EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker 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
- EMG2506
Description
EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG P81 captures the articulate punch of a P90 with the output consistency and noise rejection of a modern active humbucker. Its compact footprint and built-in preamp make it a direct drop-in replacement for vintage P90 cavities, delivering tight low-end response and midrange clarity that sits cleanly in dense mixes without external preamps or body-cavity battery boxes.
Tone & Electronics
This active pickup operates on 9V–27V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life at 9V with remarkably low noise at −91 dB (@60 Hz). The 2.0 KHz resonant frequency and 10 KOhm output impedance create a midrange-focused character ideal for rock and metal tracking, with string output of 2.0V and strum output of 4.5V providing responsive dynamic range and strong headroom for hot-tracking scenarios.
Design & Build
Built in the United States, the P81 measures 3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877" with 3.125" screw spacing, fitting standard P90 mounting routes precisely. Its ceramic magnet construction and built-in preamp architecture eliminate the need for external electronics, while the included Quik-Connect cable, split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting screws provide everything needed for installation.
Key Features
- P90-size humbucker form factor with ceramic magnet construction
- Built-in active preamp with 9V–27V operating voltage range
- Output impedance: 10 KOhm
- Resonant frequency: 2.0 KHz
- String output: 2.0V, Strum output: 4.5V
- Output noise: −91 dB (@60 Hz)
- Battery life: ~3000 hours at 9V
- Dimensions: 3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877" with 3.125" screw spacing
- Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, and battery clip set
- Made in the United States
- Black finish
- Batteries not included
The P81 combines vintage P90 form factor with modern active electronics, delivering studio-grade consistency and noise rejection for tracking sessions that demand both traditional character and contemporary reliability.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P81 brings studio-grade active electronics and noise rejection (−91 dB) into a P90-sized package, delivering midrange-focused articulation and tight low-end response that sits cleanly in a recorded mix without muddiness. Its 2.0V string output and 4.5V strum output provide responsive dynamic range for capturing both subtle playing nuance and aggressive attack, making it a go-to choice for rock and metal production sessions where clarity and consistency matter.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate punch, tight low end, midrange-focused, high output, low noise |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'P90-size' mean, and will it fit my guitar?
P90-size refers to the humbucker's compact footprint and standard P90 mounting specifications (3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877" with 3.125" screw spacing). It is a direct drop-in replacement for any guitar with a vintage P90 cavity and will not fit standard humbucker routes without routing modification.
How long does the battery last, and what voltage does it need?
The P81 operates on 9V–27V and delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life at 9V. You can use a standard 9V battery, and the included battery clip set makes installation straightforward.
Is external amplification or in-guitar preamp required?
No. The P81 has a built-in active preamp, so no external amplification or additional in-guitar electronics are necessary. The included Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, and mounting hardware provide everything needed for a complete installation.
What genres and playing styles is the P81 best suited for?
The P81 excels in rock, metal, and hard rock, delivering the articulate punch and midrange focus those styles demand. Its tight low-end response and clarity make it less ideal for jazz, folk, and country applications.
How does the P81 compare to other P90-style pickups?
The P81 combines a P90's vintage form factor with modern active electronics, offering significantly lower noise (−91 dB) and more consistent output than passive alternatives like the Seymour Duncan P-Rail and DiMarzio Virtual P90, while maintaining the tonal character of a traditional P90.
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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