EMG 81X 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
- EMG3953
Description
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate tones with tight low-end response. Its long shaft design accommodates thicker guitar bodies and non-standard cavity depths, making it a reliable retrofit option for custom builds and semi-hollow instruments. The integrated preamp delivers consistent output and sustain regardless of playing dynamics, ensuring predictable tracking through your signal chain.
Tone & Recording Character
The 1.72 kHz resonant frequency and dual-coil configuration with close-aperture coils produce a focused, midrange-heavy character that cuts through dense mixes and high-gain tracking sessions. Output measures 4.00V string / 8.50V strum, providing plenty of signal to your audio interface or amp simulator without requiring additional boost stages in your DAW. A single 9V battery powers the internal preamp for up to one year at typical 8-hour daily use, while the included 25K volume and active tone potentiometers offer immediate on-instrument shaping control before hitting your preamp or interface.
Installation & Integration
The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header eliminates traditional wiring complexity, streamlining your instrument setup workflow. The pickup integrates via standard humbucker mounting rings without modification. Steel rail pole pieces deliver consistent magnetic coupling across the string span without individual pole piece adjustment, ensuring balanced capture across all strings during recording. The complete accessory kit—battery bus, output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, multiple connecting cables, and mounting hardware—covers most installation scenarios and reduces troubleshooting time.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with internal preamp
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Dual-coil close-aperture configuration
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency
- 4.00V string / 8.50V strum output voltage
- Long shaft design for deep or non-standard cavities
- Powered by 1 × 9V battery (up to one year @ 8 hours/day)
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header
- Steel rail pole pieces
- Includes 25K volume pot, 25K active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, cables, and mounting hardware
- Gold cap finish
- Standard humbucker mounting ring compatibility
The EMG 81X Long Shaft combines aggressive voicing with straightforward installation, delivering reliable high-output performance in guitars where standard pickup depths don't fit—ideal for tracking sessions demanding immediate tonal presence and circuit stability.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tones with controlled low-end and midrange emphasis—perfect for heavy music tracking and layered high-gain sessions. Its long shaft accommodates non-standard cavity depths, making it ideal for retrofitting into custom or semi-hollow instruments, while the internal preamp ensures consistent, hot signal throughout tracking and overdubs. Choose it when you need predictable, focused high-output character that sits well in dense mixes without muddiness.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings, High-Gain Contexts, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High-output, tight low end, midrange-heavy, articulate, focused |
| 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 makes the long shaft design different from a standard 81?
The long shaft extends deeper into the guitar body cavity, accommodating thicker instruments and non-standard depths where a regular humbucker would bottom out. This makes it ideal for semi-hollow guitars and custom builds with unconventional body geometry.
Does this pickup require soldering during installation?
No. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header eliminates traditional wiring; connections use plug-in cables instead. The complete accessory kit includes battery bus, output jack, connecting cables, and all mounting hardware needed for most setups.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The included 9V battery powers the internal preamp for up to one year at typical 8-hour daily use. Battery life depends on playing time and use intensity.
Is the 81X suitable for blues or jazz?
No. The 81X is voiced for metal and hard rock with high output, tight lows, and aggressive midrange. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles that benefit from smoother, less colored pickups.
What output level does this pickup deliver?
The 81X produces 4.00V string and 8.50V strum output—plenty of signal to drive amplifier front ends without additional boost stages. The integrated preamp maintains consistent output regardless of playing dynamics.
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.
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