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EMG, Inc. is the current legal name of an American company based in Santa Rosa, California that manufactures guitar pickups and EQ accessories. Among guitar and bass accessories, the company sells active humbucker pickups, such as the EMG 81,[1] the EMG 85, the EMG 60, and the EMG 89. They also produce passive pickups such as the EMG-HZ series, which include SRO-OC1's and SC Sets. There is also a series geared towards a more traditional and passive sound known as the X series.

Key Information

Their active pickups are most popular among hard rock and metal artists[1] such as Metallica, Slayer, Zakk Wylde, Sepultura, Judas Priest, Exodus, Emperor, Cannibal Corpse, Children of Bodom, Death Angel, Cryptopsy, Malevolent Creation and Primus but also used by others such as Prince, Vince Gill, Kyle Sokol, Steve Winwood, Steve Lukather and David Gilmour.[2]

History

[edit]

The company was founded in 1976 by Rob Turner in Long Beach, California. It was originally called Dirtywork Studios, and their first pickup continues to be manufactured as models EMG H and EMG HA models. The active humbucking pickup EMG 58 followed soon after. The name was changed to "Overlend"[3] (spelled "Overland" in some sources[4]) in 1978. However, its products have always been called EMG pickups.

In 1981, EMG active pickups became standard equipment on Steinberger basses and guitars. According to Hap Kuffner, EMG pickups originally had widespread success in Europe, after first exhibiting at the 1983 Musikmesse tradeshow in Germany. The name was changed to EMG, Inc. in 1983[3] ("EMG" stands for "Electro-Magnetic Generator"[5]). As Steinberger guitars became more popular among American metal and rock musicians, so did EMG pickups, and vice versa.[3]

Early EMG pickup designs were made with a bar magnet inside for two reasons. The first reason is that the pole pieces had too much magnetism on the strings and could cause some lower notes to go out of pitch in a Doppler effect. The second reason is that the pole pieces can make tuning and placement of the strings much more difficult. Using the bar magnet however gave the strings a more balanced output. The design of the bar magnet gives it a smoother distortion, better sustain through the amplifier, and have less fade onto the strings than the design of pole pieces.[6]

Products

[edit]

Overview

[edit]

EMG pickups are standard equipment on some models from guitar manufacturers such as BC Rich, ESP, Schecter, Cort, Gibson, Dean, Steinberger, Ibanez, and Jackson Guitars.[3] In addition to pickups, EMG Inc. also has a line of guitar and bass accessories, mainly for altering equalization settings such as bass/treble and gain boosting, and designed to work with most pickups. These can be found in instruments made by companies such as Schecter, who ship almost all of their basses with EMG equalization circuitry.

Pickup product range

[edit]

EMG Inc. has four distinct product ranges; the EMG Standard Series, HZ / SRO Series, SA Series and the EMG X-Series. These pickups are all featured on the official EMG Inc. website and include solderless wiring harnesses.

Standard Series

The Standard Series consists of all their standard active guitar, bass, and acoustic pickups, including humbucking, single coil, and bass models for 4, 5, and 6 string basses. EMG active pickups (such as the EMG 60, EMG 81, EMG 85, and EMG 89) tend to have much higher output than passive pickups of similar design (such as the EMG HZ) because of the on-board preamplifier. The high output, noise-reduction and responsiveness of EMG active pickups has made them popular with hard rock and heavy metal guitarists because they overdrive the input stage of guitar amplifiers more dramatically than a lower output pickup could. In 2012 EMG introduced a new 57/66 set to replace the outdated EMG 60 and EMG 81 configuration in which the designs were based on the James Hetfield "JH Het Set" to mix high output from a passive pickup with the punch of the active pickups.[7]

HZ / SRO Series

The HZ / SRO Series is a variety of passive designs of humbucking and single coil pickups, as well as bass models for 4, 5, and 6 string basses. HZ pickups are commonly used in guitar and bass manufacturers as stock pickups.

SA Series

The SA Series is an active single coil pick up with moderate gain output levels famous among Fender Stratocaster players for extra volume and gain while retaining that classic vintage tone.

EMG P-X Precision pickups on a bass guitar.
X-Series

The X series is an active product designed to bridge the gulf between passive and active tonalities. They are active but are voiced to sound more organic, with a more rounded signal response like the passives, while retaining the active qualities such as noise reduction and high output.

