EMG

collapse expand iconDescription

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

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 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

collapse expand iconReviews

4.87

15 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters

Best Uses

  1. Practicing4
  2. Concerts3
  3. Back-Up1
  4. Channeling James Hetfield1

Cons

  1. Noisy1

Describe Yourself

  1. Novice2
  2. Experienced1
  3. Professional Musician1

Pros

  1. Easy To Use4
  2. Good Quality4
  3. Functional3
  4. Improves Sound3
  • Awesome Pickups by EMG

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months 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

    submitted3 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 BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byAlbert

    fromundisclosed

    Exceeded expectations.

  • great sounding pickups

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 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 BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 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.

  • Definitely worth the money!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byRiff the Master

    fromMA

    The best AnD biggest sound I've gotten from EMG! Awesome product...

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collapse expand iconQ&A

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

  • asked bySteve

    fromCovina

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

    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
  • asked byJV

    fromHuntsville, AL

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

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

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

    fromLackawanna NY

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

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

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

    fromAtlanta

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

    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
  • asked byDallas

    fromSherwood Oregon

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

    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
  • 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?

    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
  • asked byJase Blanchard

    fromundisclosed

    Are there different color options and what color are these

    Are there different color options and what color are these

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

    fromAlabama

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

Thanks

    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.
  • asked byGreg

    fromPueblo colorado

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

    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.
  • asked byChris

    fromSyracuse New York

    Do you have these in Black?

    Do you have these in Black?

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