EMG 81X 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
- EMG3316
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81X captures aggressive, high-output tone with tight articulation and minimal noise—a workhorse active humbucker engineered for recording heavy riffs and sharp note definition through any mix. This gold-finished bridge pickup pairs ceramic and steel magnets with X-Series preamp circuitry for punchy midrange and controlled sustain that cuts through dense arrangements. The solderless quick-connect system streamlines swaps between tracking sessions or studio demos.
Output & Recording Tone
At 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, the 81X generates substantial signal without muddy low end, with a 1.72 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes upper-midrange clarity and definition—ideal for capturing clean articulation in high-gain tracking and ensuring each note sits distinctly in the mix. This output level translates well across modern rock, metal, and heavy styles where precision and separation are critical to the final stereo image.
Design & Studio Workflow
Steel rails replace individual pole pieces, reducing microphonic feedback during recording while maintaining consistent string response across the fretboard for predictable takes. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header and included split shaft volume/active tone control set eliminates soldering, and a single 9V battery powers the active circuitry—enabling rapid pickup swaps between guitar setups or quick A/B comparisons without breaking session momentum.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with X-Series preamp
- Ceramic and steel magnets with steel rails
- 4.00V string output / 8.50V strum output
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin system
- Dual-coil humbucker with close aperture coils
- Standard humbucker mounting ring (bridge position)
- Includes split shaft volume/active tone control set
- Includes output jack and battery clip set
- Requires one 9V battery
- Gold finish
- Installation hardware included (screws and springs)
The 81X combines reliable active electronics, straightforward installation, and a tone optimized for precision and punch—delivering consistent, articulate recordings across bridge or neck positions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active bridge humbucker engineered for recording tight, articulate heavy music with minimal noise floor—perfect for metal, djent, and progressive rock sessions where punch and clarity matter. Its 4.00V output and upper-midrange emphasis sit well in dense mixes, and the X-Series preamp keeps sustain controlled and focused rather than washy. The solderless quick-connect and included controls make studio A/B testing and session tweaks fast and painless.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup good for metal and hard rock?
Yes—the 81X is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles. Its high output (4.00V string / 8.50V strum), tight low end, and upper-midrange emphasis deliver the articulate, aggressive tone and note separation those genres demand.
Do I need to solder this pickup?
No. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin system lets you install or swap the 81X without any soldering. The package includes the split shaft volume and active tone control set, output jack, battery clip, and all mounting hardware.
What powers the active electronics?
A single 9V battery powers the X-Series preamp circuitry. The included battery clip makes it simple to install and replace.
Will this work in bridge or neck position?
Yes, the 81X can work in either position and comes with standard humbucker mounting hardware. Many players use it as a bridge pickup for maximum output and clarity.
How does the 81X compare to the original EMG 81?
The 81X uses X-Series preamp circuitry and steel rails instead of individual pole pieces, reducing microphonic feedback while maintaining consistent response across the fretboard. It offers tighter control and cleaner articulation than the classic 81.
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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