EMG P81 Long Shaft 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
- EMG4127
Description
EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG P81 captures the articulate P90 character and compact form factor in a modern active design, making it a go-to choice for home studios and session work requiring consistent, noise-free tracking. This pickup sits naturally in smaller body cavities and delivers the tonal bridge between classic single-coil character and humbucker coverage—ideal for recording semi-hollow or offset guitars without compromising output stability or frequency response consistency across multiple takes.
Tone & Recording Performance
The ceramic magnet and 2.0 kHz resonant frequency produce a focused, articulate voice with natural breakup and harmonic complexity that translates clearly through the mix. Active circuitry powered by a 9V battery delivers -91 dB output noise floor and consistent gain across the frequency spectrum, eliminating the noise floor issues that compromise passive alternatives during overdubs and layered arrangement work.
Integration & Setup
The P90-size housing (3.360" L × 1.365" W) fits directly into P90 cavities without routing, streamlining session preparation. 3.125" mounting hole spacing accommodates standard P90 hardware. Solderless Quik-Connect wiring with included cable, split-shaft volume and tone controls, output jack, and battery clip set eliminate soldering and simplify setup for rapid instrument swaps in tracking sessions.
Key Features
- P90-size housing with ceramic magnet
- 2.0 kHz resonant frequency for focused midrange character
- Active electronics with -91 dB output noise floor
- 10K ohm impedance
- 80 mA current draw at 9V operation
- Approximately 3000 hour battery life per 9V cell
- 3.125" mounting hole spacing (P90 standard)
- Solderless Quik-Connect connectivity system
- Included split-shaft volume and tone controls
- Output jack and battery clip set included
The P81 combines drop-in P90 compatibility with active reliability and a tone that balances vintage character with the clarity and consistency modern recording demands.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P81 brings focused, articulate P90 tone to studio sessions with active circuitry that guarantees a clean, noise-free signal every take—no hum, no inconsistency across the frequency spectrum. Its ceramic magnet and 2.0 kHz resonant peak sit naturally in the mix with harmonic complexity and natural breakup, making it versatile for both vintage-inspired and modern recordings. Studio owners and producers will appreciate the solderless Quik-Connect system for fast installation and the 3000-hour battery life per cell for uninterrupted session work.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Semi-Hollow Body Builds, Offset Guitar Retrofits, Vintage-Focused Players, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Focused midrange, articulate, natural breakup, harmonic complexity, vintage p90 character |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Noise-Sensitive Environments Without Battery Management (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the P81 fit my semi-hollow or offset guitar without routing?
Yes. The P90-size housing (3.360" L × 1.365" W) and 3.125" mounting hole spacing match P90 cavities and standard hardware, so it drops in directly without modification.
How does the active circuitry affect the tone?
Active electronics deliver a -91 dB output noise floor and consistent gain across the frequency spectrum, eliminating passive pickup noise while preserving the ceramic magnet's focused, articulate midrange and natural breakup character.
How long does a 9V battery last?
A single 9V cell provides approximately 3000 hours of operation at 80 mA current draw, making it practical for regular use with reasonable battery replacement intervals.
Do I need to solder this pickup during installation?
No. The solderless Quik-Connect wiring system, split-shaft volume and tone controls, output jack, and battery clip set all come included and require no soldering.
What genres and playing styles is the P81 best suited for?
It excels in semi-hollow body builds, offset guitar retrofits, and vintage-focused sessions where P90 character is desired; it is not recommended for traditional jazz or noise-sensitive environments without proper battery management.
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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