EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4863
Description
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tone with exceptional clarity and minimal noise floor—essential for tracking heavy music and dense mix environments. The brushed gold finish provides visual distinction, while the long shaft design accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard pickup rings, expanding compatibility across different instrument builds. This is a straightforward, high-performance replacement pickup designed for cutting tone and session reliability in demanding recording applications.
Active Electronics & Output
The integrated X-Series preamp produces a punchy 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, delivering the aggressive response and feedback rejection that define EMG's signature character in the mix. A single 9V battery powers the circuitry, and the EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header simplifies installation and session prep without soldering.
Tone Characteristics & Pickup Design
Close-aperture dual-coil construction paired with ceramic and steel magnets and steel rail pole pieces generates tight, focused articulation with controlled sustain and minimal feedback—critical for tracking clean takes without unwanted resonance. The 1.72 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes midrange punch and clarity, allowing this pickup to cut through dense mixes with precision across varying tunings and string gauges.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with X-Series preamp for high-output, low-noise performance
- Dual-coil configuration with close-aperture coils for focused articulation
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Steel rail pole pieces for consistent string-to-string response
- 4.00V string output / 8.50V strum output voltage
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency for midrange emphasis and cutting tone
- Powered by single 9V battery
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header eliminates soldering
- 1/4 inch (6.35mm) mono output jack
- Long shaft design accommodates deeper cavities and custom ring setups
- Brushed gold finish for distinctive appearance
- Compatible with all EMG Active Pickups and accessories
The 81X remains a proven choice for recording and production work demanding high output, clarity, and reliability in heavy music tracking.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active humbucker engineered to deliver high-output, articulate tone with exceptional clarity and minimal noise—ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and djent with tight, controlled sustain and punchy midrange that sits perfectly in dense mixes. The 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output provide aggressive response and feedback rejection, while the solderless quick-connect system makes recording session swaps simple. Pick this if you're tracking heavy music and need a pickup that captures cutting definition and aggression without sympathy.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Djent, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High-output, aggressive, articulate, tight low end, midrange punch |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the long shaft design mean, and do I need it?
The long shaft accommodates guitars with deeper pickup cavities or non-standard pickup ring setups that standard short-shaft pickups won't fit. If your guitar has a recessed or custom pickup cavity, the long shaft ensures proper height and seating without modification.
Do I need to solder this pickup in?
No. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header eliminates soldering entirely, making installation straightforward and fast whether you're in the studio or swapping at a gig.
What's the battery requirement, and how long does it last?
The 81X runs on a single 9V battery. The description does not specify battery life, so contact the manufacturer or your retailer for typical runtime in active use.
Is the 81X good for blues or jazz?
The 81X is voiced for metal, hard rock, and djent—its aggressive, tight midrange and high output are not optimized for the smooth, articulate tone blues and jazz players typically seek. Consider alternatives designed for those genres.
How does the 81X compare to the EMG 85X?
Both are EMG X-Series active humbuckers; the 81X emphasizes articulation and clarity with a tighter midrange, while the 85X offers a larger coil aperture for a warmer, more open tone. The 81X is the sharper, more aggressive choice for cutting through dense mixes.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.