Ilmari Lavi

EMG Bone Breakers Comparison To EMG 81/85

Ilmari Lavi

Ilmari Lavi

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Bone Breaker set is essentially a modified version of the EMG 81 and 60A, ideal for achieving chugging riffs and warm clean tones.

    Source
  • Bone Breaker pickups are active and come with EMG's solderless system, avoiding the need for soldering or routing.

    Source
  • Bone Breakers are perceived to have less mid-scooping compared to classic EMG models, impacting their sound profile in metal genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners prefer the Bone Breaker over stock EMG models like the 81/60 set, citing a subtle but noticeable tonal improvement.

    Source
  • Fishman Fluence pickups are recommended for those dissatisfied with Bone Breakers while maintaining active pickup characteristics.

    Source
  • Dimarzio D-activators are highlighted for versatile high gain, particularly useful if considering a switch to passive pickups.

    Source
  • Seymour Duncan Invaders are suggested for down-tuned play, offering an alternative to the Bone Breakers for those seeking high output.

    Source
  • EMG 57/66 set is frequently recommended for users looking to replace Bone Breakers for improved tonal quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The price difference between Bone Breakers and similar models is around $50, which users find justified for the tonal benefits.

    Source
  • Available bundles on Reverb offer extra items like strings and picks, providing additional value to Bone Breaker buyers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Bone Breaker pickups pair well with the Het Set, offering complementary tonal characteristics for diverse play styles.

    Source
  • These pickups are praised for their excellent thrash and clean tones, appealing to a diverse range of playing styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Jackson Rhoads V owners may need longer output and battery cables for Bone Breaker pickups due to short stock cables.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Gibson Explorers require short shaft pots for Bone Breaker installation; longer cables might be necessary based on guitar model.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners observe that the EMG logo on Bone Breaker pickups tends to fade over time.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hunter Agufish uses EMG Bone Breaker Pickups

Hunter Agufish

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Twin 'Metallica' Mod Projects Using CHEAP Guitars!! || James Hetfield-Inspired Builds," Hunter Agufish modifies two Harley Benton guitars with Metallica-inspired setups. He installs an EMG Bone Breaker pickup set, designed by Kirk Hammett, in one of the guitars.

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 Bone Breaker Pickups, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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the_real_monopoly_guy

the_real_monopoly_guy

Gear IQ 289

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metalheadforlifeguitar

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