EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2040
Description
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tone with exceptional clarity and sustain in the recording chain. This covered design delivers the focused character essential for rock, metal, and hard rock tracking, offering tight low-end response and defined midrange punch that anchors a dense mix. The long shaft variant accommodates thicker guitar bodies and deeper mounting depths without compromising output or reliability, making it adaptable across diverse session builds.
Tone & Output Character
The 81 produces a 1.25V RMS output with 1.75V peak voltage and a 2.25 kHz resonant frequency, delivering focused midrange aggression and reduced feedback through the signal chain. The ceramic magnet with steel bar pole pieces construction yields a direct, articulate response with strong string definition and minimal natural resonance—ideal for precise tracking and layering in the DAW.
Installation & Power
Solderless 2-wire installation streamlines wiring in any session setup, while the active circuit runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptionally long 3000-hour battery life and minimal 80 microamp current draw, eliminating frequent battery swaps during extended recording sessions. The 10 Kohm output impedance and -91 dBV noise floor ensure clean, transparent signal transmission to any preamp, amplifier, or audio interface.
Key Features
- Long shaft design for deeper mounting depths and thicker guitar bodies
- Active humbucker with ceramic magnet and steel bar pole pieces
- 1.25V RMS output voltage / 1.75V peak output voltage
- 2.25 kHz resonant frequency for focused midrange response
- 10 Kohm output impedance
- -91 dBV output noise floor
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- 80 microamp current draw at 9V
- Covered design in black
- Solderless 2-wire plus battery installation
- 70 mm width × 38 mm height × 23 mm mounting depth
- 78 mm mounting screw spacing
- Made in USA
The EMG 81 delivers the aggressive, focused tone and reliable active electronics that have made it the choice for professional tracking and high-gain session work across decades of studio records.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 Long Shaft is a studio-ready high-output active humbucker that captures aggressive, articulate tone with focused midrange and controlled lows, ideal for hard rock, metal, and modern rock tracking. Its tight, defined response sits clean in dense mixes without feedback, and the long shaft design accommodates any recording guitar body while delivering the clarity and sustain needed for layered, high-gain productions. Active electronics ensure consistent output and noise performance across sessions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Djent
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'long shaft' mean, and does my guitar need it?
The long shaft variant accommodates thicker guitar bodies and deeper mounting depths without compromising output or reliability. If your guitar has a body deeper than standard or uses non-standard bridge routing, the long shaft design ensures proper installation and performance.
Is this pickup good for genres other than metal and hard rock?
The EMG 81 is specifically engineered for metal, hard rock, rock, and djent applications. Its high output, focused midrange, and tight lows are not well-suited to jazz, blues, or folk styles, where warmer, more resonant tones are typically preferred.
How long does the battery last, and how do I know when to replace it?
The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time with minimal 80 microamp current draw. Most players change the battery once or twice per year depending on use; you'll notice tone loss or signal drop as the battery weakens.
Do I need soldering skills to install this pickup?
No. The EMG 81 features solderless 2-wire installation plus battery connector, making setup straightforward in any wiring scheme without specialized tools or experience.
How does the EMG 81 compare to other high-output pickups like the Seymour Duncan JB or DiMarzio D Activator?
The EMG 81 is active (battery-powered) rather than passive, offering lower noise, more consistent output, and tighter frequency response. It delivers a more focused, midrange-aggressive character with reduced feedback compared to passive designs, making it a preferred choice for high-gain studio and live work.
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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