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EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81 is a high-gain aggressor with tighter, more articulate bite optimized for metal and drop-tuned brutality, while the EMG 85 delivers balanced, refined output suited to versatile studio and modern rock work. Choose the 81 if you need maximum clarity and punch in extreme tunings; pick the 85 if you want a more controlled, musical voice across multiple contexts.
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EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Extremely tight low end with aggressive clarity ideal for metal and drop tunings
- ✓ Slightly lower noise floor at −91 dBV provides ultra-clean operation
- ✓ More compact resonant frequency (2.25 kHz) emphasizes attack and articulation
Why choose EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Higher overall output (3.10 V RMS vs 1.25 V) gives more headroom and punch
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet yields warmer, more musical midrange suitable for studio and modern rock
- ✓ Lower noise floor at −101 dBV offers even cleaner signal with balanced dynamics
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup has higher output?
The EMG 85 produces 3.10 V RMS compared to the 81's 1.25 V RMS, making it significantly hotter and better suited to pushing amp fronts and sustaining notes in studio contexts.
Are these pickups suitable for beginners?
The EMG 81 targets intermediate to professional players seeking high-gain clarity, while the EMG 85 explicitly lists beginner as an appropriate skill level, making it more forgiving and musically versatile for less experienced players.
What is the main tonal difference?
The 81 prioritizes aggressive clarity and attack with a higher resonant frequency (2.25 kHz), while the 85's Alnico 5 magnet and lower resonant frequency (1870 Hz) deliver a more natural, refined midrange better suited to balanced recording and modern applications.
Do both require soldering during installation?
Both pickups feature solderless connections and include prewired control sets, making installation straightforward with no desoldering required. Both have 3000-hour battery life and identical current draw at 80 µA.