Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $256
High-end/Boutique
$99
$200+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set is the ultimate collaboration between Metallica's legendary rhythm guitarist and EMG, resulting in a pickup set that pushes tonal boundaries. Designed for those who crave the clarity and articulation of passive pickups combined with the raw power of active humbuckers, this set is a must-have for any serious guitarist. The black nickel-plated finish not only enhances your guitar's aesthetics but also brings a touch of Hetfield's distinctive style to your setup.
The JH-N neck pickup features individual ceramic poles and bobbins with an enlarged core, delivering a percussive attack and a fuller low-end response, making it both clean and aggressive. Meanwhile, the JH-B bridge pickup incorporates steel pole pieces for a tight, punchy sound with less inductance, ensuring your lows remain crystal clear even at high gain levels. Both pickups are built for high output, ensuring your riffs cut through the mix with ease.
Installation is a breeze with the revolutionary solderless wiring system, allowing for quick and hassle-free setup without the need for a soldering iron. This set is perfect if you're looking to upgrade your axe's tone and aesthetics with minimal effort.
Key Features:
- Designed in collaboration with James Hetfield
- Black nickel-plated finish for a sleek look
- JH-N neck pickup with ceramic poles and enlarged core for more percussive attack
- JH-B bridge pickup with steel poles for tighter sound and cleaner lows
- High output for a powerful presence
- Solderless installation for easy setup
Product specs
| Type | Set: Humbucker |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Configuration | HH Set |
| Magnet Material | Ceramic |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire plus battery |
| DC Resistance | 10K |
| Connectivity | Solderless |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Covering | Covered |
FAQs
-
What makes the EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set unique compared to other EMG pickups?
-
The EMG JH Set is designed with James Hetfield's input to deliver a tight, powerful low end with a crisp attack, ideal for metal and hard rock. It features a combination of ceramic and steel magnets for a unique tonal signature that stands out from other EMG models.
-
Are the EMG JH James Hetfield pickups suitable for high-gain metal tones?
-
Yes, the EMG JH Set is specifically engineered for high-gain applications, providing aggressive, clear tones with excellent sustain, making it perfect for metal and hard rock genres.
-
Do the EMG JH James Hetfield Humbuckers require special installation?
-
The EMG JH Set features a solderless installation system, making it straightforward to install without the need for traditional soldering, which is convenient for both beginners and experienced guitarists.
-
Can the EMG JH James Hetfield Set be used in any electric guitar?
-
While the EMG JH Set is designed for standard six-string electric guitars, ensure your guitar has the appropriate routing and space for active pickups and a battery compartment for optimal performance.
-
What type of battery is required for the EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set?
-
The EMG JH Set requires a standard 9V battery to power its active circuitry, providing the high output and clarity these pickups are known for.
Videos
Guitar Interactive Magazine
EMG James Hetfield Pickups Review With Andy James iGuitar Magazine
EMG James Hetfield Pickups Review With Andy James iGuitar Magazine
Guitar Interactive Magazine
James Hetfield Signature JH Set Demo and Review
EMGtv
EMG James Hetfield Het Set Demo/Review || The Best EMG Pickups??
Agufish
EMG 81 vs EMG JH HET SET - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review / Demo
Mike Stamper
EMG 60 81 vs. EMG JH SET
Hiromu Saito
EMG 81 & 85 vs EMG Het Set James Hetfield Signature Pickups
GuitarGuts
EMG Het Set VS EMG Bone Breakers
Cryptic Mask Guitar
EMG JH Set - Clean & Dirty
FadingReign
EMG 81/85 (ZW) vs EMG James Hetfield : EMG active Sound fight !
ToroK
EMG-JH "Het" Set | ESP M-II Custom - test
Sergio Chong-Loo
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional Metallica-style tone, perfect for heavy metal and rock genres
-
Harmonically rich sound that enhances individual note clarity
-
Versatile, handling both rhythm and lead seamlessly
-
Solderless installation simplifies setup, especially for beginners
-
Unique combination of passive dynamics with active pickup punch
-
High output with tight low-end response, ideal for high-gain settings
-
Handles low tunings well, maintaining clarity and definition
-
Comes with all necessary components for installation
-
Attractive black nickel covers for a distinctive look
-
Clear sound even with high gain, without becoming muddy
CONS
-
Black nickel coating prone to chipping and scratches
-
Installation may require additional longer cables or routing adjustments
-
Volume and tone pots may not fit all guitar models without modifications
-
A bit pricier compared to other pickup options
-
Not ideal for non-rock genres like jazz or country
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set.
Comparisons
-
The Het Set is distinct from the EMG 81/60, with a tweaked EQ and output for a different tone.
Source -
The Het Set is considered superior to the Zakk Wylde set, which uses stock 81/85 pickups with long pots.
