EMG5644 vs EMG5645 — Compare
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red vs EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 81 uses a ceramic magnet for tighter, more aggressive low-end and treble emphasis, while the EMG 85 employs Alnico 5 magnets for a more articulate, punchy midrange with controlled highs. Choose the 81 for maximum aggression in metal and high-gain work; choose the 85 for balanced clarity across rhythm and lead applications.
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EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
Specs side by side
| EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ Ceramic magnet construction delivers tighter low-end punch and aggressive character
- ✓ 1630 Hz resonant frequency emphasizes treble articulation for cutting through dense mixes
- ✓ Slightly lower noise floor at –100 dBV ensures ultra-clean signal in extreme gain settings
Why choose EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet with dual-coil design produces more articulate, punchy midrange response
- ✓ 1870 Hz resonant frequency provides controlled high-end without harshness
- ✓ 3.10 V RMS output is marginally higher, giving extra headroom for dynamic playing
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between ceramic and Alnico magnets in these pickups?
The EMG 81's ceramic magnet emphasizes tight bass response and aggressive treble, ideal for maximum metal clarity. The EMG 85's Alnico 5 magnets produce a more articulate, punchy midrange with smoother high-end control, offering greater versatility across playing styles.
Are these pickups suitable for blues or jazz?
Both pickups are explicitly not ideal for jazz and blues. Their high output, aggressive character, and active circuitry are engineered for modern rock, metal, and progressive applications where clarity and minimal noise in high-gain contexts are priorities.
How do the resonant frequencies affect tone?
The EMG 81's 1630 Hz resonant frequency emphasizes treble articulation and cutting power. The EMG 85's 1870 Hz resonant frequency delivers more punchy midrange presence while maintaining articulate highs, making it slightly more balanced across the frequency spectrum.
Is there a significant output difference between these two pickups?
Output is nearly identical: the 81 produces 3.00 V RMS and the 85 produces 3.10 V RMS, both with 4.50 V peak output. The practical difference is minimal; tone character and magnet type are far more influential factors.