Signature Pickups and Sets

EMG has released several signature pickups and sets for various artists, the two longest signature artists being Kerry King ("KFK Set") and Zakk Wylde ("ZW Set"), both are which are based around the EMG 81 and EMG 85 set. There are also signature sets for Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton ("GTV Vengenace" set custom-made for Tipton, based on the 81 / 81 set with steel magnets), James Hetfield ("JH HET Set", set custom-made for Hetfield based on the 81 / 60 set with pole-pieces), and a complimentary set for fellow Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett ("KH Bonebreakers" based on the 81 / 60A set) Exodus' Gary Holt ("GH Set", based around the 81 / 89R in red covers), Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho (passive custom EMG pickup with a custom-voiced boost preamp), and Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler (passive P and P/J voiced for Butler). Metallica's Robert Trujillo received a signature set ("RT Rip Tide" based on EMG's standard Jazz Bass pickups). Signature pickguards on offer include those made to the specifications of Steve Lukather, David Gilmour, and Vince Gill.[8]

Endorsements

[edit]

Some artists and bands who use or endorse EMG pickups include:

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

EMG, Inc.

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from Grokipedia
EMG, Inc., doing business as EMG Pickups, is an American manufacturer specializing in active and passive pickup systems, preamplifiers, and accessories for electric guitars, basses, and other musical instruments. Founded in 1976 by inventor Rob Turner in , the company pioneered the development of battery-powered active pickups, which use onboard preamplifiers to deliver high-output signals with reduced hum and noise compared to traditional passive designs. Headquartered in , EMG has built a reputation for innovative tone-shaping technology, including signature pickup sets endorsed by prominent musicians such as , , and . The company's product lineup features humbucking pickups like the 81 and 85 models, single-coil style active pickups such as the SA set, and bass-oriented options including J and P-style pickups, all designed to enhance clarity, sustain, and versatility across genres from rock to metal. Over nearly five decades, EMG's active electronics have influenced guitar design and sound, powering instruments used by generations of players worldwide while maintaining manufacturing in .

Company Overview

Profile and Operations

EMG, Inc. is a privately held American company specializing in the manufacture of guitar and bass pickups and EQ accessories, with a primary focus on active electronics that enhance signal clarity and reduce in musical instruments. Employing 51 to 200 people as of 2025, the firm maintains a lean operation dedicated to high-quality production for professional and amateur musicians alike. Founded by Rob Turner, an electronics innovator who established the company to advance pickup technology, EMG, Inc. continues under his leadership as president, ensuring a consistent vision for technical excellence. Headquartered in , the company oversees all aspects of its operations, including research and design, in-house manufacturing, and global distribution through authorized dealers and online channels. EMG, Inc. operates via its official website, emgpickups.com, which serves as the central hub for product information, customer support, and orders. The company's mission centers on becoming one of the most influential technological leaders in the pickup and guitar electronics industry, emphasizing ongoing innovation in active systems to meet evolving musician needs. Originating in the 1970s, EMG has solidified its role as a pioneer in this niche.

Location and Manufacturing

EMG, Inc. maintains its headquarters and primary manufacturing operations in a 30,000-square-foot facility in , located near Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. This setup supports the company's core production of guitar and bass pickups and electronics, enabling efficient in-house processes that align with its operational focus on high-quality musical instrument hardware. The manufacturing facility handles key in-house processes, including injection molding for plastic cases, wire winding for pickup coils, cable assemblies, and the integration of active electronic components. Initially reliant on manual assembly, EMG has adopted automated systems to streamline production and optimize facility layout, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency within space constraints. These techniques emphasize precision in assembling electromagnetic elements essential to the company's hardware. The company utilizes a flexible assembly workforce exceeding 50 employees, alongside administrative and sales staff. EMG's supply chain integrates domestic and international elements, with approximately half of its business derived from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supplemented by U.S. wholesale and direct sales along with global retailers. Materials for electromagnetic components, such as coils and casings, are sourced to support these in-house operations, though specific suppliers remain to safeguard . The company operates on a single shift, with occasional overtime to meet deadlines, producing approximately 1,500 to 2,000 pickups daily as of 2024, with a capacity of up to 3,000 across its product lines. Quality control is a cornerstone of EMG's production, featuring refined procedures developed through external consulting, including weekly workshops and defect prioritization training that have elevated overall quality awareness. Tight oversight in the Santa Rosa facility ensures consistency for its niche, premium-priced products. In recognition of its manufacturing excellence, EMG received the 2012 Manufacturing Awards for Employee Culture from the North Bay Business Journal, honoring its supportive work environment, including English language classes for employees and flexible family leave policies that foster a dedicated . This commitment extends to innovative production methods tailored to musical instrument hardware, such as automated assembly innovations that balance scale with precision.

