EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4211
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 81 is a workhorse active humbucker engineered for capturing aggressive, articulate tones with minimal noise—essential for modern rock, metal, and high-gain production work. Its compact footprint and solderless installation system streamline integration into existing instruments or new builds, while the included prewired controls eliminate complex soldering on most retrofits. Black chrome finish delivers professional aesthetics with durable stainless steel construction.
Recording & Mix Performance
A resonant frequency of 1.63 KHz and ceramic/steel magnet combination produce tight, focused response that cuts through dense mixes and sits cleanly in high-gain tracks. Output peaks at 4.5 V on strum with exceptionally low noise at –100 dB (60 Hz), delivering transparent amplification through tracking chains and allowing maximum headroom for digital recording and processing without hum or unwanted artifacts.
Construction & Studio Reliability
Close-aperture coils sit beneath a genuine stainless steel cap, protecting the ceramic magnets and ensuring consistent performance across tracking sessions and overdubs. The solderless installation system and EMG Quik-Connect cable reduce setup and troubleshooting time in the studio, while maintaining professional-grade shielding and signal integrity for clean direct input or amplifier tracking.
Key Features
- Close-aperture coils with ceramic magnets in real stainless steel cap
- Magnet Type: C/S (Ceramic/Steel)
- Resonant Frequency: 1.63 KHz
- Output Voltage (String): 3 V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5 V
- Output Noise (60 Hz): –100 dB
- Output Impedance: 10 KOhm
- Current at 9 V: 80 MA
- Battery Life: 3000 Hours
- Maximum Supply: 27 V DC
- Includes 25K Volume Pot, 25K Tone Pot, output jack, battery clip, mounting screws and springs, and connection cables
- Solderless installation with EMG Quik-Connect cable and prewired split-shaft control set
The EMG 81 combines low-noise active electronics, robust construction, and streamlined installation into a pickup system relied upon in studios and live rigs for over four decades of demanding tracking and performance work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a studio-grade active humbucker that cuts through high-gain mixes with articulate attack and tight low end, ideal for tracking metal, progressive, and modern rock sessions. Its 4.5 V output and exceptionally low noise floor (–100 dB) sit cleanly in dense productions without hum, while the compact footprint works in virtually any guitar cavity. Built for capturing aggressive, focused tones that stay definition-rich even in thick arrangements.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ High-Gain Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 81 and other high-output pickups like the Seymour Duncan JB or DiMarzio D-Sonic?
The EMG 81 is an active pickup requiring a 9 V battery, which delivers exceptionally low noise (–100 dB) and consistent output regardless of cable length or impedance—a key advantage in studio and live high-gain chains. The JB and D-Sonic are passive pickups with higher impedance and more vintage character; the 81 prioritizes modern clarity and feedback rejection.
Does this require soldering to install?
No. The EMG 81 uses EMG's solderless Quik-Connect cable system and comes with prewired volume and tone controls, eliminating complex soldering on most guitar builds. You'll still need basic wiring knowledge or professional installation if your guitar cavity requires routing.
What genres and tunings is the EMG 81 best suited for?
The 81 excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning applications where tight low end and articulate attack matter. It's not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk—those styles benefit from warmer, more open-voiced pickups.
How long does the 9 V battery last?
Battery life is approximately 3000 hours at 9 V supply, which typically translates to several months of regular playing before replacement is needed. The pickup includes a battery clip for easy swaps.
What comes in the box?
The EMG 81 includes the pickup itself, a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, output jack, battery clip, mounting screws and springs, EMG Quik-Connect cable, and connection cables—everything needed for installation on most guitars.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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