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Average Price: $221
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$99
$200+
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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner thrash metal icon with the EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set. Designed in collaboration with Gary Holt, the revered guitarist of Slayer and Exodus, this pickup set channels the ferocious energy and precision required to deliver headbanging riffs and solos. This signature set is not just about power—it's about versatility. The EMG 81 bridge pickup is renowned for its high output, incredible sustain, and razor-sharp clarity, cutting through even the densest mix with ease. Meanwhile, the EMG 89R neck pickup offers a dual personality, seamlessly transitioning from a warm, articulate humbucker to a true single-coil with the pull of a tone knob.
Installation is hassle-free with EMG’s solderless system, making it simple to swap out your existing pickups for these heavy-metal titans. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the Gary Holt Signature Set ensures your sound is nothing short of legendary.
Key Features:
- Signature pickups of Gary Holt, legendary guitarist of Slayer and Exodus
- EMG 81 bridge pickup for high output and clarity
- EMG 89R neck pickup with coil-splitting capability
- Solderless installation system for easy setup
- Push-pull tone control for seamless switching between humbucker and single-coil modes
- Includes 25k volume and tone pots, battery bus, and stereo output jack
- Made in the USA
Product specs
| Type | Set: Humbucker |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Configuration | HH Set |
| Magnet Material | Ceramic/Steel (bridge), Alnico (neck) |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire plus battery (bridge), 5 wire plus shield and battery (neck) |
| DC Resistance | 10K |
| Connectivity | Solderless |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Covering | Covered |
FAQs
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What type of music is the EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set best suited for?
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The EMG GH Set is designed for high-gain music styles like thrash metal, as used by Gary Holt of Slayer and Exodus. Its active humbucking design delivers powerful, aggressive tones with minimal noise.
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What is the magnet configuration in the EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set?
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The bridge pickup features ceramic and steel magnets, while the neck pickup uses Alnico magnets. This combination provides a balance of sharp attack and smooth sustain.
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Is the EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set easy to install?
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Yes, the EMG GH Set features a solderless installation system, making it straightforward to install without the need for complex wiring.
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How does the EMG GH Set differ from other EMG pickup sets?
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The EMG GH Set is specifically tailored for Gary Holt's signature sound, offering a unique combination of ceramic/steel and Alnico magnets, and is optimized for high-gain performance.
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Can the EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set be used in any electric guitar?
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The EMG GH Set is designed for 6-string electric guitars and is compatible with most models, provided they have the appropriate routing for humbucker pickups.
Videos
EMGtv
EMG Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set Installation
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers brutal, thick, powerful sound ideal for metal genres
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Unique red color adds a standout visual element
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Includes EMG 81 and 89R for versatile tone options
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Push-pull coil split for increased tonal variation
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No-solder installation simplifies setup process
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Detailed installation manual aids in the process
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89R model offers a single-coil option for cleaner tones
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Packaged with appropriate electronics for easy installation
CONS
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Installation can be challenging for beginners
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Incompatibility with guitars needing a long jack socket
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Requires routing for Stratocaster control cavity
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Uneven output levels between 81 and 89R pickups
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set.
Comparisons
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The GH400 features the full active EMG Gary Holt set, unlike the GH200's passive LTD pickups.
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An LTD EC-1000, with 22 frets and different pickups, serves as a close alternative to the GH models.
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The EC-1000FR series is recommended for those seeking a model with a Floyd Rose, similar to the GH-600.
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Value and pricing
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The GH600, with a Floyd Rose 1000 and set-thru construction, offers better value used compared to the GH200.
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Features and functionality
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The GH600's construction includes a mahogany body and 3-piece mahogany neck, contrasting the GH200's basswood body and 1-piece maple neck.
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The GH200 uses a Floyd Rose Special bridge, whereas the GH600 comes with a higher-end Floyd Rose 1000.
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The EMG 89R pickup offers a single/humbucker arrangement, providing added tonal functionality.
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Build quality
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Some owners mention the weight of the GH-600 as significant, likening it to a Gibson Les Paul Studio with a barewood finish.
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Use cases and applications
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The GH-600 is favored for hardcore and thrash music, with users appreciating its tonal capabilities in these genres.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video ola showed off the tw smith dime tribute guitar he owns. The guitar was originally built for gary holt of slayer. Ola bought the guitar from Gary after Gary posted on Instagram that he was selling it. The guitar came with a set of Gary’s signature emg pickups. Ola had the pickups changed out however because the pickups didn’t work properly
Signature pickup with EMG
Gary has been a long time EMG artist from his earliest days playing lead guitar in San Francisco bay area metal band, Exodus. Now also a permanent member of Slayer, Gary Holt has earned his place in metal history and the GH set exemplifies his sound and look. For years EMG has created custom red pickup caps just for Gary Holt, now, thanks to him, the Red Series EMG pickups are available to the public. The GH set includes an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 89R in the neck position. The 81 provides all the crunch and tight sustain Gary needs. The 89R plays double duty as a humbucker and a single coil with its own preamp and coil for true single coil tones with no hum. The GH Set gives players multiple tonal options that scream to be played.
-On the website
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 GH Set Gary Holt Signature Pickup Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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