What genres and playing styles is the EMG 81 best suited for?

The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, rock, and drop-tuning applications where high output, low noise, and tight articulation matter. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from warmer, less aggressive tone profiles.

How long does the 9-volt battery last?

The 9-volt battery is rated for approximately 3000 hours of use at standard current draw of 80 mA. The pickup also supports external power supplies up to 27 V DC if you prefer hardwired operation.

What is included with this pickup?

The package includes the EMG 81 pickup, a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, pickup and battery cables with solderless 2-wire connectivity, and all connection cables needed for installation.

How does the EMG 81 compare to other active humbuckers?

The EMG 81 delivers a tighter, more articulate midrange than the warmer EMG 85, and offers comparable high output and low noise to the Seymour Duncan JB and DiMarzio D Activator. Its 1.63 KHz resonant frequency and -100 dB noise floor make it ideal for aggressive, high-gain playing.

Is this pickup easy to install?

Yes. The EMG 81 features solderless 2-wire connectivity, meaning you can connect it to the included battery bus and output jack without soldering. Standard mounting hardware and all necessary cables are included.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 81 is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who demand high output, low noise, and instant responsiveness across a wide range of playing dynamics. Its brushed chrome finish pairs visual sophistication with proven tonal aggression, making it the standard choice for rock, metal, and hard-playing styles where clarity and sustain matter on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Output Characteristics

This pickup delivers a resonant frequency of 1.63 KHz with a tight, articulate midrange and exceptional string definition. Output reaches 3 V on single strings and 4.5 V on strums, providing ample signal to drive tube and solid-state amplifiers without muddiness, while the -100 dB noise floor keeps hum and interference virtually inaudible even at high gain settings—critical for recording sessions and live venues with crowded RF environments.

Electronics & Power

This active system runs on a standard 9-volt battery rated for approximately 3000 hours of use, with a maximum supply rating of 27 V DC for external power supplies. Current draw sits at 80 mA, ensuring efficient battery life during extended gigs and rehearsals, while the 10 KOhm output impedance and 10K DC resistance maintain tight coupling with preamps and audio chains for predictable tone across any rig.

Key Features

Brushed Chrome finish with stainless steel construction
C/S (Ceramic/Steel) magnet configuration
Output Voltage: 3 V (string), 4.5 V (strum)
Resonant Frequency: 1.63 KHz
Output Noise: -100 dB at 60 Hz
Output Impedance: 10 KOhm
DC Resistance: 10K
9-volt battery operation with ~3000 hours battery life
Current draw: 80 mA at 9 V; maximum 27 V DC supply
Includes 25K Volume Pot, 25K Tone Pot, Battery Bus, Stereo Output Jack, mounting hardware, and all connection cables
Solderless 2-wire connectivity with included pickup and battery cables
Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 2 inches

The EMG 81 combines low-impedance active circuit design with robust construction and complete wiring components, making it a dependable upgrade or replacement for gigging musicians and gear heads serious about tone control and consistent performance night after night.