Source -
The EMG JH Het Set is perceived as darker and bass heavier compared to the 81/85 and 81/60 combinations, potentially lacking in clarity for some users.
Source -
The Het Set offers a more metal-focused crunch compared to the EMG 81/60, replacing a "fake" electronic tone with clearer, more dynamic sounds, especially in heavy distortion settings.
Source -
Compared to Seymour Duncan Blackouts, the Het Set provides a more balanced and versatile sound, suitable for both metal and classic rock, unlike the Blackouts, which excel mainly in extreme metal.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Installing the Het Set in a guitar with passive pickups may require professional help due to active pickup requirements.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Users report the Het Set excels in high-gain settings but emphasize that amp and EQ heavily influence achieving Metallica tones.
Source -
The Het Set is noted for a significant tonal difference in guitars with stopbar bridges, like an Epiphone SG, compared to stock pickups.
Source -
The Het Set may sound dull on certain baritone models, but performs well in standard models tuned to Eb, particularly with high-gain amps like the 6505+.
Source -
Users find the Het Set excels in a variety of rock and metal genres, beyond just Metallica covers, making it versatile for crunchy blues and hard rock.
Source
User experience
-
Some owners find the Het Set too hot, which affects definition and clarity, preferring the 81/60 set for better tonal precision.
Source -
Owners with different guitars report varied results with the Het Set, suggesting its performance can be heavily influenced by the guitar's build and tuning setup.
Source -
Owners report pinched harmonics with the Het Set ring out longer and with more clarity, enhancing lead guitar performance significantly.
Source
Features and functionality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings
268
If you're into metal, get these.
I absolutely love these pups. I got them in gold to match my Epiphone SG G-400 Deluxe Pro hardware. They are active pickups which is awesome. They can easily fit in any Les Paul/SG style guitar, even with the 9-volt battery. Really good attack and chug, awesome for rhythm like James but can also handle lead. Would definitely recommend. A bit on the pricier side but well worth it.
623
HELL YEAH.
Take the 81/60's and give them steroids. These pickups truly do what James Hetfield himself has said: Gives you the punch of the passive humbucker, but the warmth and power of the active. I've played an 81/85 combo, and trust me: The JH bridge pickup is NOTHING like an 81. In my opinion, it puts the original 81 to shame.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video we're shown James' signature Iron Cross Electric Guitar and at 3:57 they mention these pickups.
"Fender.com: What can you tell us about your sandblasted Jazzmaster guitars?
Root: They’re pretty cool. If you’re afforded the opportunity to have a company like Fender take one of your ideas and then they can do it, it’s a pretty cool spot to be in. So while we were out on this last run, I saw they were doing these sandblasted guitars, and I threw it by the guys in Fender. “What if we did one of my signature models that way?” They have all the specs of my signature models, but with that grain from the mahogany showing through. I did put a set of Hetfield EMGs in it, which is similar to the EMGs that I have in my signature models. They sound killer and they look killer."
.jpg)
According to this Premier Guitar article Andreas uses a set of EMG James Hetfield "Het Set" on one of his guitars.
Kurt Ballou, guitarist for Converge, has confirmed in an interview with @deathwishinc on Tumblr that he has been using EMG pickups throughout the band's 21-year history, mentioning that he has recently been experimenting with the EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set.
The EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set is featured in Todd Jones' signature guitar, as highlighted by Nowead.
in this video hunter mods two Harley Benton guitars. Hunter wanted to make these guitars into something Metallica inspired. to do this he used two emg sets. In one guitar he has a Kirk Hammet bone breaker set, and in the other he uses a hetset
Justin Hartwig used the EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set in his Gibson Flying V during Dark Mofo 2017, as confirmed by a post on Facebook.
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 JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yours
More EMG Electric Guitar Pickups
$82.00 - $109.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$79.00 - $109.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$82.00 - $129.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$74.00 - $219.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
-m.webp?v=1783203342)
$189.00 - $319.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$94.00 - $125.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$104.00 - $135.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$79.00 - $109.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$92.00 - $119.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$95.00 - $119.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$198.00 - $249.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$95.00 - $149.00
in Electric Guitar Pickups Rank
$165.58 - $219.00
$115.00 - $139.00
$143.00 - $189.00
$102.00 - $129.00
$199.00 - $249.00
$159.00 - $219.00
$222.00 - $299.00
$169.00 - $219.00
$93.00 - $139.00
$159.00 - $219.00
$117.00 - $149.42
$93.00 - $119.00
$89.00 - $115.00
$178.00 - $239.00
$101.00 - $135.00
$198.00 - $249.00
$212.00 - $319.00
.jpg?v=1780938267)
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Electric Guitar Pickups
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
miggityfriggityGear IQ 5535
-
