EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3413
Description
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive modern tones with tight, articulate response and excellent sustain for tracking and mixing applications. This long shaft variant accommodates deeper pickup cavities while maintaining the solid construction and noise rejection that define EMG's professional-grade pickups. The ceramic magnet design produces punchy mids and controlled treble, cutting through dense arrangements in metal, hard rock, and high-gain session work.
Tone & Electronics for Tracking
Active electronics powered by a single 9V battery provide consistent output and superior noise rejection across extended recording sessions, with a measured output voltage of 8.50V on strum delivering articulate definition across the frequency spectrum. The 1.72 kHz resonant frequency and -105 dB noise floor ensure clarity and definition even at high gain settings, while an output impedance of 2.00 kΩ maintains clean signal transmission to your interface and DAW.
Studio Installation & Compatibility
Constructed with a ceramic magnet core and finished in black, the 81X features solderless connectors for quick, tool-free installation that minimizes downtime during instrument setup. Dimensions of 70 mm width × 38 mm height with 78 mm mounting screw spacing ensure compatibility with standard humbucker routing, while the 23 mm mounting depth accommodates deeper cavities characteristic of the long shaft configuration.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with ceramic magnet
- Long shaft design for deep pickup cavities
- Output voltage: 8.50V strum / 4.00V string
- Resonant frequency: 1.72 kHz
- Output noise: -105 dB (60Hz)
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Solderless connectors for fast installation
- Width: 70 mm / Height: 38 mm / Depth: 23 mm
- Mounting screw spacing: 78 mm
- Made in USA
The EMG 81X delivers the aggressive tone and rock-solid reliability expected from EMG's active designs, proven across decades of professional studio and live recording applications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active humbucker designed to capture aggressive, articulate tones in modern recording sessions, delivering a 8.50V output with a -105 dB noise floor that stays clean even under extreme gain. Its tight low end and punchy midrange sit well in dense mixes, and the solderless connector makes swift installation between tracking takes. Pick this if you're recording high-gain genres and need a pickup that translates definition and punch to tape without unwanted hum or feedback.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ High-Gain Playing
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does long shaft mean, and will it fit my guitar?
The long shaft design accommodates deeper pickup cavities (23 mm mounting depth) than standard humbuckers, making it ideal for guitars with routed routes or custom builds. Standard humbucker routing dimensions (70 mm width, 78 mm screw spacing) apply, so measure your cavity depth before ordering.
How long does the 9V battery last?
EMG rates battery life at approximately 3000 hours of playing time on a single 9V battery, which translates to roughly 6 months of regular daily use. Solderless connectors make battery swaps quick and tool-free.
Is the EMG 81X good for blues or jazz?
No—this pickup is engineered for metal, hard rock, and high-gain styles. Its aggressive ceramic magnet voicing, tight low end, and punchy mids are optimized for drop tunings and extreme overdrive, not the smooth, warm tones blues and jazz players seek.
How does the 81X compare to other high-output pickups?
The 81X competes with the Seymour Duncan JB, Fishman Fluence Modern, and DiMarzio D Activator. Its active electronics and -105 dB noise floor give it an edge in noise rejection and consistency across gain settings, though some players prefer passive designs for darker, less compressed tone.
Will the 81X stay clean at extreme gain settings?
Yes—the active 9V circuit, ceramic magnet design, and 2.00 kΩ output impedance are built to maintain articulate definition and reject hum even under high-gain playing. The 1.72 kHz resonant frequency and low noise floor ensure clarity without feedback.
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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