History

Founding and Early Years

EMG, Inc. was founded in 1976 by electronics enthusiast Rob Turner in , operating initially under the name Dirtywork Studios. Although some accounts trace Turner's early experiments with guitar electronics to 1974, the formal establishment of the company occurred in 1976, focusing on innovative solutions for amplification. The company's early efforts centered on developing active pickups to address persistent hum and noise issues plaguing traditional passive designs in electric guitars and basses. Drawing from his background in radio repair, Turner integrated battery-powered preamplifiers directly into pickups, enabling cleaner and higher output without excessive wiring. This approach aimed to provide musicians with reliable performance in noisy environments, a significant departure from the era's standard technology. In 1978, the company rebranded to Overlend, while Turner continued prototyping active humbuckers. The first commercial products, the EMG SA single-coil active pickup and the EMG 58 active humbucker, were released shortly after founding, featuring onboard preamps and rail-style steel bars for consistent output. However, in the pre-1980s landscape, these innovations faced considerable skepticism; guitarists often dismissed battery-dependent as unreliable or unnecessary, leading to slow adoption and challenges in a market dominated by passive systems.

Key Milestones and Expansion

In 1983, the company underwent a significant rebranding, officially changing its name to EMG, Inc., with the acronym standing for Electro-Magnetic Generator, reflecting its focus on innovative electromagnetic pickup technology. This renaming coincided with a period of accelerated business evolution, building on the foundational relocation to Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, which provided a stable manufacturing base for expanded operations. A pivotal milestone occurred in 1981 when EMG's (later renamed the HB) was adopted as standard equipment on 's L-series basses, marking the first major OEM integration and showcasing the reliability of active pickups in high-profile instruments. This partnership extended to other models, both active and passive, solidifying EMG's reputation for low-noise, high-output designs in professional gear. The company's international breakthrough came at the 1983 Musikmesse tradeshow in , where EMG's active pickups garnered widespread attention from European distributors and musicians, propelling global sales and establishing the brand as a leader in noise-free amplification. This event catalyzed further growth, as EMG leveraged the exposure to secure additional OEM deals. Throughout the and , EMG expanded its OEM partnerships with major manufacturers, including , which featured EMG humbuckers like the 81 in models such as the and Gunslinger series for enhanced clarity and sustain in metal-oriented designs; and ESP, incorporating EMG actives in custom and production guitars like the early Horizon and lines starting in the mid-. These collaborations broadened EMG's market reach and influenced industry standards for active electronics in electric instruments. In , EMG marked its 35th anniversary with celebrations highlighting its pioneering role in active pickup technology, including factory tours in Santa Rosa that emphasized in-house and ongoing . In 2023, the biography Chasing Tone: How Rob Turner and EMG Revolutionized the Guitar's Sound by was published, chronicling the company's and innovations. Post-2010 growth continued from this base, with sustained production expansions and product diversification, maintaining EMG's position as a key supplier in the guitar industry.

Products

Active Pickups

EMG's active pickups represent the company's foundational innovation in electric instrument electronics, introduced in the late as a means to provide consistent output and tonal clarity without the variability of passive designs. These pickups incorporate an onboard powered by a 9V battery, which boosts the signal directly at the source for enhanced sustain, reduced noise, and high-fidelity response suitable for both guitars and basses. This design has made active pickups EMG's flagship product line, widely adopted in metal, rock, and progressive genres for their ability to drive amplifiers cleanly even at low volumes. The Standard Series forms the core of EMG's active pickup offerings, featuring ceramic magnet optimized for electric guitars. The , designed for bridge positions, delivers a high-output tone ideal for aggressive leads and solos with sharp attack and pronounced mids. Complementing it, the EMG 85 in the neck position provides a warmer, fuller sound with smooth highs, making it a popular choice for rhythm playing and melodic passages. Other Standard Series models include the EMG 60, a versatile for neck or bridge use in guitars seeking balanced warmth, and the EMG 89, which rolls off highs for a vintage-inspired coil-tap capability while maintaining active clarity. These pickups require installation with a 9V battery compartment and preamp circuitry, typically wired to the instrument's volume and tone controls for straightforward setup in solid-body electric guitars. For extended-range instruments, EMG's Pro Series extends active technology to 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-string guitars and basses, featuring models like the 57/66 set for 7-strings, which offer tight low-end response and articulate highs tailored for modern metal and styles. Single-coil active variants, such as the SA Series, emulate the bright, quacky tone of ocaster-style guitars but with active noise cancellation and boosted output, available in sets like the SA/SAV for full replacements. The JMaster pickup set, introduced in 2023, provides active noiseless single-coil tones with 5 magnets and wide stacked coils for rich, balanced sound in Jazzmaster-style guitars. Bass-specific actives, including the 35DC and 40DC models, provide punchy, defined lows for 4- to 5-string basses, emphasizing slap and fingerstyle techniques through their or ceramic magnet configurations. In August 2025, EMG released the E-Series active bass pickups in slim soapbar designs for 4-, 5-, and 6-string basses, featuring wide-aperture coils and ceramic magnets for powerful low end and articulation across genres. A hallmark of EMG's active pickups is their evolution into matched sets that enhance overall instrument performance, such as the iconic 81/85 combination for Gibson-style guitars, which has been a staple since the 1980s for delivering versatile, high-gain tones across the fretboard. This pairing, along with sets like the 81/60 for brighter leads, underscores EMG's focus on application-specific pairings that simplify upgrades for musicians seeking reliable, low-impedance signals in professional touring and recording environments.

