EMG 85 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
- EMG2043
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to deliver articulate midrange clarity and controlled sustain without excessive noise—essential traits for capturing clean, focused recordings. Its compact footprint and solderless installation make it a straightforward retrofit into most guitar cavities, while the active electronics ensure consistent performance and predictable signal behavior across the full dynamic range of your playing.
Tone & Recording Performance
Voiced with a slight midrange presence peak, the EMG 85 balances definition and body, making it equally effective for tracking rhythm parts with precision or layering lead lines that cut through a dense mix. The Alnico V magnet and 1.87 KHz resonant frequency produce a response that translates reliably to tape or DAW without the muddiness that plagues passive designs. The output voltage of 4.5 V (strum) and 3.1 V (string) feeds a strong, clean signal to any preamp or interface, maintaining headroom and minimizing unwanted coloration at the input stage.
Design & Studio Reliability
This unit runs on a single 9V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life under normal use, keeping your session workflow uninterrupted. The entire coil assembly is vacuum sealed in epoxy for long-term reliability and tonal consistency across multiple takes and overdubs. The solderless installation system eliminates the need for rewiring—the connector plugs directly into a standard EMG harness for quick setup and instrument swapping. The -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz ensures hum-free operation even in electrically dense studio environments.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet
- 1.87 KHz resonant frequency
- 4.5 V output voltage (strum)
- 3.1 V output voltage (string)
- -101 dB output noise (60 Hz)
- 10 KOhm output impedance
- 80 mA current at 9V
- 3000-hour battery life
- 27V DC maximum supply
- Solderless installation system
- Vacuum sealed in epoxy
- Made in USA
The EMG 85 remains the go-to active humbucker for producers and engineers who value tonal consistency, recording clarity, and zero-compromise reliability in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is a studio-grade active humbucker engineered to capture tight, articulate rhythm and lead tones with a slight midrange presence that cuts through a mix without muddiness. Its consistent output voltage, low noise floor, and vacuum-sealed epoxy construction deliver predictable recordings across multiple takes and sessions, making it ideal for metal, hard rock, and progressive tracking where definition and control matter. Use it when you need a pickup that won't introduce hum or noise artifacts, sits naturally in a stereo mix, and responds transparently to your playing dynamics from whisper-quiet finger work to aggressive pick attack.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does active mean, and do I need a battery?
Active electronics power the pickup's signal through a 9V battery, which lasts about 3000 hours under normal playing. This delivers a consistent, high-output signal (4.5 V when strumming, 3.1 V per string) without the noise and impedance issues of passive designs, and there's no preamp breakup when running into amps or interfaces.
Is the EMG 85 hard to install?
No—it uses a solderless installation system that plugs directly into a standard EMG harness, requiring no rewiring. The long shaft design fits most guitar cavities as a straightforward retrofit.
What genres is this pickup best for?
The EMG 85 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate midrange and tight sustain are essential. Its high output and low noise make it less suitable for folk or traditional jazz, where a warmer, more passive tone is preferred.
How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?
The 85 has a slightly warmer, more midrange-focused voicing than the brighter, tighter 81, making it better for rhythm definition and body while the 81 leans into treble cut and lead clarity. Both are high-output actives with identical battery life and noise performance.
Will this pickup introduce hum or noise in a noisy electrical environment?
No—the EMG 85 is rated at -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz and is vacuum sealed in epoxy for long-term reliability, ensuring hum-free operation even in electrically hostile venues or studios.
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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