EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3954
Description
EMG 85X Gold Active Humbucker Pickup
The EMG 85X captures articulate, controlled midrange with a tight high-end response that cuts through dense mixes in rock, metal, and high-gain production work. Its close-aperture coil design and Alnico V magnets produce clarity without sacrificing punch, making it essential for tracking and mixing situations where definition across frequency ranges keeps your recordings competitive. The gold-plated steel housing adds durability and visual distinction to any instrument.
Tone & Output Characteristics
This pickup generates 3.10V under string vibration and 4.50V when strummed, delivering responsive, articulate midrange with natural compression that translates well to tape and digital converters. The 1870 Hz resonant frequency emphasizes clarity in the vocal register while maintaining tight low-end definition—critical for sitting properly in a full mix without requiring aggressive EQ correction during tracking or mixing sessions.
Power & Installation
The EMG 85X runs on a single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life, eliminating external power requirements and ground loop complications in studio setups. Installation is straightforward thanks to the 3-wire quick-connect system and included wiring harness, making retrofit into most guitars feasible without extensive modification, minimizing session downtime when swapping instruments.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with close-aperture coils for controlled, articulate response
- 3.10V string / 4.50V strum output for responsive dynamics
- 1870 Hz resonant frequency emphasizing clarity and presence
- 10 kΩ impedance with -101 dBV output noise floor
- 80 µA current draw for extended battery life
- 3000-hour battery life on standard 9V power
- Gold-plated steel housing for durability and finish
- 3-wire quick-connect system for simplified installation
- Bar-shaped magnet design with no individual pole pieces
- Includes 25K volume pot, 25K active VLPF tone control, battery bus, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware
The EMG 85X pairs aggressive midrange punch with controlled articulation, delivering a reliable workhorse for session work and production where consistent, recording-ready tone matters.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X delivers responsive, articulate midrange with natural compression and tight low-end definition that sits perfectly in aggressive studio mixes without muddying or piercing. Its 1870 Hz resonant peak emphasizes vocal clarity while the controlled high-end response keeps harsh frequencies in check, making it ideal for tracking metal, hard rock, and high-gain sessions where definition and punch matter equally. The active electronics provide consistent output across dynamics, and a single 9V battery eliminates external power concerns during recording.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, High-gain applications, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate midrange, tight low end, controlled high-end, aggressive punch, high output |
| 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 does the long shaft version mean?
The long shaft refers to the pickup's magnet rod length, which accommodates guitars with deeper cavities or custom builds. It maintains the same electrical specifications as standard EMG 85X models but fits instruments requiring extended magnet clearance.
Is this pickup suitable for genres outside metal and hard rock?
The EMG 85X is optimized for high-gain applications and modern rock; it is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles where a warmer, more vintage tone is typically preferred. Its articulate midrange and aggressive character are engineered specifically for cutting through heavy distortion and dense mixes.
What's included with the pickup?
The package includes the pickup itself, a 25K volume pot, 25K active VLPF tone control, battery bus, jacks, cables, mounting hardware, and a quick-connect 3-wire installation harness for simplified wiring.
How long does the battery last, and can I play live without worrying about power?
A single 9V battery delivers 3000 hours of play time with 80 µA current draw, meaning one battery easily covers multiple touring cycles or years of casual playing. No external amp or power supply is required—the pickup is entirely self-contained.
How does the EMG 85X compare to the EMG 81?
The 85X delivers more midrange punch and articulation with a slightly higher output (4.50V strum versus the 81's lower output), making it better suited for modern metal and high-gain tones where clarity and aggression are priorities. The 81 is more versatile across rock genres; the 85X specializes in cutting, defined brutality.
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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