What's the difference between the 85X and the 81?

The 85X delivers a more articulate, focused midrange character compared to the 81's darker, more scooped tone. The 85X excels in moderate to high-gain contexts where clarity and note separation are priorities, while the 81 leans toward a slightly darker, more compressed character.

Will this fit my guitar without routing?

Yes. The long shaft design is engineered for standard humbucker cavities, so no routing modifications are required for compatible guitars. Mounting screws and springs are included.

What's included, and do I need a soldering iron?

The package includes the pickup, solderless installation system, split shaft volume and active tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs. You do not need a soldering iron thanks to the solderless system.

Is the 85X good for blues or jazz?

No. The 85X is voiced specifically for metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications where articulation and note separation dominate the tone. Its compressed character and presence peak make it less suitable for the warmer, more open feel blues and jazz players typically prefer.

What does 'active' mean, and how does it affect my tone?

Active electronics use a battery to boost the signal and lower impedance, eliminating mud and flabbiness even with heavy effects or low tunings. This ensures consistent, clear output and prevents tone loss in long cable runs or complex pedalboard chains.

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.

EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 85X delivers articulate, focused midrange character that cuts through dense mixes without sacrificing clarity or punch. This active humbucker pairs tight, controlled lows with presence-peak highs, making it equally effective in high-gain tracking and moderate-gain recording sessions. The brushed black chrome finish presents a refined, understated aesthetic that complements modern and classic instrument designs alike.

Tone & Recording Performance

Built around Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils, the 85X generates a compressed, defined output with excellent note separation—critical for capturing individual performances with clarity in multi-tracked arrangements. Active circuitry ensures consistent signal strength and low impedance, eliminating mud and flabbiness even in dense tunings or heavily effects-laden chains during recording sessions.

Installation & Studio Workflow

This long shaft variant accommodates standard instrument cavities without requiring routing modifications, minimizing downtime during instrument setup or A/B testing. The package includes solderless installation system, split shaft volume/active tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs—everything needed for a straightforward swap into compatible instruments.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico V
Coil Configuration: Close aperture coils
Active electronics with low-impedance output
Long shaft design for standard pickup cavities
Brushed black chrome finish
Solderless installation system included
Split shaft volume/active tone control set
Output jack and battery clip set included
Mounting screws and springs provided
Humbucker configuration for noise rejection

The EMG 85X Long Shaft in brushed black chrome is a direct replacement option for engineers and producers seeking focused midrange articulation, reliable active electronics, and minimal installation hassle in the studio or live setting.