Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (17)
$199.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (12)
$269.00
Amazon
4.7 (320)
$269.00
Reverb
$176.62 New
$499.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (10)
$269.00
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$269.00
Thomann
5.0 (36)
$222.00

Average Price: $272

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "EMG KH-BB set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the fierce and versatile sound of Metallica's legendary guitarist with the EMG KH-BB set. This signature pickup set, crafted to Kirk Hammett's exacting standards, incorporates a tweaked preamp and a strategic blend of Alnico V and ceramic magnets, offering a dynamic range that transforms any guitar into a powerhouse of tone. Whether you're shredding through high-gain riffs or exploring clean, melodic passages, these moderate-output humbuckers deliver a spectrum of sound that's both rich and articulate.

From its intense, crushing grind to its bell-like clarity, the EMG KH-BB set is designed to meet the demands of the modern guitarist. It excels in maintaining gain without compromising clarity, ensuring that your solos cut through the mix with precision and power. Whether you're nailing Kirk's iconic thrash metal riffs or crafting your own soundscapes, you'll find these pickups a true embodiment of Hammett's brutal yet tasteful tone. Perfect for those seeking to emulate the crisp leads and smooth rhythms that have defined Metallica's sound for decades.

Key Features:

  • Signature pickups engineered to capture Kirk Hammett's iconic tone.
  • Features a tweaked preamp with a combination of Alnico V and ceramic magnets.
  • Moderate output suitable for both high-gain and clean tones.
  • Provides crushing grind and bell-like clarity without sacrificing gain.
  • Comes with all necessary components for installation.

Product specs

Type Set: Humbucker
Active/Passive Active
Configuration HH Set
Magnet Material Ceramic/Steel (bridge), Alnico V (neck)
Number of Conductors 2 wire plus battery
DC Resistance 10K
Connectivity Solderless
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered

FAQs

What are the main tonal characteristics of the EMG KH-BB set?

The EMG KH-BB set delivers a powerful and aggressive tone, perfect for metal and hard rock. The bridge pickup uses ceramic/steel magnets for a sharp, cutting sound, while the neck pickup features Alnico V magnets for a warmer, more rounded tone.

Are the EMG KH-BB pickups suitable for live performances?

Yes, the EMG KH-BB pickups are designed for high-output performance, making them ideal for live settings. Their active design ensures clarity and punch, even at high volumes, which is essential for cutting through a band mix on stage.

How easy is it to install the EMG KH-BB set?

The EMG KH-BB set features a solderless installation system, making it straightforward to install without the need for extensive wiring knowledge. This user-friendly design allows for quick and hassle-free setup.

What type of music is the EMG KH-BB set best suited for?

The EMG KH-BB set is particularly well-suited for metal and hard rock genres. Its high-output, aggressive tone provides the clarity and sustain needed for heavy riffs and solos, making it a favorite among metal guitarists.

Is the EMG KH-BB set compatible with all electric guitars?

The EMG KH-BB set is designed for 6-string electric guitars with humbucker pickups. It fits most standard humbucker routes, but it's always best to check your guitar's specifications to ensure compatibility.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent balance with punch and dynamics, ideal for active pickup enthusiasts

  • Versatile sound for metal, blues, and clean tones

  • Easy installation with clear, solderless instructions

  • Warm neck pickup and tight, percussive bridge pickup

  • Enhances sustain and clean tones noticeably

  • Metallitastic sound reminiscent of Metallica's early albums

  • Hot but quiet passive humbucker-like feel

  • Significant improvement over stock and standard EMG setups

  • Attractive brushed gold and black nickel covers

  • Includes necessary components like volume and tone pots

CONS

  • May require longer cables for certain guitar types

  • Potential fit issues in smaller pickup cavities

  • Les Paul users may need to purchase additional long shaft pots

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • The output and battery cables included with the set are generally short, suitable for Strat-style guitars; longer cables may be needed for other models like the Jackson Rhoads V.

    Source
  • A functional switch is essential for proper operation of the EMG KH-BB pickups, as it activates the pickups, resolving issues of static sound and no output.

    Source
  • Owners of PRS SE guitars are concerned about fitting issues with the KH-BB set, citing potential tightness in the control cavity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EMG KH-BB set includes 2 volume and 2 tone pots, but users can configure any combination of knobs as per their guitar's layout.

    Source
  • The EMG KH-BB set requires 25k pots, which are included and necessary for compatibility; standard pots will not work.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For Gibson-style Explorers, short shaft pots are recommended; longer cables might be necessary depending on the guitar's control cavity layout.

    Source
  • Owners upgrading PRS SE with KH-BB pickups often consider adding a kill switch and changing the pickup selector for enhanced functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • These pickups deliver a thrash tone alongside a good clean tone, making them versatile for metal and clean playing styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • The EMG logo on the pickups tends to fade over time, which might be a cosmetic concern for some users.

    Source
  • Some users recommend swapping cream pickup rings and switch tips for black ones to better match black tuners and achieve a cohesive aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • Users attempting to install the set without a switch experienced static sounds, but connecting the switch resolved the issue, highlighting the importance of correct wiring.

    Source
  • One user expressed anxiety about installation before receiving the KH-BB set, indicating that the process might be daunting for first-time upgraders.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Kirk Hammett uses EMG KH-BB set

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

Kirk Hammett has been ripping up solos for Metallica for over 30 years. Riffs on Ride the Lighting, Master of Puppets, and the Black Album are a must learn for all rock guitarists. For Kirk, his tone starts with EMG pickups. “Metallica’s crunch sound is often cleaner than people expect”, says Kirk. “My taste in tone has definitely changed over the years. I don’t like to use as much distortion these days—I prefer my tone to be nice and crisp”. The new Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker set is the result of taking the success of Metallica tone and adding some new elements without sacrificing gain for clean or vice-versa. By making slight pre-amp adjustments and combining Alnico 5 and Ceramic magnets the perfect tone-beast was created. The Bone Breaker set consist of the BB-B Ceramic bridge and the BB-N Alnico 5 neck pickups. If you are looking for rhythm or lead tone, the Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker set offers crisp crushing leads or smooth rounded rhythm tone at the flip of the selector switch.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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