EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4088
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, defined tones with exceptional clarity and sustain. Its ceramic magnet construction and close-aperture coils deliver tight articulation across all registers, making it the choice for rock, metal, and hard-hitting styles where note separation and dynamic response matter. The brushed black chrome finish adds visual sophistication while the solderless installation minimizes fuss during retrofit work.
Tone & Output Character
With a DC resistance of 10 kOhm and a resonant frequency of 1.63 kHz, this pickup produces punchy mids and controlled highs suited to modern music production. Output sits at 3 V string attacks and 4.5 V strum peaks, providing enough headroom for clean amp channels and enough grit for overdriven circuits without self-noise issues—–100 dB output noise at 60 Hz keeps the signal clean on stage.
Power & Installation
The 9-volt battery (included) powers the active circuitry for roughly 3000 hours of typical use, drawing 80 mA at 9 V and rated up to 27 V DC maximum supply. Solderless 2-conductor wiring and standard humbucker spacing (78 mm mounting screws, 70 mm width, 38 mm height, 23 cm installation depth) make integration straightforward on most guitars, with minimal downtime before your next gig.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction with close-aperture coils for defined articulation
- Active humbucker format: traditional shape, modern electronics
- DC Resistance: 10 kOhm
- Resonant Frequency: 1.63 kHz
- Output Voltage: 3 V (string), 4.5 V (strum)
- Output Noise: –100 dB at 60 Hz
- Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
- 9-volt battery operation with approximately 3000 hours runtime
- Solderless 2-conductor wiring for quick installation
- Standard humbucker mounting (78 mm screw spacing)
- Made in the USA
- Brushed black chrome finish
The EMG 81 remains a workhorse for touring and session players seeking high-output clarity, responsive dynamics, and proven reliability in demanding playing contexts.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that delivers tight, articulate tones with punchy mids and controlled highs—ideal for metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning players who demand note separation and dynamic response. Its ceramic magnet construction and close-aperture coils cut through dense mixes on stage, while solderless wiring and standard humbucker spacing make retrofit installation quick and hassle-free. Built for reliability in aggressive playing, this workhorse pickup handles overdriven circuits without self-noise and produces clean attacks on high-gain platforms.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Rock, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight articulation, punchy mids, controlled highs, articulate cleans |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG 81 suitable for jazz or blues?
No—the EMG 81 is engineered for metal, hard rock, rock, and drop tunings. Its high-output, tight articulation and punchy mid character are optimized for aggressive styles; jazz and blues players typically favor lower-output, warmer pickups that support smooth lead lines and sustain.
What's included and how long does the battery last?
A 9-volt battery is included with the pickup. It provides approximately 3000 hours of typical playing time before replacement, drawing 80 mA at 9 V and rated up to 27 V DC maximum supply.
How easy is installation on an existing guitar?
Installation is straightforward: the pickup uses solderless 2-conductor wiring and standard humbucker spacing (78 mm mounting screws, 70 mm width, 38 mm height). These specs fit most guitars with standard humbucker cavities, minimizing retrofit work.
How does the EMG 81 compare to other high-output pickups?
The EMG 81 produces 3 V string attacks and 4.5 V strum peaks with –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz, delivering high clarity and dynamic response. It competes with Seymour Duncan JB, Fishman Fluence Modern, and DiMarzio D Activator in the high-output active and passive humbucker category, but the EMG's ceramic magnet and close-aperture coils emphasize tight articulation and mid punch.
Can the EMG 81 work cleanly on overdriven and high-gain circuits?
Yes. Output sits at 3 V string attacks and 4.5 V strum peaks, providing enough headroom for clean amp channels and enough grit for overdriven circuits without self-noise issues. The –100 dB output noise at 60 Hz keeps the signal clean across all gain settings.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
Compare With
Artists Who Play This
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.