EMG4128 vs EMG4783 — Compare

EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra

The EMG P85 is a P90-style active pickup designed for blues, rock, and funk with vintage character and midrange warmth, while the EMG Fat 55 is a bridge humbucker built for hard rock, metal, and modern fusion with aggressive mids and controlled highs. Choose the P85 if you want classic P90 tone with modern reliability; choose the Fat 55 if you need a high-output bridge pickup optimized for heavy genres and articulate aggression.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black

$109.00
View EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black

EMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra

$109.00
View EMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra

Specs side by side

EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in BlackEMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra
Price$109.00$109.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black

  • ✓ P90-style character with warm midrange punch and harmonic richness
  • ✓ Fits standard P90 soapbar cavities for straightforward retrofitting
  • ✓ Solderless installation system eliminates soldering requirements
  • ✓ Excellent for blues, rock, and funk applications

Why choose EMG Fat 55 Bridge Long Shaft Retro Active Humbucker Pickup in Zebra

  • ✓ Higher output (4.0V per string) cuts through dense mixes without muddiness
  • ✓ Aggressive midrange presence with smooth, controlled treble definition
  • ✓ Exceptional battery life (approximately 715 hours per 9V cell)
  • ✓ Optimized bridge-position voicing for hard rock, metal, and modern fusion
Bottom line: Pick the P85 if you play blues, classic rock, or funk and want vintage P90 character in a modern active package. Pick the Fat 55 if you need a hard-hitting bridge humbucker for heavy genres with articulate, controlled response and extended battery longevity.

Frequently asked questions

Which pickup has higher output and cuts through a mix better?

The Fat 55 delivers 4.0V per string output with 8.0V maximum strum voltage, specifically designed for bridge-position aggression in dense mixes. The P85 provides midrange-focused output suitable for cutting through without aggressive push.

What's the main tonal difference between these two?

The P85 offers classic P90-style warmth with harmonic richness and vintage character ideal for blues and funk, while the Fat 55 emphasizes aggressive midrange presence combined with smooth, controlled treble definition for hard rock and metal.

Are both pickups solderless to install?

Yes, both use EMG's solderless installation system. The P85 fits standard P90 soapbar cavities; the Fat 55 is a bridge-position humbucker. Both include all necessary cables and connect to a standard 9V battery.

Which pickup is better for a beginner?

The P85 is listed as suitable for beginner through professional levels, while the Fat 55 starts at intermediate skill level. The P85's vintage P90 character and solderless install make it more accessible for players new to active pickups.

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