EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3467
Description
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tone with exceptional clarity and sustain in the studio. The long shaft design accommodates Les Paul–style guitars, and the polished chrome finish pairs visual sophistication with proven performance. This pickup delivers the tight, focused character essential for tracking modern metal and hard rock productions with definition and punch.
Tone & Recording Character
With a resonance frequency of 2.25 kHz, the 81 produces controlled midrange aggression and reduced feedback—critical for high-gain tracking and mix clarity. Peak output reaches 1.75 V and RMS output sits at 1.25 V, generating the articulate attack and compression that anchor this pickup's signature response across bridge and neck positions, translating consistently to tape or DAW.
Design & Build
The ceramic magnet core with close aperture coils and stainless steel cap (polished mirror finish) is housed in durable epoxy construction for reliability and tonal consistency across sessions. The long shaft (19mm) geometry fits Les Paul and similar platforms, while 2-conductor wiring simplifies installation and modification work in the studio setup.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnets with close aperture coils
- Stainless steel cap with polished mirror finish
- Epoxy housing for durability
- Long shaft design (19mm) for Les Paul–style guitars
- Active circuitry (9V battery required)
- Peak output: 1.75 V
- RMS output: 1.25 V
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Resonance frequency: 2.25 kHz
- Current consumption: 80 µA at 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Includes solderless install system, potentiometers, output socket, battery clip set, screws, and springs
The EMG 81 combines professional-grade electronics, straightforward installation, and the recording-proven tonal character that has made it an industry standard for capturing high-impact performances across four decades.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a studio-ready active humbucker that captures aggressive, articulate tone with controlled midrange and tight low-end punch—ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and drop-tuned material. Its high output (1.75 V peak) and focused character sit forward in heavy mixes and print clearly without feedback even at extreme gain. Install it in a Les Paul–style guitar to add professional-grade clarity and sustain to your tracking sessions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar models does the long shaft design fit?
The 19mm long shaft is designed for Les Paul–style guitars and similar platforms that use longer pickup mounting posts. Check your guitar's specifications before ordering if you are unsure of your shaft length requirement.
Does this pickup require a battery, and how long does it last?
Yes, the EMG 81 is an active pickup that requires a single 9V battery, which lasts approximately 3000 hours of use. The package includes a battery clip set for straightforward installation.
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 81 best suited for?
The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications where high output, tight response, and reduced feedback are priorities. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk styles that depend on nuanced dynamic response and natural resonance.
Does the pickup come with everything needed for installation?
Yes, the package includes a solderless install system, potentiometers, output socket, battery clip set, screws, and springs. The solderless system simplifies wiring and modification.
How does the EMG 81 compare to other high-output humbuckers?
The EMG 81's 1.75 V peak output and 2.25 kHz resonance frequency deliver controlled midrange aggression and clarity comparable to competitors like the Seymour Duncan JB and DiMarzio D Activator, with the added benefit of active electronics that reduce feedback and improve sustain.
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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