EMG1187 vs EMG1188 — Compare
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White vs EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 81 prioritizes surgical clarity and aggressive highs for modern metal and djent, while the EMG 85 offers slightly warmer, more balanced articulation suited to high-gain and studio work across all skill levels. Choose the 81 for cutting definition in dense mixes; choose the 85 for versatility and easier installation ease for beginners.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White | EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design delivers more aggressive highs and surgical clarity
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (1630 Hz) emphasizes tighter low-end punch
- ✓ Optimized tone for thrash metal, djent, and modern rock extremes
- ✓ Slightly lower noise floor at -100 dBV
Why choose EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in White
- ✓ Alnico V magnet provides warmer, more musical articulation
- ✓ Complete installation kit included (control set, output jack, battery clips)
- ✓ Supports beginner skill level with full solderless system documentation
- ✓ Higher resonant frequency (1870 Hz) adds presence in vocal midrange for studio tracking
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these pickups?
The 81 uses ceramic magnets with a 1630 Hz resonant peak for aggressive highs and surgical clarity; the 85 uses Alnico V with a 1870 Hz peak for warmer, more balanced articulation. The 81 cuts through dense mixes; the 85 works better in studios and high-gain contexts where tonal definition matters equally to aggression.
Are both suitable for beginners?
The EMG 85 explicitly supports beginner skill level and ships with a complete installation kit. The EMG 81 targets intermediate to professional players and assumes soldering knowledge, though both offer solderless installation.
How do the output specs compare?
Output is nearly identical: 81 produces 3.00 V RMS (4.50 V peak) at -100 dBV noise; 85 produces 3.10 V RMS (4.50 V peak) at -101 dBV. Both share 10 kΩ impedance, 80 µA current draw, and 3000-hour battery life.
Which is better for studio recording?
The EMG 85 is explicitly designed for studio sessions and high-gain applications, with warmer Alnico magnets that translate well to recording. The 81 excels in live metal contexts where surgical clarity and aggression are priorities.