Passive and Hybrid Pickups

EMG's passive pickups, particularly the HZ Series, offer humbucking and single-coil designs engineered to replicate the tonal characteristics of traditional pickups without requiring battery power. These pickups utilize or magnets to deliver warm, balanced tones with tight bass response and clear mids, suitable for installation in standard guitar routs like those found in Fender Stratocasters or Gibson Les Pauls. For instance, the H4 combines the output strength reminiscent of EMG's active 81 model with the organic soul of a classic PAF-style , providing versatility for rock and applications. Similarly, the JV-HZ set features 5 pole pieces in both neck and bridge positions to evoke mid-1950s tones, while the P91HZ adopts a housing for gritty, single-coil-like articulation in humbucking form. The SRO () line within the HZ Series extends passive options to open-coil humbuckers, such as the OC1 set, which emphasizes clarity and high gain through V and magnets in a traditional design. These pickups maintain compatibility with passive wiring schemes, allowing seamless integration into instruments preferring battery-free operation and classic visual aesthetics. In the hybrid category, EMG's Retro Active Series bridges passive and active worlds by incorporating a dedicated preamp into open-coil humbuckers that mimic rock tones. Sets like the Hot 70 utilize ceramic magnets in the bridge for aggressive output and alnico 5 in the neck for smoother response, enabling optional active boost while retaining a vintage feel through traditional coil winding and magnet selection. This design supports high-gain styles inspired by artists like , with the preamp providing noise reduction without fully departing from passive dynamics. The X Series further exemplifies hybrid innovation by pairing passive-style magnetic structures—such as or cores—with an X preamp circuit that enhances touch sensitivity and for a more open, passive-like response. Models like the 81X and 85X deliver balanced tones across the spectrum, with an active tone control (VLPF) that emulates passive for high frequencies, making them ideal for players seeking classic sounds in Fender or Gibson-compatible setups without the sterility of full active systems. These pickups are particularly applied in guitars requiring versatile, battery-powered options that prioritize traditional warmth and clarity over amplified aggression.

Accessories

EMG offers a range of accessories designed to complement its active pickup systems, enabling precise tone shaping, simplified installations, and upgrades for electric guitars, basses, and acoustic instruments. These products include EQ controls, preamps, and installation components that enhance signal clarity and reduce noise in active setups.

EQ Systems

EMG's EQ systems provide versatile tone contouring for basses and guitars, featuring active circuits that boost or cut frequencies without introducing hum. The BQS System is a five-knob active EQ for basses, incorporating a pre-wired balance control, master volume, separate bass and treble pots, and a concentric mid-control for precise adjustments across the spectrum. Similarly, the BQC System delivers active balance, master volume, and a three-band EQ (bass, mid, treble) using dual-pole constant-Q filters for tight bandwidth control and low noise, ideal for studio-quality shaping on stage. For guitars, the EXG Expander offers a simple EQ control that expands tonal range by boosting mids and highs while maintaining clarity, preventing muddiness in dense mixes. The Afterburner (AB) serves as a push/pull booster with up to 20dB of variable gain, enabling clean overdrive and distortion directly from the instrument's controls.

