EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4862
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 85X is a modern active humbucker engineered to deliver refined high-output tone without sacrificing articulation in your recordings. Its revised preamp architecture balances response across the frequency spectrum, translating to clear lead captures and punchy rhythm takes with equal effectiveness. The brushed chrome cover presents a professional appearance while the compact footprint integrates seamlessly into any solidbody guitar for session work.
Tone & Recording Performance
Built around an Alnico V magnet and close aperture coils, the 85X produces 3.10V in single-string clarity and 4.50V during full strumming—measured output that sits between vintage warmth and modern aggression, capturing detail across both sparse and densely arranged sessions. The revised built-in preamp ensures consistent response across pickup positions while maintaining note definition that passive designs struggle to achieve at comparable output levels, allowing your recordings to retain articulation even under heavy compression or EQ.
Studio Installation & Workflow
This active pickup employs a solderless installation system with a 3-wire quick-connect design, drastically reducing setup time and allowing faster instrument swaps during sessions. The included split shaft volume and active tone control offer real-time shaping without routing complications, enabling on-the-fly tonal adjustments between takes, while the supplied battery clip set and output jack handle power distribution and signal transmission out of the box.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet construction
- Close aperture coils for focused response
- Active design with revised built-in preamp
- 3.10V single-string output / 4.50V strumming output
- 3-wire quick-connect wiring system
- Solderless installation—no soldering required
- Plastic housing with brushed chrome finish
- Includes split shaft volume/active tone control set
- Battery clip set and output jack included
- Operates on single 9V battery
- Mounting screws and springs included
The EMG 85X combines straightforward installation with professional-grade tone shaping, making it a practical upgrade path for home studios and project-based recording prioritizing both ease of setup and comprehensive sonic control.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is an active humbucker engineered to sit confidently in heavy mixes without losing articulation, thanks to its revised preamp and Alnico V construction. Home studios and session engineers value it for consistent, defined tone across overdubs and rhythm tracks—its 4.50V output translates to a strong recorded signal while the built-in active tone control offers mixing flexibility without complicated routing. Solderless setup means faster session prep.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this pickup require soldering to install?
No. The EMG 85X uses a solderless 3-wire quick-connect design that drastically reduces installation time and complexity. No soldering required.
What output level should I expect compared to passive pickups?
The 85X produces 3.10V in single-string clarity and 4.50V during full strumming—a measured high output that sits between vintage warmth and modern aggression. This active design maintains note definition that passive designs struggle to achieve at comparable output levels.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio session work. Its balanced frequency response and articulate tone work equally well for lead work and heavy rhythm playing, though it is not recommended for folk or jazz.
What comes included with the pickup?
The package includes the pickup, split shaft volume and active tone control set, battery clip set, output jack, mounting screws, and springs. It operates on a single 9V battery.
How does the 85X compare to the EMG 81?
The 85X uses a revised preamp architecture and Alnico V magnet for a more balanced, articulate response across the frequency spectrum compared to the 81, making it versatile for both lead and rhythm applications.
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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