EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4602
Description
EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 85 is the articulate, focused workhorse of active pickup design—engineered to sit tight in dense mixes and deliver note separation where it matters most. This covered humbucker pairs controlled low-end definition with a crisp, defined high-mid presence that cuts through without noise floor issues inherent to passive designs. The brushed gold finish adds visual distinction while the stainless steel construction ensures years of reliable studio and live service.
Recording & Mix Character
With an Alnico V magnet and 10K DC resistance, the 85 produces a distinctly articulate voice ideal for tracking and layering. The 1.25 RMS / 1.75 peak output voltage and 2.55 kHz resonant frequency yield tight, defined transients that translate clearly on tape or into your DAW—chords maintain separation, single notes punch through the mix, and feedback stays controlled across all playing dynamics and gain staging scenarios.
Power & Integration
This active design runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency (80 microamps at 9V, 3000 hour battery life)—extending your session runtime and reducing mid-take battery anxiety. Installation is straightforward via solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity; the package includes mounting hardware, pickup cables, stereo output jack, and both 25K volume and tone potentiometers for seamless integration into standard or heavily modified instrument wiring.
Key Features
- Humbucker configuration with covered design
- Active circuitry powered by single 9V battery
- Alnico V magnet for articulate, focused tone
- 10K ohm DC resistance
- 1.25V RMS output / 1.75V peak output
- 2.55 kHz resonant frequency
- 80 microamps current draw at 9V
- 3000 hour battery life
- Brushed gold finish with stainless steel construction
- Solderless connectivity with 2-wire plus battery configuration
- Includes 25K volume pot and 25K tone pot
- Includes battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
The EMG 85 remains the benchmark active humbucker for producers and engineers tracking instruments that demand articulate definition, rejection of unwanted noise, and consistent performance across all session playing dynamics.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker engineered for tight, articulate recording—its Alnico V magnet and 10K DC resistance deliver defined transients and crisp high-mids that cut through dense mixes in heavy music production. Single 9V battery power with solderless wiring and full included potentiometers make studio installation fast, and the controlled output (1.25V RMS / 1.75V peak) sits cleanly in the signal chain without noise floor bloat. Choose it when you're tracking metal, progressive, or high-gain material and need every note to sit separately in the mix.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings, High-Gain Applications |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate, focused aggression, crisp high-mids, controlled feedback |
| 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's the difference between the EMG 85 and EMG 81?
The 85 has lower DC resistance (10K vs. 81's higher resistance) and a lower resonant frequency (2.55 kHz), yielding more articulate clarity and note separation; the 81 is hotter and darker. The 85 excels in progressive and technical metal where definition matters; the 81 suits straightforward high-gain aggression.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The EMG 85 draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life—roughly 4 months of daily playing before replacement is needed.
What's included and is soldering required?
The package includes the pickup, 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery bus, mounting hardware, and pickup cables. Installation uses solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity, so no soldering is necessary for most setups.
Is the EMG 85 good for blues or jazz?
No—the 85 is voiced specifically for metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications where articulate aggression and controlled feedback are priorities. Blues and jazz players typically prefer passive humbuckers or lower-output active designs with warmer voicing.
Will this work in drop tunings?
Yes—the tight low-end definition and active circuitry handle drop tunings and extreme tuning scenarios well, keeping chords articulate and preventing feedback even at volume.
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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