EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4312
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to deliver punch, clarity, and tight articulation in recording and live tracking sessions. This brushed gold variant captures the legendary EMG 81 character—focused fundamentals, controlled treble, and exceptional noise rejection—with a refined aesthetic that photographs well and complements modern instrument finishes. Built for studios and engineers tracking hard rock, metal, and contemporary styles where defined attack and mix separation matter.
Output & Electrical Performance
Running on a single 9V battery, the EMG 81 produces 3 V output on single strings and 4.5 V on strummed chords, with noise floor of -100 dBV at 60 Hz. A 1.63 KHz resonant frequency and 10 KOhm output impedance create the signature tight, articulate tone that sits cleanly in dense mixes without muddiness. Battery life reaches 3000 hours under typical use, and the pickup supports maximum supply voltage of 27 V DC for future expansion or modification.
Construction & Installation
Housed in epoxy with a ceramic magnet, the pickup measures 70 mm wide × 38 mm high with 23 mm mounting depth and 78 mm screw spacing. Solderless connections streamline installation and modification, and the included accessory kit—25k tone pot, 25k push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, and battery cable—provides everything needed for a straightforward wiring job in the studio or workshop.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Active design powered by single 9V battery
- 3000-hour battery life
- 3 V output on single strings, 4.5 V on strummed chords
- -100 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz
- 1.63 KHz resonant frequency
- 10 KOhm output impedance
- Solderless connections for simplified installation
- Epoxy-housed for durability
- Width 70 mm, height 38 mm, mounting depth 23 mm, screw spacing 78 mm
- Includes 25k tone pot, 25k push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all required cables
- Supports maximum supply voltage of 27 V DC
The EMG 81 remains the standard for capturing articulate, high-output active tones with minimal noise in the recording chain, and this brushed gold finish adds visual distinction to any instrument.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 Active Humbucker in Brushed Gold is a high-output studio pickup that excels at capturing tight, articulate tones in metal, hard rock, and progressive recording sessions. Its 3V single-string and 4.5V chord output, -100 dBV noise floor, and 1.63 KHz resonant frequency deliver punchy fundamentals and controlled treble that sit clearly in dense mixes without muddiness. Choose this if you're tracking aggressive styles and want a professional-grade, battery-powered active tone that records consistently across takes with minimal room noise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box?
The EMG 81 ships with a complete accessory kit: 25k tone pot, 25k push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, battery cable, and all mounting hardware. Everything needed for installation is included.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The EMG 81 achieves approximately 3000 hours of typical use on a single 9V battery, which translates to months of regular gigging or recording before replacement is needed.
Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?
No, the EMG 81 is optimized for metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles. Its high output, tight lows, and articulate response are engineered for aggressive tones and may not suit blues or jazz playing.
What are the physical dimensions and mounting specs?
The pickup measures 70 mm wide × 38 mm high with 23 mm mounting depth and 78 mm screw spacing. It uses a ceramic magnet housed in epoxy and features solderless connections for simplified installation.
How does the active design compare to passive pickups?
The EMG 81's active design delivers 3V output on single strings and 4.5V on strummed chords with a -100 dBV noise floor, providing high signal strength and minimal noise. This makes it ideal for cutting through dense mixes and maintaining clarity without external boost or noise gates.
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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