Preamps, Wiring Harnesses, and Battery Components

Preamps from EMG amplify signals for active configurations, with the PA2 functioning as a mountable boost preamp activated via a mini-toggle switch to increase output without external pedals. Wiring harnesses facilitate solderless installations, such as the 1 or 2 Pickup Kit, which includes volume and tone pots, output jacks, and interconnect cables for converting passive instruments to active EMG systems. These harnesses support various setups, including three-pickup configurations with push/pull pots for coil-splitting. Battery clips and cables ensure reliable power delivery; the standard 9V battery cable connects to EMG's quick-connect system, available in lengths from 7 to 21 inches for flexible routing in instrument cavities.

Cables, Selectors, and Retrofit Kits

EMG provides specialized cables like the bridge ground wire kit, which links the instrument's bridge to the solderless harness for in passive-to-active upgrades. Selectors include DPDT toggle switches for single-coil to mode changes and five-way switches for Strat-style guitars, integrating seamlessly with active electronics. Retrofit kits, such as the Solderless Conversion Kit for 1-3 pickups, allow users to upgrade existing instruments by replacing stock wiring with EMG-compatible components, including pots, jacks, and battery clips for a complete active overhaul.

Acoustic Guitar Accessories

For acoustic instruments, EMG offers under-saddle pickups like the AT93U, a piezo-based split saddle design that captures natural string vibration with low feedback, paired with the APA2 preamp for onboard EQ and volume control. The AS125U system includes an under-saddle pickup, APA2 preamp, Ultrajack endpin jack, and battery holder, providing a full active solution for amplified acoustic performance. These accessories integrate with EMG's active pickups to form cohesive systems for enhanced tonal versatility.

Technology and Innovations

Active Electronics Design

EMG's active electronics design revolves around the Electromagnetic Generator concept, from which the company derives its name, emphasizing the pickup's role in converting string vibrations into an electrical signal through . At the heart of this design is a coil of wire wound around permanent magnets, typically for higher output and clarity or for warmer tone characteristics. These magnets generate a that fluctuates as strings vibrate above them, inducing a current in the coil without the need for extensive windings common in passive designs. The onboard is a key component, integrated directly into the pickup housing to immediately amplify the weak signal from the . This employs (IC) chips to provide clean gain, boosting the signal while suppressing 60-cycle hum and other electrical noise that plagues passive systems. By operating at low impedance internally, the design minimizes interference pickup during transmission, allowing for fewer coil turns and a broader without compromising output levels. The acts as a buffer, ensuring the high-impedance source from the coil is matched to the lower impedance of downstream components like cables and amplifiers, thus preventing tonal degradation from loading effects. Power for the active electronics is supplied by a standard 9-volt battery, housed within the instrument, which energizes the circuit with minimal current draw for extended life—often hundreds of hours depending on usage. The basic circuit configuration focuses on simplicity and reliability, incorporating and to maintain consistent performance across various instruments and setups. In 2025, EMG introduced the E-Series bass pickups, featuring wide coils with magnets to deliver powerful low-end response while retaining articulation for modern bass applications. A notable in EMG's active is the solderless installation system, which uses quick-connect wiring harnesses and plugs to facilitate easy integration without traditional , enhancing accessibility for musicians and technicians. This approach streamlines modifications and repairs while maintaining electrical integrity.

Advantages and Technical Features

EMG active pickups provide significant through their dual-coil humbucking and integrated low-impedance preamplifiers, which effectively eliminate 60-cycle hum and common in traditional passive pickups. This results in a virtually noiseless output, allowing for a low even in high-gain environments. The internal shielding further minimizes unwanted noise pickup, ensuring clean signal transmission without the buzz often experienced with single-coil or unshielded humbuckers. A key technical advantage is the consistent output level, which remains stable regardless of guitar volume settings or , thanks to the low-impedance circuitry that prevents signal degradation over long runs. This feature is particularly beneficial for performers using extended cabling on , maintaining tonal integrity without tonal loss or . Additionally, the high-output design excels in handling extreme gain for distorted tones, delivering powerful response ideal for metal and rock genres while minimizing feedback risks due to the controlled impedance and suppression. EMG pickups are renowned for their tonal characteristics, including tight bass response from ceramic magnets and over-wound coils that enhance low-end definition without muddiness, paired with articulate highs that provide clarity and cut in dense mixes. The overall sound profile offers fluid sustain and detailed harmonics, contributing to a modern, aggressive edge suitable for amplified applications. Durability is bolstered by fully shielded wiring and robust construction resistant to , ensuring reliable performance in demanding live and studio settings. EMG's proprietary active electronics, pioneered by founder Rob Turner, represent a core innovation in this space.

