EMG KH21 Active Pickup 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
- EMG1783
Description
EMG KH21 Active Pickup in Black
The EMG KH21 is a dual EMG-81 humbucker system engineered for studio tracking and live recording that demands articulate high-gain clarity. Ceramic magnets with close aperture coils deliver tight, focused output with minimal noise—a critical advantage when layering guitars in the mix or capturing fast-attack playing with surgical definition. The pre-wired configuration mounts directly to an 11-screw pickguard, enabling quick installation for tracking sessions without routing work.
Recording Tone & Signal Chain
Each EMG-81 generates 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, with a resonant frequency of 2.00 kHz that cuts through dense mixes with midrange punch and articulation. Output impedance of 10K Ohm and noise floor of -91 dB maintain signal integrity even when pushing amp gain hard—essential for capturing aggressive tones without unwanted noise floor creep during overdubs. The dual-volume plus master-tone control scheme lets you dial in session-specific tone shaping without re-patching.
Power & Studio Reliability
The system runs on a single 9V DC battery with exceptionally low draw (150 microamps complete system), delivering approximately 1500 hours of battery life per charge—reliable power through long tracking days. The pickguard assembly includes custom white pearl with contrasting black knobs and mounts via standard 11-hole Strat configuration, requiring no routing and allowing fast swaps between instruments in your studio rotation.
Key Features
- Dual EMG-81 active humbuckers with ceramic magnets and close aperture coils
- Three-position pickup selection switch for bridge/both/neck voicing
- Output voltage: 2.00V (string), 4.50V (strum) per pickup
- Output impedance: 10K Ohm
- Output noise: −91 dB (60 Hz)
- Resonant frequency: 2.00 kHz
- Two volume controls and one master tone control
- 9V DC battery supply with 150 microamps current draw
- Battery life: approximately 1500 hours
- Pre-installed on 11-screw white pearl pickguard with black knobs
- Designed for Strat-style guitar installation
- Black finish with professional presentation
The KH21 combines EMG's proven active electronics with a versatile control layout, delivering high-output, noise-free performance ready for professional recording on any Strat platform.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG KH21 is a pre-configured dual-EMG-81 active pickup system that brings aggressive, high-output character to Strat-style recording rigs, with a -91 dB noise floor and 2.00 kHz resonant peak that cuts through dense mixes with definition and midrange presence. Low impedance output (10K Ohm) and a single 9V battery (1500-hour lifespan) make it a self-contained, hum-free solution for tracking heavy guitar tones in the studio. Install it if your production work demands metal or hard-rock tones that sit tight in the low end and refuse to disappear under distortion and compression.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Thrash Metal, High-Gain Playing |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Aggressive, articulate, tight low end, high output, midrange punch |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Clean Tones (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar does this fit, and how difficult is installation?
The KH21 mounts directly to any standard Strat-style guitar via an 11-hole pickguard configuration—no routing or soldering required. The system arrives pre-wired on a white pearl pickguard with black knobs, so installation is a straightforward bolt-on retrofit.
What kind of tones is this pickup best suited for?
The KH21 excels in metal, hard rock, thrash, and high-gain playing, delivering aggressive, articulate tone with tight lows and midrange punch. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or clean tones—it is built specifically for extreme-gain applications and fast-attack styles.
How long does the battery last, and what is the noise floor?
A single 9V battery powers the entire system with exceptionally low current draw (150 microamps), providing approximately 1500 hours of battery life per charge. The noise floor is -91 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean amplification even at extreme gain levels without hum or feedback.
How does the output level compare to passive pickups?
The dual EMG-81 humbuckers generate 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, with 10K Ohm output impedance and a 2.00 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange definition. This high output and tight response is designed to cut through dense, high-gain mixes without losing articulation.
What control options are included?
The system features a three-position pickup selector (bridge/both/neck), two independent volume controls, and one master tone control, allowing intuitive on-the-fly shaping across all voicing options.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $19 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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