EMG4318 vs EMG4319 — Compare
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold vs EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Both are EMG 81X pickups with identical core specs and solderless installation, differing primarily in finish and tone-shaping approach. The Brushed Gold includes a standard 25K active tone pot for straightforward control, while the Black Chrome adds a VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter) for refined high-frequency management—choose Gold for simplicity or Black Chrome if you want advanced harshness reduction in high-gain setups.
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EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Brushed Gold finish offers distinctive visual aesthetic
- ✓ Included 25K active tone pot provides direct, accessible tone shaping
- ✓ Same 3000-hour battery life and solderless installation as Black Chrome
- ✓ Complete wiring kit included with all necessary cables and hardware
Why choose EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ VLPF active tone control reduces unwanted high-frequency harshness for refined articulation
- ✓ Steel rail pole pieces deliver tighter, more controlled string pickup
- ✓ Black Chrome finish provides professional modern appearance
- ✓ X-Series preamp with refined frequency response avoids muddiness
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups the same core 81X model?
Yes, both share the same 1.72 kHz resonant frequency, 9V battery system, 3000-hour battery life, solderless installation, and ceramic magnet base. The main difference is the tone control circuitry and finish.
What does the VLPF tone control in the Black Chrome do differently?
The VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter) in the Black Chrome actively rolls off high-frequency harshness, allowing you to dial in articulation without brittleness. The Gold model's 25K active tone pot provides more traditional boost/cut without frequency-specific filtering.
Which is better for drop tunings and heavy metal?
Both handle metal and drop tunings well, but the Black Chrome's VLPF and steel rail pole pieces give slightly tighter control and reduced harshness—ideal if you play extremely heavy, high-gain material. The Gold works excellently for metal too and costs less.
Do I need soldering skills for either pickup?
No—both use EMG's Solderless Quick-Connect system, requiring no soldering expertise. The Gold includes a complete wiring kit; the Black Chrome uses a 3-pin Quick-Connect header for the same simplified installation.