Endorsements and Impact

Notable Artist Endorsements

EMG, Inc. has garnered significant endorsements from prominent musicians, particularly in the rock and metal genres, since the 1980s, with many artists developing signature pickup sets in collaboration with the company. These endorsements often highlight the clarity, power, and low-noise characteristics of EMG's active pickups, influencing custom voicings tailored to individual playing styles. In the metal scene, of Metallica has been a long-time user and endorser, featuring the 81/60 combination for rhythm and lead tones since the early 1980s; his signature Het Set was introduced in 2011 to match his aggressive, high-gain sound. Similarly, of endorses the Kerry King Signature pickup (KFK set), designed with a magnet for enhanced midrange bite and sustain, first released in 2005 to capture his thrash metal riffing style. 's , comprising the 81 and 85 pickups, has been a staple in his and work since the 1990s, emphasizing thick lows and articulate highs for his pinch-harmonic heavy sound. of also endorses EMG pickups, notably the 81/85 set, which he has used since the band's formation in 1983, crediting them for the precise attack in his compositions. of Metallica has endorsed EMG since the 1980s, using 81/85 sets and signature models, with the company's founder crediting him for establishing EMG's association with heavy metal as of 2025. Beyond metal, historical endorsements from the 1980s include Prince, who incorporated EMG active electronics into his custom guitars for their noise-free performance during live shows and recordings. of adopted EMG pickups in the 1980s for select instruments, appreciating their balanced output in studio settings for albums like . Country artist has endorsed EMG systems since the 1990s for their reliability in high-volume performances, using them on guitars to achieve clean, dynamic tones. These artist-driven developments have directly shaped EMG's product evolution, such as ceramic versus alnico magnet options in custom sets.

Industry Influence and Collaborations

EMG, Inc. has exerted considerable influence through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) integrations with prominent guitar and bass brands, embedding their active pickups as standard components in production models. In 1981, the EMG SS model—later known as the HB—became standard equipment on Steinberger L-series basses, marking an early adoption that highlighted the pickups' compatibility with innovative instrument designs. By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, EMGs were integrated as defaults on high-end lines from manufacturers including Jackson, ESP, Schecter, Peavey, B.C. Rich, Washburn, and Dean, enabling consistent high-output performance across professional-grade instruments. In 2025, EMG released the E-Series bass pickups, continuing their innovation in active electronics. The company's pickups significantly shaped the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape in the 1980s and 1990s, where their high-gain, low-noise characteristics addressed the demands of amplified distortion without unwanted hum. This era saw EMG's active electronics become integral to the "scooped" midrange tone synonymous with thrash and speed metal, influencing amplifier and effects pedal designs to complement their clarity and headroom. Guitarist Kirk Hammett emphasized this impact, stating, "The sound of heavy metal relies on the sound of EMG pickups... Without them, it wouldn't be heavy and it wouldn't be metal." EMG's legacy as pioneers of active pickup technology, dating back to their 1976 founding, extends through ongoing partnerships with instrument makers and recognition in industry media. A 2010 feature in Premier Guitar celebrated their 35 years of innovation, underscoring their role in advancing pickup electronics for modern music production. In 2012, EMG received a Manufacturing Award for employee culture from the North Bay Business Journal, acknowledging their in producing reliable components for the global . Recent 2025 interviews with founder Rob Turner highlight the continued influence of artist collaborations on EMG's metal-oriented reputation.

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  55. https://www.emgpickups.com/sa-sa-81.html
  56. https://www.emgpickups.com/saset.html
  57. https://www.tdpri.com/threads/emg-t-a-little-info-that-might-be-of-use.65708/
  58. https://www.americanmusical.com/p/emg-81-active-guitar-humbucker-pickup-high-output
  59. https://allaboutguitar.co.uk/emg-vs-seymour-duncan-pickups/
  60. https://www.emgpickups.com/81.html
  61. https://www.emgpickups.com/emg-faq
  62. https://metalinjection.net/news/emg-founder-credits-metallicas-kirk-hammett-for-making-the-pickup-company-metal
  63. https://www.emgpickups.com/pub/media/Mageants/v/g/vg20_0230-0104rb.pdf
  64. https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/guitar-pickups/emgs-rob-turner-on-the-hardest-pickups-hes-ever-had-to-make
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