EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3306
Description
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tones with a clean noise floor ideal for studio tracking and mixing. Its long shaft design and ivory finish integrate seamlessly into modern instrument aesthetics while delivering the clarity and punch that defines active pickup performance. Built for home studio sessions and professional recording work demanding tight, controlled response across high-gain applications.
Active Electronics & Noise Performance
This pickup operates on a 9V battery with exceptional 3000-hour battery life, ensuring years of reliable use between replacements. The -100 dBV output noise specification maintains transparency and definition even at extreme gain settings, while the 3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak output delivers muscular signal without unwanted compression or degradation—critical for capturing dynamic performances that translate clearly to tape or DAW.
Construction & Connectivity
The ceramic magnet is housed in epoxy with shielded design and an encased preamp for maximum rejection of electromagnetic interference—essential for minimizing hum and noise in the recording chain. The Quik-Connect™ cable system simplifies installation and wiring, while the included prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs provide a complete ready-to-install package for quick studio setup.
Key Features
- Long shaft active humbucker design
- Ivory color finish
- Ceramic magnet with shielded construction
- Output voltage: 3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak
- Output noise: -100 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Current draw: 80 µA at 9V
- Resonant frequency: 1630 Hz
- EMG Quik-Connect™ cable included
- Prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
- Complete installation hardware included
The EMG 81 combines proven active pickup technology with low-noise performance and straightforward installation, making it the standard choice for studio-grade instruments that demand clean, articulate high-output tones across metal, hard rock, and progressive recording sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 active humbucker is the go-to pickup for recording high-gain metal, hard rock, and progressive tracks where articulation and low noise matter most. Its 3.00V RMS output and -100 dBV noise floor keep your signal clean and defined even when stacking distortion, while the 1630 Hz resonant frequency sits perfectly in modern heavy-music mixes. The Quik-Connect™ system and complete prewired controls make studio swaps fast, letting you focus on tracking instead of wiring.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 81 designed for?
The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music, especially in drop tunings and high-gain applications. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk playing.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time before replacement is needed, translating to years of reliable use for most players.
What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The pickup includes a prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, Quik-Connect™ cable, screws, springs, and all necessary hardware. The Quik-Connect™ system simplifies wiring, making installation straightforward for intermediate to advanced players.
How does the EMG 81 compare to passive humbuckers?
Active pickups like the 81 deliver higher output voltage (3.00V RMS), significantly lower noise (-100 dBV), and tighter, more controlled response at extreme gain levels compared to passive designs. The trade-off is battery dependency and a more aggressive, modern character rather than organic warmth.
What makes the long shaft design important?
The long shaft design accommodates modern instrument builds and provides the ivory finish option for contemporary aesthetics while maintaining the same proven EMG 81 active tone and noise performance.
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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