EMG 81 Long Shaft 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
- EMG4595
Description
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tones with an exceptionally low noise floor—critical for studio recording where clean signal integrity matters. Its ceramic magnet construction and solderless connectivity make it a straightforward retrofit into any humbucker route, while the long shaft design accommodates modern guitar controls without modification.
Recording Character & Signal Performance
This pickup delivers 1.75 volts peak output with a 2.25 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange presence and upper harmonic clarity, translating to defined, cutting tones in the mix. The -91 dBV output noise specification ensures pristine signal integrity even during high-gain tracking and overdubs, preserving transparency across gain stages and DSP chains.
Studio Installation & Workflow
The long shaft (19mm) configuration integrates with the included 25k tone and 25k volume potentiometers, both long shaft, for rapid, hassle-free installation. Solderless construction and a comprehensive wiring kit—including battery bus, output jack, pickup bus, cables, and mounting hardware—eliminate setup complexity and get your instrument session-ready without requiring soldering expertise.
Key Features
- Resonant Frequency: 2.25 kHz
- Peak Output Voltage: 1.75 volts
- RMS Output Voltage: 1.25 volts
- Output Noise: -91 dBV
- Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
- Current Draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Battery Life: 3000 hours
- Ceramic magnet construction with covered design
- Long shaft design (19mm) with 78mm mounting screw spacing
- Solderless 2-wire connectivity
- Includes 25k tone and 25k volume potentiometers (long shaft)
- Complete wiring kit: battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus, cables, and mounting hardware
The EMG 81 combines low noise performance with the tight, punchy character that defines modern active humbucker tone—a production workhorse for tracking and layering.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 delivers 1.75 volts of high-output, low-noise signal perfect for recording aggressive rock and metal with minimal post-processing cleanup. Its 2.25 kHz resonance emphasizes midrange presence and upper harmonic detail, sitting naturally in dense mixes without muddiness. The solderless architecture and included long-shaft potentiometers make it a quick retrofit into any session guitar, and its -91 dBV noise floor keeps gain-heavy overdubs clean and articulate.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box, and do I need to solder?
The EMG 81 includes the pickup itself, a pair of 25k long-shaft potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus, connecting cables, and all mounting hardware. It uses solderless 2-wire connectivity, so no soldering is required—plug the included wiring kit together and mount.
What genres and tunings is this pickup best for?
The EMG 81 is designed for metal, hard rock, djent, and drop tunings where high gain and tight low-end articulation are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which favor warmer, more dynamic pickup characteristics.
How does the EMG 81 compare to other high-output active pickups?
The EMG 81 delivers 1.75 volts peak output with a -91 dBV noise floor and a tight midrange focus, making it comparable to the Seymour Duncan JB, DiMarzio D-Activator, and Fishman Fluence Modern. Its solderless design and included potentiometers set it apart for quick installation without modification.
Will this pickup fit my guitar without modifications?
Yes, the long-shaft design (19mm) with 78mm mounting screw spacing works in any standard humbucker route. The included long-shaft potentiometers fit modern guitar controls without modification, making installation straightforward.
How long does the battery last, and what's the noise performance like?
Battery life is rated at 3000 hours on a 9V supply (drawing only 80 microamps). The -91 dBV output noise specification ensures a clean signal even at high gain, making it ideal for heavy styles where noise rejection is critical.
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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