EMG SPC Presence Control
Electronics for Guitars
$77€69Check ↗
Brand profile · USA, est. 1970s
EMG
EMG, Inc. revolutionized the electric guitar and bass landscape with their active pickups, offering a distinct, high-output, and often compressed tone that quickly became a staple in rock, metal, and progressive music. Founded in the 1970s as a provider of custom pickups for the music industry, EMG’s innovative designs bypassed traditional passive pickup limitations, becoming synonymous with powerful, articulate sounds. Their direct connection to many iconic players solidified their position as a leading pickup manufacturer.
Active Pickup TechnologyDavid Gilmour Signature Pickups (DG Series)High-Output HumbuckersJMaster System PickupsDirect Wiring Design
1970sfounded
USAcountry
195products in stock
$9–$378price range
EMG in the charts
Every chart where EMG has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.
Best EMG humbucker pickups
76 models$93 – $300Best EMG single coil pickups
32 models$85 – $378Best EMG electronics for guitars
15 models$32 – $110Best EMG pickups for 4-String P-Bass
10 models$98 – $178Best EMG pickups for 4-String J-Bass
9 models$162 – $217Best EMG electronics for basses
9 models$55 – $184Best EMG pickups for 7-String guitars
8 models$106 – $222
76 models$93 – $300Best EMG single coil pickups
32 models$85 – $378Best EMG electronics for guitars
15 models$32 – $110Best EMG pickups for 4-String P-Bass
10 models$98 – $178Best EMG pickups for 4-String J-Bass
9 models$162 – $217Best EMG electronics for basses
9 models$55 – $184Best EMG pickups for 7-String guitars
8 models$106 – $222
All 195 EMG products
Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first. Page 1 of 5.
EMG 35HZ
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$110€99Check ↗
EMG 35TW-X
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$144€129Check ↗
EMG 35J
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$99€89Check ↗
EMG BTS Control
Electronics for Basses
$110€99Check ↗
EMG BTC Control
Electronics for Basses
$110€99Check ↗
EMG BQC Control
Electronics for Basses
$120€108Check ↗
EMG P 5 Black
Pickups for 5-String P-Bass
$103€92Check ↗
EMG J5 Set
Pickups for 5-String J-Bass
$188€169Check ↗
EMG TBHZ Bass Pickup
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$122€109Check ↗
EMG EXG Guitar Expander
Electronics for Guitars
$77€69Check ↗
EMG PA2
Electronics for Guitars
$77€69Check ↗
EMG 35DC
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$99€89Check ↗
EMG 707 Black
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$109€98Check ↗
EMG VMC Variable Mid Control
Electronics for Guitars
$110€99Check ↗
EMG 40TWX
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 40DCX
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 40HZ
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$99€89Check ↗
EMG 40DC
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$110€99Check ↗
EMG MM5CS
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$122€109Check ↗
EMG MM5TW
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 808 Black
Miscellaneous Pickups for Guitars
$117€105Check ↗
EMG 81-7 Black
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$106€95Check ↗
EMG 808X Black
Miscellaneous Pickups for Guitars
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 81-8X Black
Miscellaneous Pickups for Guitars
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 81-8 Black
Miscellaneous Pickups for Guitars
$124€111Check ↗
EMG 85-7 Black
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$122€109Check ↗
EMG DG20 BK/BK
Single Coil Pickups
$333€299Check ↗
EMG DG20LH David Gilmour Lefthand
Single Coil Pickups
$345€309Check ↗
EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Black
Pickups for 4-String P-Bass
$101€91Check ↗
EMG DG20 David Gilmour
Single Coil Pickups
$300€269Check ↗
EMG 40P5 Bass Pickup
Pickups for 5-String P-Bass
$116€104Check ↗
EMG DG20 BK/WH
Single Coil Pickups
$333€299Check ↗
EMG PX
Pickups for 4-String P-Bass
$122€109Check ↗
EMG E5W Bass Pickup
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$122€109Check ↗
EMG 40J Bass Pickup
Pickups for 5-String J-Bass
$110€99Check ↗
EMG S/S/81 Black
Single Coil Pickups
$266€239Check ↗
EMG ACB (Banjo)
Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
$284€255Check ↗
EMG MM-HZ
Miscellaneous Pickups for Basses
$125€112Check ↗
EMG SA/SA/81 Black
Single Coil Pickups
$251€225Check ↗
EMG 35P4 Bass Pickup
Pickups for 4-String P-Bass
$110€99Check ↗
EMG 85-7 H Chrome
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$128€115Check ↗
EMG 707X Black
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 81-7X Black
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$133€119Check ↗
EMG 81-7 H Chrome
Pickups for 7-String Guitars
$128€115Check ↗
EMG TKO Kill Switch
Electronics for Guitars
$32€29Check ↗
EMG EXB Bass Expander
Electronics for Basses
$84€75Check ↗
EMG Toggle Kill Switch
Electronics for Guitars
$38€34Check ↗
EMG, honestly
What EMG does well
- Delivers powerful, consistent output across the frequency spectrum
- Known for clarity and articulation, even at high gain
- Wide range of models for diverse tonal needs
- Popular among professional musicians and studios
What to watch for
- Active design requires battery power or external power supply
- Can be perceived as 'sterile' by those preferring vintage tones
- Often premium-priced, limiting accessibility for some
- Can require adjustment to playing style due to active nature
Questions about EMG
Where are EMG pickups manufactured?
EMG pickups are primarily manufactured in their facility in Dempseys Corner, Connecticut, USA. They maintain tight control over the manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality.
Do EMG pickups require special wiring?
Yes, EMG pickups utilize a unique direct wiring system that differs from traditional passive pickups. Detailed wiring diagrams are provided with each pickup set, but it often requires a more involved installation process.
What is the difference between EMG active and passive pickups?
EMG active pickups have a built-in preamp powered by a battery, boosting the signal and offering a more consistent output. Passive pickups rely solely on the guitar’s electronics and are influenced by the guitar’s wood and components.