EMG 85X 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
- EMG4864
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 85X delivers a focused, articulate midrange character that cuts through dense mixes without sacrificing clarity on single notes. This versatile active humbucker balances aggressive output with controlled treble response, making it equally effective for high-gain tracking and precisely dialed rock tones. The brushed gold finish adds visual distinction while the solderless construction streamlines installation into your recording rig.
Tonal Character & Recording Response
Built on an Alnico V magnet with a 1.91 kHz resonant frequency, the 85X produces medium output that emphasizes definition over raw saturation—ideal for capturing punch and note separation across a full mix stack. The active circuit requires a single 9V battery and includes a 25K Active VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter) Tone Pot for precision high-end control, allowing you to tame harshness during overdubs or session work without muddying the fundamental tone.
Installation & Setup
Solderless connectivity eliminates the need for a soldering iron; all connections use push-fit terminals for quick assembly and troubleshooting between takes. The pickup ships with a complete wiring harness including 25K Volume Pot, Battery Bus, Stereo Output Jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, mounting screws, and springs—everything needed for a 6-string guitar retrofit.
Key Features
- Alnico V Magnet for defined, punchy response
- 1.91 kHz Resonant Frequency optimized for midrange clarity
- Medium Output balances articulation with drive
- Active Electronics requiring one 9V battery
- Solderless Connectors for tool-free installation
- 25K Active VLPF Tone Pot for surgical treble control
- Brushed Gold Housing finish
- Designed for 6-String Guitars
- Includes complete wiring harness and mounting hardware
- 25K Volume Pot included
- Stereo output jack configuration for modern signal routing
The 85X bridges the gap between passive warmth and modern active aggression, capturing playing dynamics and responding directly to your guitar electronics without coloring the core tone—essential for sessions where mix-ready tonality matters.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is an active humbucker designed to sit tight in dense mixes, offering articulate midrange and defined high-end control that keeps guitars present without harshness in a full band context. Its medium output and 1.91 kHz resonant frequency emphasize clarity over saturation, making it ideal for recording heavy music, progressive rock, and any session where precision matters. The complete wiring harness and solderless connectors get you tracking fast, and the 25K Active VLPF Tone Pot gives you surgical control over treble without losing fundamental tone.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, High-Gain Tones |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate midrange, focused clarity, medium output, controlled treble, punchy response |
| Less specialized for | Blues, Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box, and do I need soldering skills to install this?
The pickup ships with a complete wiring harness, 25K Volume Pot, Battery Bus, Stereo Output Jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, mounting screws, and springs. All connections use solderless push-fit terminals, so no soldering iron required—just push-fit assembly for quick installation and troubleshooting.
What genres and playing styles is the 85X best suited for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain studio sessions. Its articulate midrange and focused clarity cut through dense mixes without sacrificing definition on single notes. It is not recommended for blues, jazz, or folk where warmth and natural breakup are priorities.
How does the active circuit work, and what maintenance does it require?
The 85X uses a 9V battery-powered active circuit with a 25K Active VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter) Tone Pot for precision treble control. You'll need to swap the 9V battery periodically; the included Battery Bus makes this straightforward.
How does the EMG 85X compare to other high-output pickups like the 81 or Seymour Duncan 59?
The 85X sits between the raw aggression of the 81 and the warmth of a 59. Its medium output and 1.91 kHz resonant frequency emphasize articulate midrange and controlled treble over raw saturation, making it more balanced and mix-friendly than the hotter 81 while retaining active clarity and cut.
Is this pickup designed for 6-string guitars only?
Yes, the EMG 85X is designed specifically for 6-string guitars and ships with mounting hardware optimized for that configuration.
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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