EMG James Hetfield "HET" JH Sandblasted Active Pickup Set with LS Pots

In celebration of EMG’s 50th anniversary, the James Hetfield JH “HET” Sandblasted Active Pickup Set brings Hetfield’s signature sound together with a striking new look. Finished in a limited-run sandblasted stainless steel cap and supplied with EMG’s LS low-solder pots, this set delivers the brutal clarity, tight low end and cut-throat attack that made the original JH set an instant classic, while giving your guitar a unique, high-impact aesthetic that is only available in 2026.

Both pickups are based on the active humbuckers James relied on for three decades, but EMG have re-engineered the internals to create a more articulate, more dynamic and more powerful set. The neck pickup (JH-N) uses individual ceramic poles with a larger, taller core for increased output, added punch and a fuller low end, while the bridge pickup (JH-B) combines the same core material with steel pole pieces for a familiar razor-tight attack and a cleaner, less congested bass response. Whether you are chasing classic Hetfield rhythm tones, precise modern metal riffing or aggressive, cutting leads, this set is voiced to stay clear and controlled under extreme gain.

As with all EMG systems, installation is made straightforward thanks to the included solderless wiring components. The package includes LS 25k volume and tone pots, a stereo output jack, battery bus and all the cables you need to get up and running. Just make sure to check EMG’s pickup measurements against your existing pickups before purchasing to ensure a proper fit in your guitar.

Limited 50th Anniversary Sandblasted Finish

Created specifically to mark EMG’s 50th anniversary, this JH set features an all-new sandblasted stainless steel cap that immediately sets your guitar apart. The textured metal finish catches the light on stage and in the studio, giving a purposeful, battle-worn look that perfectly matches the aggressive tones on tap. Available only in 2026, it is an ideal choice if you want a collectible, visually distinctive upgrade.

Revoiced JH-N Neck Pickup

The JH-N neck pickup uses individual ceramic pole pieces and taller, larger cores than EMG’s classic 60 model. This design delivers more attack and higher output, so your neck position riffs and leads stay tight and defined rather than turning to mush. The fuller low end adds weight to chugs and single-note lines, while the active design keeps noise to a minimum for a focused, modern metal voice.

Tight, Articulate JH-B Bridge Pickup

For the bridge, the JH-B uses the same core material as the neck but swaps to steel pole pieces instead of the bar magnets found in an 81. This reduces inductance for a cleaner, less boomy low end while retaining the fast, percussive attack that EMG bridge pickups are known for. The result is a crushing rhythm tone that stays tight under palm mutes and complex down-picked patterns, ideal for Hetfield-inspired riffing and high-gain precision.

Complete Solderless Wiring Kit with LS Pots

The included EMG solderless install system, featuring LS 25k volume and tone pots, makes fitting the JH set as straightforward as possible. With plug-in connectors for the pickups, output jack, battery and controls, you can upgrade your guitar without traditional soldering work. This saves time, reduces installation errors and makes future pickup changes or troubleshooting much easier.

• Limited 2026 Sandblasted Stainless Steel Caps - The unique sandblasted stainless steel finish gives the pickups a rugged, industrial look that stands out visually while celebrating EMG’s 50th anniversary. Only available in 2026, it adds a sense of exclusivity and collectability to your guitar.
• High-Output JH-N Neck with Enhanced Low End - With individual ceramic poles and a larger, taller core, the JH-N neck pickup delivers more attack, output and low-end depth than a traditional EMG 60. This means tighter, more powerful neck tones that stay articulate for fast runs, cleans and high-gain rhythm work.
• Articulate JH-B Bridge with Clean, Tight Bass - The JH-B bridge pickup uses steel pole pieces and a refined core design to produce the familiar EMG tightness with less inductance. You get a cleaner, more controlled low end that keeps complex riffs clear and punchy, even with extreme distortion.
• EMG Solderless Install System with LS Pots Included - Supplied as a complete set with LS 25k volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack and all necessary cables, the JH set can be installed without soldering. This makes it easier to fit, reduces downtime and ensures a reliable, noise-free connection throughout your signal chain.

General

• Product: EMG James Hetfield “HET” JH Sandblasted Active Pickup Set with LS Pots
• Pickup Type: Active humbucker set
• Positions: Neck (JH-N) and Bridge (JH-B)
• Cap Colour: Sand Blasted stainless steel
• Setup: Set

Pickups

• Neck Pickup: EMG JH-N with individual ceramic pole pieces and enlarged, taller core
• Bridge Pickup: EMG JH-B with steel pole pieces and matching core material
• Voicing (Neck): Higher output, increased attack, fuller low end
• Voicing (Bridge): Tight attack, reduced inductance, cleaner low end

Included Wiring and Hardware

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

Additional Information

• Installation: EMG solderless system
• Compatibility: Check EMG pickup measurements against your existing pickups before purchasing
• Availability: Sandblasted cap version available in 2026