EMG1187 vs EMG2840 — Compare
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White vs EMG PA Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 81 is a guitar humbucker for metal and hard rock; the EMG PA is a bass pickup for funk and studio work. These serve completely different instruments and genres—choose based on whether you're upgrading a guitar or bass.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White | EMG PA Active Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White
- ✓ Designed specifically for guitar with high-output articulate tone suited to metal and djent
- ✓ 1630 Hz resonant frequency focuses energy in vocal midrange for aggressive clarity
- ✓ Closely spaced coils deliver tight low end and punchy mids ideal for heavy music
Why choose EMG PA Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Purpose-built for bass with dual output modes (2.00V finger, 4.50V thump) for dynamic range
- ✓ 3.20 kHz resonant frequency cuts through mix with upper-midrange articulation perfect for funk
- ✓ Short squat coil design produces defined lows and present mids for studio and live bass work
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either pickup on my guitar or bass?
No. The EMG 81 is a guitar humbucker with guitar-specific coil spacing and resonant frequency. The EMG PA is designed for bass with bass-specific coil geometry and output characteristics. Using one on the wrong instrument will not work properly.
Which has better battery life?
Both offer identical 3000-hour battery life on a single 9V cell. The difference lies in their output power and noise floors—the EMG 81 peaks at 4.50V with -100 dBV noise, while the EMG PA offers dual outputs up to 4.50V with -106 dBV (slightly quieter) noise.
Are these good for beginners?
Both require intermediate to professional skill level and are best suited for experienced players. However, the EMG 81's solderless installation makes it more accessible for guitarists new to pickup swaps, while the EMG PA requires proper bass wiring knowledge.
What genres do these serve best?
The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, djent, and thrash where clarity and aggression matter. The EMG PA is optimized for funk, studio sessions, and live performance where tight lows and present mids with dynamic responsiveness are needed.