What's the difference between the EMG 81 and comparable pickups like the Seymour Duncan JB or DiMarzio D Activator?

The 81 is a fully active humbucker powered by a 9V battery, delivering 3.00V RMS output and a tight, articulate response centered at 1630 Hz—ideal for metal and high-gain work where clarity matters. The JB and D Activator are passive designs with different tonal characteristics; the 81's active circuit ensures consistent, high-output aggression across all gain levels without external boosting.

Will this fit my Les Paul or semi-hollow body guitar?

Yes. The long shaft (19 mm) is specifically designed for Les Paul-style instruments and guitars with deeper body cavities. The pickup measures 70 × 38 mm with 78 mm screw spacing, fitting standard humbucker routes in these platforms.

How long does the 9V battery last, and is installation complicated?

The battery powers the pickup for approximately 3000 hours of typical use. Installation is simple—the pickup features solderless 2-wire connection, making integration into most wiring schemes straightforward without requiring a soldering iron.

Is the EMG 81 good for genres outside metal and hard rock?

The 81's aggressive character, tight low-end response, and focused midrange are optimized for hard rock, metal, and thrash metal. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, where softer, more nuanced tones are typically preferred.

What output level should I expect?

The 81 delivers 3.00V RMS with a 4.50V peak output, providing high signal drive into any amplifier without needing an external booster. Its 10 kΩ impedance and -100 dBV noise floor ensure clear articulation even at extreme gain levels.

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.

EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker prized for its articulate, tight response and aggressive character in the studio and live rig alike. The long shaft configuration suits Les Paul-style instruments and similar platforms with deeper body cavities, delivering the signature EMG clarity and punch without compromise. This brushed black chrome finish variant provides a refined aesthetic while maintaining the electronics and performance that make the 81 a standard in hard rock, metal, and high-gain recording sessions.

Electronics & Output

Built on active circuitry powered by a single 9V battery, this pickup generates 3.00V RMS output (4.50V peak), driving any preamp or interface input with authority and requiring no external boosters in the signal chain. The 10 kΩ impedance and -100 dBV noise floor preserve articulation and note definition even at extreme gain staging, while the 1630 Hz resonant frequency centers the tone in the midrange where transient capture and harmonic detail cut through dense mixes. Battery life reaches approximately 3000 hours of typical use, and solderless 2-wire installation streamlines wiring and reduces session setup time.

Specifications & Installation

This humbucker measures 70 mm wide × 38 mm tall with a 23 mm mounting depth and 78 mm screw spacing—standard dimensions compatible with most humbucker cavities. The long shaft (19 mm) accommodates thicker body wood typical of Les Paul instruments, ensuring optimal coil-to-string distance for consistent recording performance. Ceramic magnet construction and the proven active design deliver the focused, high-gain tone the 81 has provided for decades across professional sessions and rigs.

Key Features

Active humbucker with ceramic magnet
3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak output voltage
10 kΩ impedance for high-gain clarity
-100 dBV noise floor
1630 Hz resonant frequency
Long shaft (19 mm) for Les Paul-style instruments
Powered by single 9V battery (3000-hour life)
Solderless 2-wire installation
70 × 38 mm dimensions, 78 mm screw spacing
Brushed black chrome finish

The EMG 81 Long Shaft remains a reliable, predictable choice for recording and tracking in the bridge or neck position, capturing the aggressive, well-defined tone that sits naturally in dense mixes.