EMG James Hetfield "HET" JH Sandblasted Active Pickup Set with F Spacing

In celebration of EMG’s 50th anniversary, the James Hetfield JH “HET” Sandblasted Active Pickup Set brings a brand-new look to one of metal’s most iconic tones. Featuring custom sandblasted stainless steel caps and F-spacing for modern trem-equipped guitars, this limited 2026-only set delivers the brutal clarity, tight low end and cutting attack that define Hetfield’s sound, while giving your guitar a distinctive, road-ready aesthetic.

Developed in close collaboration with James, the JH set takes inspiration from the pickups he relied on for three decades, then refines them into something far more focused and aggressive. The neck pickup offers more output, punch and low-end weight than a traditional EMG 60, while the bridge pickup retains the familiar precision of an 81 but with a cleaner, less congested bottom end. Whether you are chugging through down-tuned riffs or carving out articulate leads, this set is built to stay tight and defined under extreme gain.

As with all EMG active systems, the JH set is designed to be as practical as it is powerful. The included solderless wiring harness allows you to drop the pickups into your guitar with minimal fuss, making it easy to upgrade your tone without a trip to the tech. Low noise, consistent performance and rock-solid reliability make this a serious workhorse setup for touring players and studio regulars alike.

Only available in 2026, the sandblasted stainless steel finish adds a unique visual twist that looks as aggressive as it sounds. If you want the crushing rhythm tone and searing clarity associated with one of metal’s most influential guitarists, wrapped up in a limited-edition package, the EMG JH “HET” Sandblasted Active Pickup Set is a compelling choice.

James Hetfield Signature Tone

Voiced in collaboration with James Hetfield, the JH set captures the tight, percussive attack and commanding low end that define his rhythm work. It gives you the articulation needed for complex riffs and fast alternate picking, while still delivering the sheer weight required for modern metal.

Redesigned Neck and Bridge Voices

The JH-N neck pickup uses individual ceramic pole pieces with a larger, taller core than an EMG 60, resulting in more attack, higher output and a fuller low end. The JH-B bridge pickup uses the same core concept with steel pole pieces for a familiar tight response, but with reduced inductance for a cleaner, less muddy bass response.

Limited-Edition Sandblasted Stainless Steel Caps

The custom sandblasted stainless steel covers give the pickups a rugged, industrial aesthetic that stands out on stage and in the studio. Available only in 2026, this finish turns a classic EMG signature set into a collectible piece that visually matches its aggressive sonic character.

Solderless Active System

Supplied with EMG’s complete solderless install system, the JH set makes upgrading your guitar straightforward and reliable. Pre-wired pots, connectors and cables mean you can achieve professional results with minimal tools, while the active design ensures low noise and consistent performance at any volume.

• James Hetfield Signature JH Set - Designed around the pickups James used for 30 years, then refined into a more focused, aggressive voice that delivers his trademark tight rhythm tone and cutting clarity under high gain.
• Redesigned Neck and Bridge Pickups - The JH-N neck uses larger ceramic pole pieces for more attack and a fuller low end, while the JH-B bridge uses steel poles and lower inductance for a tight, articulate response with a cleaner bass.
• Sandblasted Stainless Steel Caps - Unique sandblasted stainless steel covers give the pickups a distinctive, hard-wearing look that complements modern metal guitars and is only available for a limited time.
• Complete Solderless Wiring Kit Included - EMG’s solderless install system provides all the pots, jack, bus and cables you need, making installation quick, clean and reversible without any soldering.

General

• Model: EMG James Hetfield “HET” JH Sandblasted Active Pickup Set
• Type: Active humbucker pickup set
• Positions: Neck (JH-N) and Bridge (JH-B)
• Spacing: F-spaced
• Cap Colour: Sandblasted stainless steel
• Set: Supplied as a matched neck and bridge pair

Construction and Voicing

• Neck Pickup: Individual ceramic pole pieces with larger, taller core than EMG 60
• Neck Voicing: Increased attack, higher output and fuller low end
• Bridge Pickup: Steel pole pieces with the same core type as the neck
• Bridge Voicing: Tight attack with reduced inductance for a cleaner low end

Included Solderless Wiring System

• 2 x 25k volume pots
• 2 x 25k tone pots
• 1 x battery bus
• 1 x stereo output jack
• 1 x two pickup in/out bus
• 2 x pairs of mounting screws and springs
• 2 x pickup cables
• 4 x connect cables
• 1 x output cable
• 1 x battery cable