EMG Kerry King 81/85 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2546
Description
EMG Kerry King 81/85 Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Black
The EMG Kerry King 81/85 set delivers the aggressive, articulate voicing engineered for high-definition recording and mixing in demanding genres. This active humbucker pairing combines the tight, focused character of the EMG-81 bridge pickup with the warm, full-bodied response of the EMG-85 neck pickup, offering dynamic range and clarity that translates through tracking chains and sits decisively in dense mixes. The included PA2 20 dB gain booster and solderless installation system enable rapid studio deployment without downtime.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
The EMG-81 (bridge) uses a ceramic/steel magnet with a 1.63 kHz resonant frequency and delivers 3.00 V single-note output and 4.50 V strum output, while the EMG-85 (neck) employs an alnico magnet tuned to 1.87 kHz for a warmer fundamental character with matched 4.50 V strum response. Both pickups maintain exceptionally low noise floors (–100 dBV and –101 dBV respectively) and 10 kΩ output impedance, ensuring minimal interference and maximum definition at high gain—critical for clean tracking and post-production flexibility.
Power & Setup
This system runs on a standard 9V battery with an impressive 1500-hour lifespan, supporting a maximum supply of 27V DC for extended headroom if needed. The EMG Quik-Connect solderless connectivity eliminates wiring setup, while the package includes mounting hardware, pickup cables, dual 25k volume/tone potentiometers, a battery bus, and stereo output jack for immediate recording sessions.
Key Features
- EMG-81 bridge and EMG-85 neck active humbuckers paired for iconic Kerry King tone
- PA2 20 dB gain booster included in set
- EMG-81: ceramic/steel magnet, 1.63 kHz resonant frequency, 3.00 V / 4.50 V output
- EMG-85: alnico magnet, 1.87 kHz resonant frequency, 3.10 V / 4.50 V output
- Output noise specification: –100 dBV (EMG-81) and –101 dBV (EMG-85)
- 10 kΩ output impedance on both pickups
- 9V battery powered with 1500-hour system life rating
- Maximum 27V DC supply capability for extended headroom
- 160 microamps current draw @ 9V (system)
- EMG Quik-Connect solderless installation technology
- Includes 2 × 25k volume/tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
- 6-string configuration for standard humbucker cavities
This is a complete, ready-to-install active pickup system that brings professional-grade articulation and gain to any compatible instrument.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Kerry King 81/85 set gives you a professionally articulate, high-output active pickup pairing designed to sit tight and defined in dense, heavy mixes. The bridge pickup delivers aggressive response with minimal noise floor, while the neck pickup offers warm, full-bodied character for layered rhythms and lead work; the included PA2 gain booster and solderless installation let you get professional tones into your recording setup without rewiring expertise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in this set?
The set includes the EMG-81 bridge pickup, EMG-85 neck pickup, PA2 20 dB gain booster, two 25k volume/tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and pickup cables. The solderless Quik-Connect system eliminates the need for soldering.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The system is rated for approximately 1500 hours of battery life on a standard 9V battery. The pickups can also accept up to 27V DC supply for extended headroom if needed.
What genres and tunings is this set best suited for?
These pickups are designed for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and drop-tuned styles. The tight low end, high output, and aggressive character make them less ideal for jazz, folk, or country applications.
How do the bridge and neck pickups differ in tone?
The EMG-81 bridge pickup uses a ceramic/steel magnet for a tight, focused character with a 1.63 kHz resonant frequency. The EMG-85 neck pickup uses an alnico magnet tuned to 1.87 kHz for a warmer, more full-bodied response while maintaining matched output levels.
Will this fit my guitar?
This set is configured for 6-string guitars with standard humbucker cavities. Confirm that your instrument has dual humbucker routing and standard mounting spacing before ordering.
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. On this item that is roughly $17 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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