EMG Vs Seymour Duncan [Difference & Which is Better]

Electric guitar pickups are essential components that can significantly alter the guitar’s sound. Numerous manufacturers produce pickups; two of the most popular are EMG vs Seymour Duncan. When selecting the right pickup for your instrument, guitarists must take some factors into consideration.

Both of these brands have existed for decades and have gained reputations for their exceptional sound quality.

We will compare EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups and determine the more suitable option. We will analyze variables such as tone, build quality, and price to enable you to make the right choice.

Comparison Table:

EMG In-Detail Discussion –

Pickups from EMG combine high output with a clear sound, utilizing Alnico magnets. An active preamp boosts the signal and provides a distinctive sound, making them suitable for various musical genres ranging from metal to jazz.

Their tone is strong and clear, and the pickups yield a consistent sound throughout the fretboard. Although not everyone’s preferred pickups, EMG pickups are worth considering for their versatility & dependability.

Things We Liked / Pros:

• EMG pickups are renowned for their superior robustness, wide dynamic range & high output capabilities.
• Their functional design allows for accurate sound reproduction in even the noisiest of settings.
• These pickups are ideal for recording and live performances due to their low noise levels.
• It allows users to easily customize the sound to their own playing style.
• EMG pickups offer exceptional performance, reliability, and customizability.

Things We Didn’t Like / Cons:

• Installation of a battery into the guitar is a requirement for EMG pickups, making the setup process more complex and costly.
• The tonal range produced by EMG pickups is more restricted than traditional pickups.
• Adjustment and modification of EMG pickups are more complex than traditional pickups. Thus they offer less versatility and more limited scope for customization.

Seymour Duncan In-Detail Discussion –

Pickups by Seymour Duncan are famous for their versatility and sound range. Seymour Duncan has a solution for every musician, from single-coil and humbucker to stacked with active pickups.

Moreover, they come in various price points, so users can find a pickup to suit their budget. As such, Seymour Duncan pickups are a prime choice for any guitarist looking to achieve a wide range of tones.

Things We Liked / Pros:

• Seymour Duncan pickups boast tonal versatility, making them popular for musicians.
• It is famous for its high output and clarity, with a reputation for superior sound quality and craftsmanship.
• This makes them optimal for capturing all the nuances of an instrument’s sound.
• Players also benefit from a wide dynamic range and a balanced frequency response, catering to various playing styles.
• With Seymour Duncan pickups, musicians can access an incredibly versatile range of tones.

Things We Didn’t Like / Cons:

• Pricing for Seymour Duncan pickups is high.
• Their sound can sometimes be too aggressive for some genres of music.
• The pickups may require more adjustments to the tone knob & other controls to get a tone that best suits the player’s style.
• Seymour Duncan pickups are that they can be difficult to install & require some knowledge of guitar wiring.

Difference Between EMG Vs Seymour Duncan Pickup:

1) Sound system –

The sound qualities of an electric guitar are determined by the strings, pickups, and sound system employed. EMG pickups are famous for their functional design, which necessitates an external power source for increased output and clarity compared to passive pickups.

Conversely, Seymour Duncan pickups offer a passive design that generates warm, mellow tones. With powerful amps, EMG pickups provide the fullest benefit of their higher output. For the warmer tones of Seymour Duncan, pickups are advised to use lower-wattage amps.

2) Tone versatility –

The tonal versatility of EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups differs significantly. EMG pickups offer a broad range of tones, ranging from bright, treble sounds to deep, booming sounds suitable for heavier music genres. Their active circuitry and onboard preamps further broaden their tonal range and enable easy tone manipulation.

Conversely, Seymour Duncan pickups provide a more formal, classic tone better suited for blues, classic rock, and country music. However, they lack the versatility of EMG pickups and do not offer the same level of tonal control.

3) Noise reduction capabilities –

EMG pickups are well-known for their noise-reduction capabilities due to their functional design. The 9V battery powering the pickups results in a stronger signal, thus effectively eliminating any unwanted noise or hum. Seymour Duncan pickups are passive, resulting in a weaker signal and increased susceptibility to interference.

Consequently, additional noise-reduction equipment may be necessary to achieve optimal performance when using Seymour Duncan pickups.

4) Magnetic system –

The magnetic system is a significant aspect to consider during the selection process between EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups. EMG pickups are active and require a 9V battery, resulting in higher output than passive pickups.

Conversely, Seymour Duncan pickups are passive and do not require a battery for power, producing a lower output than EMG pickups, which some players prefer for their preferred tone. Ensure the desired output and tone; careful consideration should be taken before deciding.

5) Output level –

The output levels should be considered when comparing EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups. A higher output level indicates the pickup can amplify the string signal more.

Seymour Duncan pickups boast higher output levels than their EMG counterparts. Thus if a punchier, clearer sound is desired, Seymour Duncan is the more suitable option.

6) Durability –

Sturdy construction makes EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups durable. With EMG pickups, you can expect aggressive delivery coupled with robust components, resulting in a quality pickup that is built to last.

Seymour Duncan pickups are also known for their reliable construction and dependability. Both pickups are designed to sustain regular use & should remain functional for a long time.

7) Ease of installation –

Installation ease is important when deciding between EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups. EMG pickups are renowned for their simple installation process, with no soldering required in most cases. A screwdriver and a few minutes are necessary to install the pickup into the guitar.

On the other hand, Seymour Duncan pickups require soldering and may necessitate technical proficiency to ensure proper installation.

8) Price –

EMG pickups are typically more expensive than Seymour Duncan’s, though not by a significant margin. Both brands offer a broad selection of prices, enabling customers to select an appropriate option for their budget. This discrepancy in pricing is due to EMG’s incorporation of more advanced technology and materials in their pickups, as opposed to Seymour Duncan’s utilization of a more traditional design.

Nevertheless, both brands provide excellent quality products at every price point. Thus it is a matter of individual preference.

So, Which Should I Choose?

EMG Vs Seymour Duncan pickups both have their advantages and disadvantages. EMG pickups are more efficient, powerful, and noiseless, while Seymour Duncan pickups offer more versatility, character, and dynamics.

The choice of which pickup is better comes down to personal preference & what sound you want to achieve. Both pickups can help you create the sound you desire, so it comes down to your needs as a musician.

FAQs –

Question 1: Are EMG pickups any good?

Answer: EMG pickups are widely lauded as some of the highest-quality pickups available due to their expansive tonal range, from bright, incisive highs to smooth, mellow lows. The fact that they are so durable and consistent makes them an ideal option for musicians from all backgrounds.

Question 2: Are Emgs better than humbuckers?

Answer: This is subjective. Some people prefer the sound of humbuckers, while others prefer the sound of EMGs. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Question 3: What EMG pickups does Kirk Hammett use?

Answer: Kirk Hammett uses EMG 81 and 60 active pickups.

Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Perry Garner