EMG P85 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
- EMG2507
Description
EMG P85 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG P85 delivers the compact form factor and vintage character of a P90 with the clarity and punch of active electronics. In the studio or live rig, this pickup maintains dimensional compatibility with guitars routed for P90 pickups while offering the signal integrity and noise rejection that active systems provide. It's engineered for recording engineers and producers who need articulate, controlled output without sacrificing the midrange presence that smaller pickups naturally offer—ideal for tracking sessions where tonal definition and consistency matter.
Design & Build
Built with Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils in a P90 style housing, the P85 maintains dimensional compatibility with guitars originally routed for P90 pickups. The compact footprint measures 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D, making it a direct retrofit for existing instruments or a clean fit for new builds targeting the P90 cavity specification. This form factor ensures seamless integration into session guitars without modification to the instrument's original architecture.
Active Electronics & Studio Workflow
This active design operates on a 9V battery and ships with a complete Solderless Install System that eliminates traditional wiring. The package includes a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting screws and springs, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for a clean, solder-free installation. Active circuitry reduces noise floor and maintains consistent output across long cable runs and patch bays, critical for tracking sessions where signal stability and headroom directly affect recording quality and mix-ready tone.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- Form Factor: P90 style housing
- Magnet Configuration: Close aperture coils
- Active Electronics: 9V battery powered
- Dimensions: 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D
- Solderless Install System included
- 25K volume and tone potentiometers included
- Complete connectivity package: battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, cables
- Mounting hardware included: screws and springs
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
The P85 combines the ergonomic fit of a P90 cavity with the signal control and noise rejection of active electronics, delivering a production-ready voice for recording applications that demand both form-factor compatibility and modern amplified performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The P85 is a retrofit-friendly active P90 that brings studio clarity and noise rejection to any session guitar already routed for P90 cavities, making it perfect for tracking hard rock, metal, and high-gain overdubs without hum or signal loss. Its controlled output and articulate midrange presence sit cleanly in dense mixes, while active circuitry maintains signal integrity through long patch bays and complex routing. Solderless installation and a complete accessory package mean you can drop it in and start recording immediately.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Studio Sessions, Retrofitting P90 guitars |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, punchy, controlled output, midrange presence, low noise floor |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Acoustic Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this fit my guitar?
The P85 is designed for guitars routed with a P90-sized cavity and will not fit humbucker-routed guitars. It measures 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D and maintains dimensional compatibility with standard P90 specifications, making it ideal for retrofits and new builds targeting that form factor.
Do I need to solder anything?
No—the EMG Solderless Install System ships with all wiring pre-assembled. The package includes volume and tone pots, battery bus, output jack, connecting cables, and battery cable, so installation requires no soldering or special tools.
What's the noise floor like compared to passive pickups?
The active 9V circuitry reduces noise floor significantly and maintains consistent output across long cable runs, making it ideal for high-gain applications, studio patch bays, and live settings where signal integrity matters.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The P85 excels in hard rock, metal, and studio sessions where articulate, punchy, controlled output is needed. It's not recommended for traditional jazz or acoustic folk styles.
What's included in the box?
The package includes the P85 pickup, 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting screws and springs, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and a two-year manufacturer warranty.
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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