EMG James Hetfield "HET" JH Sandblasted Active Pickup Set

Created to celebrate 50 years of EMG Pickups, the EMG James Hetfield HET JH Sandblasted Set takes the legendary JH tone and wraps it in a stunning, limited-run sandblasted stainless steel cap. Available only in 2026, this set delivers the razor-sharp attack, tight low end and crushing rhythm sound that defined modern metal, while giving your guitar a unique, road-ready aesthetic that looks as brutal as it sounds.

Both pickups are based on the active humbuckers James relied on for three decades, but EMG have re-engineered the internals to create something far more aggressive and articulate. With redesigned cores, ceramic and steel pole pieces and EMG’s active circuitry, the JH set gives you higher output, more punch and a fuller low end, all while keeping the noise floor low and your signal crystal clear on stage and in the studio.

Whether you are chasing Hetfield’s signature chug, need ultra-tight tracking for down-tuned riffs, or simply want a set of active pickups that cut through any mix, the JH Sandblasted Set delivers. The included solderless wiring system makes installation straightforward, so you can upgrade your guitar and be ready to hit the stage or studio with minimal downtime.

James Hetfield Signature Active Tone

The JH set is voiced around the pickups James used for 30 years, refined to give even more attack, clarity and authority. You get that unmistakable Hetfield rhythm sound with a powerful mid presence and tight, controlled bass, ideal for palm-muted riffs, fast alternate picking and precise metal rhythm work.

Redesigned JH-N Neck Pickup

The JH-N neck pickup uses individual ceramic pole pieces and taller bobbins with a larger core than an EMG 60. This design delivers more attack, higher output and a fuller low end in the neck position, so your leads stay articulate and your cleans remain clear, without turning muddy when you add gain.

Articulate JH-B Bridge Pickup

The JH-B bridge pickup shares the same core concept but swaps to steel pole pieces instead of the bar magnets used in an EMG 81. The result is a familiar tight attack with reduced inductance for a cleaner, more defined low end, helping complex chords and rapid riffs stay focused even under extreme distortion.

Limited Sandblasted Stainless Steel Finish

This 50th anniversary version features a custom sandblasted stainless steel cap that is only available in 2026. The rugged, industrial look makes any guitar stand out under stage lights, while the durable metal cover is built to handle the demands of regular gigging.

EMG Solderless Install System Included

The set comes complete with EMG’s solderless install system, including pots, jack, battery bus and all necessary cables. This allows you to drop the pickups into a compatible guitar without soldering, making the upgrade process faster and more accessible. Always check EMG’s pickup measurements against your existing pickups before purchasing.

• James Hetfield Signature JH Set - Voiced around the active pickups James used for three decades, refined for more punch, clarity and aggression. Ideal for players chasing that iconic metal rhythm sound with tight lows and cutting mids.
• Redesigned Neck and Bridge Voicings - The JH-N uses ceramic poles and a larger core for more attack and low-end weight, while the JH-B uses steel pole pieces for a tight, articulate response. Together they deliver a versatile yet focused set that excels with high gain.
• Limited 50th Anniversary Sandblasted Caps - Custom sandblasted stainless steel covers available only in 2026 give your guitar a distinctive, aggressive look that matches the sound, making this set a collectible upgrade for EMG and Hetfield fans.
• Complete EMG Solderless Wiring Kit - Supplied with EMG’s solderless install system, including pots, jack, battery bus and all cables, so you can fit the pickups with minimal tools and no soldering, reducing installation time and complexity.

General

• Model: EMG James Hetfield HET JH Sandblasted Set
• Pickup Type: Active humbucker set
• Positions: Neck (JH-N) and Bridge (JH-B)
• Cap Colour: Sandblasted stainless steel
• Availability: Limited to 2026

JH-N Neck Pickup

• Magnet Type: Ceramic pole pieces
• Construction: Individual ceramic poles with taller bobbins and larger core (patterned after EMG 60)
• Voicing: Higher output with increased attack and fuller low end
• Intended Position: Neck

JH-B Bridge Pickup

• Magnet Type: Steel pole pieces
• Construction: Same core concept with steel poles (in contrast to EMG 81 bar magnets)
• Voicing: Tight attack with reduced inductance for a cleaner low end
• Intended Position: Bridge

Included Solderless Components

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