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EMG

Description

The EMG JH James Hetfield humbucker set takes your tone to the extreme. Created in collaboration with iconic Metallica guitarist James Hetfield, this pickup set delivers the massive yet articulate sound he's famous for. Now you can achieve the same wall of sound that has filled arenas around the world for decades.

High-Output Pickups Provide Monster Tone

The EMG JH-N neck pickup and JH-B bridge pickup are both high-output humbuckers built for aggressive rhythm playing. The JH-N uses ceramic magnets and an oversized coil for a percussive attack, lots of output and a full low end. The JH-B also has an oversized coil but uses steel pole pieces instead of bar magnets for tight, controlled bass and crisp highs. Together, they produce a tone that cuts through loud and clean but retains personality.

Premium Components and a Legendary Pedigree

Like all EMG pickups, the JH Set is built from premium components to the highest standards. EMG's solderless installation system makes swapping out pickups effortless for any guitarist. The set is topped off with EMG's black nickel covers for a stealthy look that matches Hetfield's own instruments. Having been used on countless hit songs and albums, EMG pickups are a proven choice for pros and amateurs alike. The JH Set brings that same pedigree directly to your guitar.

A Familiar Yet Unique Sound

While the JH Set was designed to capture Hetfield's signature tone, it produces a sound all its own. The oversized coils and choice of magnets give these pickups a voice recognizably in the EMG family but distinct from the 81/85 set or EMG's other offerings. Roll back the gain for bluesy leads or crank your amp for metal mayhem. However you play, the EMG JH James Hetfield humbucker set lets your guitar truly scream.

Road-Tested and Ready to Rock

After years of tweaking and refining to match Hetfield's exacting standards, the EMG JH Set is ready to take on any stage or studio challenge. Its high output, articulate tone, and premium components are built to withstand intense performances night after night. For any guitarist chasing huge rhythm tones and blistering lead sounds, the EMG JH James Hetfield humbucker set delivers.

EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set
EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set
EMG JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set

Features

  • New sounding and looking
  • Individual poles and bobbins
  • Enlarged core
  • More percussive attack
  • Higher output
  • Fuller low-end response
  • Black nickel-plated finish
  • Solderless installation

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.88

16 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing4
  2. Concerts3
  3. Back-Up1
  4. Everyday1
  5. Channeling James Hetfield1
Cons
  1. Noisy1
Describe Yourself
  1. Novice3
  2. Experienced1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Easy To Use5
  2. Good Quality5
  3. Functional4
  4. Improves Sound4

Reviewed by 16 customers

  • Fantastic, versatile pickups that I use almost every day

    5

    submitted8 days ago

    byTony

    fromBelle Plaine, MN

    You might hear, as I did, that these are basically a cosmetic change to the legendary 81/85 combo. That is not true. While arguably similar, the Het Set does have some tonal differences. I've tried both but in the end the Het Set is what stayed in my main, go-to guitar and has remained there for a while. Bonus points for the EMG solderless system. I have rewired several 'traditionally wired' guitars and didn't feel intimated or confused but there's no denying the plug-n-play system here is pretty convenient. Also, I have heard people say these don't clean up well. That is simply not true. They may surprise you in how well they can play clean tones. There are some review videos out there that demonstrate this.

  • Awesome Pickups by EMG

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byAndrew

    fromPacoima, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great product by EMG, perfect for what I'm going for. I've been wanting a pair of EMG's for a long time now, and I can finally afford to put them on my guitar.

  • Chuggy!

    4

    submitted4 years ago

    byChristopher E.

    fromAlbany Ny

    Great, high gain pick-up. The neck is bluesy, warm and cozy. The bridge is aggressive and thick. However, because it has passive properties, it's noisier than one is used in an active pick-up. Get a noise gate, if you don't already have one, you'll be golden! Also, the installation was so easy and almost completely solderless. Only the connection to the toggle/selector switch requires soldering. I made my installation 100% solderless by also getting an EMG toggle switch kit.

  • EMG + Hetfield = \m/

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byAlbert

    fromundisclosed

    Exceeded expectations.

  • great sounding pickups

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byBob

    fromWest Fork, AR

    I installed these in my left handed schecter omen 6, I really like the sound, and they make the guitar look better. Overall great quality, easy to install. I highly recommend for anyone wanting the James Hetfield sound.

  • two thumbs up

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byMichael

    fromundisclosed

    I bought these to install in my schecter omen 6 lefty, they greatly improved the sound of my guitar. I highly recommend these.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked bySteve

    fromCovina

    Do these pickups come with everything to install them. Like the wiring kit and switch etc. or just the pickups.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes:2 25K VOLUME POT 2 25K TONE POT 1 BATTERY BUS 1 STEREO OUTPUT JACK 1 TWO PICKUP IN/OUT BUS 2 PAIR MOUNTING SCREWS AND SPRINGS 2 PICKUP CABLES 4 CONNECT CABLES 1 OUTPUT CABLE 1 BATTERY CABLE

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJV

    fromHuntsville, AL

    Can you install them in a guitar that currently has passive pickups?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Yes. You should speak to a guitar tech.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byChuck

    fromLackawanna NY

    How do you measure to make sure of compatibility and also are these pickups passive?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Side to side. They're passive.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJason

    fromAtlanta

    Can you wire these with just a master volume and master tone?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    In a case like this we recommend having a qualified guitar tech look at the guitar

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byDallas

    fromSherwood Oregon

    Would these work in a Les Paul Custom? And if so is there everything here needed to change it?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    It hasn’t been tested but it probably will. In a case like this we recommend having a qualified guitar tech look at the guitar

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byParker

    fromPreston idaho

    If I want to swap out active pickups that are already in my guitar do I have to switch out all of the electronics or can I switch just the pickups?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    In a case like this we recommend having a qualified guitar tech look at the guitar

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJase Blanchard

    fromundisclosed

    Are there different color options and what color are these

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    These pickups are "Black Nickel plated finish".

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byHugh

    fromAlabama

    Are these pickups Active or Passive? Gotta know if I need to make a place for batteries. Thanks

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    These are active pickups.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byGreg

    fromPueblo colorado

    So since they are active they will require a 9v battery correct?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, these pickups would require a 9 volt battery.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byChris

    fromSyracuse New York

    Do you have these in Black?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order placement
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