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EMG P81 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory vs EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The P81 prioritizes high-end articulation and minimal noise for rock and metal, while the P85 emphasizes warm, dynamic midrange suited to blues, jazz, and studio work. Choose the P81 for aggressive modern styles; choose the P85 for versatile, tonally balanced playing across multiple genres.
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EMG P81 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG P81 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory | EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG P81 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Articulate high-end and defined attack ideal for rock and metal
- ✓ 1.63 MHz resonant frequency emphasizes brightness and clarity
- ✓ Ceramic magnet construction delivers aggressive tone character
- ✓ Extremely low noise floor at –91 dB maintains clarity at high gain
Why choose EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Warm, focused midrange with Alnico V magnets suits blues, jazz, and funk
- ✓ 1.87 MHz resonant frequency balances punch with musicality
- ✓ Dynamic responsiveness makes it excellent for studio and recording
- ✓ More versatile across genre boundaries than the P81
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for metal?
The P81 is explicitly designed for metal and hard rock, with ceramic magnets and a higher resonant frequency (1.63 MHz) that emphasizes articulate highs and defined attack—characteristics that cut through distortion and heavy riffs.
Can I use the P85 in rock or the P81 in blues?
The P85 handles rock well and includes rock in its intended genre list, making it more versatile. The P81 is not recommended for blues or jazz due to its aggressive voicing; the P85's Alnico magnets and warm midrange are much better suited to those styles.
What is the main tonal difference between them?
The P81 uses ceramic magnets and delivers punchy midrange with articulate, bright highs; the P85 uses dual Alnico V magnets and produces warm, focused midrange with smooth clarity. The P81 is more aggressive; the P85 is more musical and adaptable.
Are the electrical specs identical?
Both operate on 9V–27V, have 10 KOhm output impedance, and deliver approximately 3000 hours of battery life. The main electrical difference is resonant frequency: P81 at 1.63 MHz versus P85 at 1.87 MHz, affecting their tonal character and frequency response.