By combining ceramic magnets with a narrow aperture, the EMG-60 has increased sensitivity and high-frequency response. The 60 features the attack of a single-coil with the power and the punch of a humbucking pickup. In the mid-to-high frequency range, EMG gave the harmonics a boost. There's more high end in the EMG-60 than you would expect from any humbucking pickup. With a distinctive tone for soloing, the 60 works equally well for singing leads or for melody chording.
And now for something completely different. The EMG-60 was originally designed for Fender in 1979 and was to be featured on the Tele-Elite* Model as a mini-humbucking pickup. Fender changed their plans so EMG released the EMG-60 in a full-size humbucking housing. The EMG-60 still features the close aperture coils loaded with ceramic magnets for the brightest attack of any of their many humbucking models. Yet the EMG-60 packs plenty of output with both clarity and cut through high end.
The EMG-60 is incredible for rhythm guitar as metal and extreme players have discovered. After many years the EMG-60 has found its rightful home on James Hetfield's signature ESP models JH-2 and JH-3. Its distinctive crunch sets any rhythm player apart in the mix of a band that pumps a lot of mid-range from the stage. With a distinctive tone for soloing, the 60 works perfectly as a clear but fat lead pickup.
The resonance slope is steeper but the peak is higher than other EMG Models. The 60 is the result of a lot of input from different people. It is probably the most versatile humbucking pickup they make, but doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
About EMG
EMG Humbuckers unite a number of crucial EMG innovations in the search for a voice that delivers both classic tones and the benefits of modern technology. Each of these pickups includes an integral preamp (an EMG first) which virtually eliminates hum and noise while simultaneously reducing shock hazard to the player. Low impedance design maintains your tone as you change the volume settings at the guitar and preserves your high frequencies even with a long cord.
EMG's proprietary Impedance Modeling and Dual Resonant technologies allow for precise tailoring of frequency response and resonance yielding a variety of highly tuned and tweaked tones. Another EMG exclusive, the Lo-Flux magnetic design enhances harmonics and sustain. They tailor the materials and geometry of the magnets to spread the magnetic field evenly across the strings for a balanced sound.
What's an Active Pickup, and Why Would I Use One
An active pickup is one that uses electronics to improve the sound and enhance its operation. There are a variety of ways to "Activate" a pickup. A simple "buffer" pre-amp will do the trick, but it will also amplify the hum and buzz the pickup produces. Just because a pickup is "active" doesn't guarantee you'll get great results. EMG pickups utilize an internal preamp (inside the pickup), which not only makes the pickup louder, it also reduces the noise!
What are the Advantages of an EMG Pickup
The greatest is reduction in noise. No longer will the dimming of the house lighting system cause your guitar to buzz incessantly. You can use an extra long cable, or a wireless, and you'll get the same great tone every time.
Why an Internal Preamp
It's the most efficient way to create an active pickup. All the coil connections are shielded, the pre-amp is shielded, and the output of the pickup cable is low-impedance, which makes it less susceptible to noise. Also, it avoids a spider web of wires and possible loose connections in your guitar and the installation is simple. All the benefits with none of the hassle.
*Tele-Elite is a registered trademark with Fender Musical Instruments an has no affiliation with EMG Pickups.
Technical Info
Logo Color: Gray
Resonant Frequency (kHz): 2.95
RMS Output Voltage: 1.0
Peak Output Voltage: 3.0
Output Noise (dBV): -89
Output Impedance (Kohm): 10
Current @ 9V (Microamps): 80
Battery Life (Hours): 3000
All instrument parts cannot be returned once opened due to the possibility they have been used. This includes all guitar, amplifier, and turntable parts. 
