EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3417
Description
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81 is a workhorse active humbucker that captures articulate, high-output aggression with a vanishingly low noise floor—essential for layering dense arrangements and maintaining clarity in the mix even at extreme gain settings. Its compact footprint and solderless connections enable rapid swaps during session work, while the gold finish pairs naturally with darker instrument finishes. This pickup excels in recording hard rock, metal, and high-gain productions where controlled dynamics and punch cut through without muddying adjacent tracks.
Electronics & Power
Powered by a single 9V battery with a rated life of 3000 hours, this active design produces 1.25 volts RMS and 1.75 volts peak output with an extremely low output noise floor of −91 dBV. Current draw sits at 80 microamps @ 9V, ensuring long service intervals between battery changes even in regular studio use, minimizing session interruptions.
Recording & Installation
The ceramic magnet construction and solderless connections allow quick installation and mid-session swaps without requiring desoldering tools or downtime. Mounting dimensions of 70 mm width × 38 mm height × 23 mm depth with 78 mm screw spacing fit standard bridge positions, and the included Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs provide a complete setup for immediate tracking and experimentation across multiple instruments.
Key Features
- RMS Output Voltage: 1.25 volts
- Peak Output Voltage: 1.75 volts
- Output Noise: −91 dBV
- Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
- Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Resonant Frequency: 2.25 kHz
- 9V battery powered with 3000-hour battery life
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Solderless connections
- Gold cap finish
- Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired controls, output jack, and battery clip set
- Width: 70 mm; Height: 38 mm; Depth: 23 mm; Screw spacing: 78 mm
The EMG 81 Long Shaft remains a reliable choice for producers and engineers tracking high-gain material, delivering controlled, articulate output without noise interference that compromises mix integrity.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 Long Shaft is a high-output active humbucker engineered to cut through dense mixes with articulate, aggressive tone and minimal noise interference—perfect for tracking heavy music and high-gain sessions. Its 1.25V RMS output and −91 dBV noise floor ensure clean, punchy recordings even when stacked in aggressive guitar chains, and the solderless connections streamline integration into any recording setup. Pick it for controlled, defined aggression that translates clearly to tape or digital.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ High-Gain
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included, and do I need special tools to install it?
The EMG 81 ships with a Quik-Connect cable, prewired split-shaft volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs—everything needed for a complete install. Solderless connections eliminate the need for desoldering tools, making retrofit or swap straightforward for intermediate players and beyond.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery is rated for 3000 hours of service life with 80 microamps current draw, meaning regular playing sessions will yield months of use before replacement is needed.
Is the EMG 81 suitable for styles outside metal and hard rock?
The EMG 81 is optimized for metal, hard rock, high-gain, and drop-tuning applications; it is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk genres where its aggressive, articulate character and high output may not suit the tonal goals.
Will the EMG 81 fit my guitar's bridge position?
The pickup has a 78 mm screw spacing and mounting dimensions of 70 mm width × 38 mm height × 23 mm depth, fitting standard bridge positions on most electric guitars; verify your guitar's bridge cavity dimensions before ordering if you have an unusual or offset setup.
How does the EMG 81 compare to other high-output pickups?
The EMG 81 offers 1.25V RMS output with a −91 dBV noise floor and 2.25 kHz resonant frequency, delivering controlled clarity in aggressive settings; similar alternatives include the Seymour Duncan JB Jr., DiMarzio Fusion Edge, and EMG 85, each with slightly different frequency responses and output characteristics suited to different gain structures.
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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