Do I need to solder this pickup, or can I install it myself?

The EMG P85 uses EMG's solderless install system, so no soldering iron required. The package includes all necessary cables—pickup, connect, output, and battery—so you can complete the installation without special tools.

What cavity does this pickup fit, and is it compatible with my guitar?

The P85 is a P90-soapbar-sized humbucker that fits standard P90 cavities. If your guitar has a P90-routed body, this pickup will drop in as a direct replacement.

What kind of tone should I expect, and what styles is it best for?

The P85 delivers classic P90 midrange punch and articulate response with active noise rejection and solid output. It excels in blues, rock, funk, and studio sessions; it's less suited to traditional jazz or folk applications.

Do I need to buy a 9V battery separately?

Yes, the pickup is 9V battery powered and comes with the battery cable, but the battery itself is not included in the package.

How does this compare to a passive P90 pickup?

The P85's active electronics provide a quieter signal path, more consistent output across frequencies, and higher output levels than traditional passive P90s, while retaining that vintage P90 character and harmonic richness.

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. 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.

EMG P85 Long Shaft Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG P85 delivers the midrange punch and articulate response of a classic P90 in active humbucker form, with enough output to cut through a mix without muddiness. This soapbar-sized pickup slots into standard P90 cavities and captures immediate pick attack and dynamic nuance, making it a straightforward upgrade for home studios tracking vintage character with modern reliability and consistency.

Tone & Electronics

Dual Alnico V magnet loaded coils provide the harmonic richness and sensitivity characteristic of P90-style designs, while the active electronics ensure a quiet signal path and solid output across the frequency spectrum for clean recording. The solderless installation system simplifies the swap, and the included battery cable connects to a standard 9V battery (not included) for straightforward power management during sessions.

Installation & Compatibility

This pickup uses EMG's solderless install system, eliminating the need for a soldering iron and allowing rapid turnaround between tracking takes. The P90 soapbar housing fits standard P90 cavities, and the package includes pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable for seamless integration into most studio wiring schemes.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet loaded coils in P90-style configuration
P90 soapbar sized active humbucker housing
Solderless install system with included cables
9V battery powered active electronics
Black finish
Two-year manufacturer warranty
Pickup cable included
Output, connect, and battery cables included
Standard P90 cavity compatibility

The P85 combines classic P90 character with the noise rejection and output consistency of EMG's active platform, making it a reliable choice for home studios and tracking environments using P90-routed instruments.