EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4312
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive tones and tight, articulate response. This brushed gold variant delivers the legendary EMG 81 character—punchy fundamentals, controlled treble, and minimal noise—with a refined aesthetic that complements modern instrument finishes. Built for gigging players and studio work demanding clarity and presence in hard rock, metal, and contemporary styles.
Output & Electrical Performance
Running on a single 9V battery, the EMG 81 produces 3 V output on single strings and 4.5 V on strummed chords, with noise floor of -100 dBV at 60 Hz. A 1.63 KHz resonant frequency and 10 KOhm output impedance create the signature tight, articulate tone that cuts through dense mixes on stage and in the mix. Battery life reaches 3000 hours under typical use, and the pickup supports maximum supply voltage of 27 V DC for future expansion.
Construction & Installation
Housed in epoxy with a ceramic magnet, the pickup measures 70 mm wide × 38 mm high with 23 mm mounting depth and 78 mm screw spacing. Solderless connections streamline installation, and the included accessory kit—25k tone pot, 25k push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, and battery cable—provides everything needed for a straightforward wiring job that keeps you on the road without downtime.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Active design powered by single 9V battery
- 3000-hour battery life
- 3 V output on single strings, 4.5 V on strummed chords
- -100 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz
- 1.63 KHz resonant frequency
- 10 KOhm output impedance
- Solderless connections for simplified installation
- Epoxy-housed for durability
- Width 70 mm, height 38 mm, mounting depth 23 mm, screw spacing 78 mm
- Includes 25k tone pot, 25k push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all required cables
- Supports maximum supply voltage of 27 V DC
The EMG 81 remains the gold standard for articulate, high-output active tones with the reliability gigging musicians depend on, and this brushed gold finish adds visual distinction to any instrument.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 Active Humbucker in Brushed Gold is a high-output pickup engineered for metal, hard rock, and djent, delivering punchy fundamentals, tight lows, and controlled treble that cut through dense live mixes with minimal noise. Built for intermediate to professional players who demand clarity and presence on stage, it runs on a single 9V battery (3000-hour life) and includes solderless connections and a complete wiring accessory kit for fast, reliable installation. Choose this if you need articulate aggression and road-tested dependability in a refined brushed gold finish.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box?
The EMG 81 ships with a complete accessory kit: 25k tone pot, 25k push/pull pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, battery cable, and all mounting hardware. Everything needed for installation is included.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The EMG 81 achieves approximately 3000 hours of typical use on a single 9V battery, which translates to months of regular gigging or recording before replacement is needed.
Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?
No, the EMG 81 is optimized for metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles. Its high output, tight lows, and articulate response are engineered for aggressive tones and may not suit blues or jazz playing.
What are the physical dimensions and mounting specs?
The pickup measures 70 mm wide × 38 mm high with 23 mm mounting depth and 78 mm screw spacing. It uses a ceramic magnet housed in epoxy and features solderless connections for simplified installation.
How does the active design compare to passive pickups?
The EMG 81's active design delivers 3V output on single strings and 4.5V on strummed chords with a -100 dBV noise floor, providing high signal strength and minimal noise. This makes it ideal for cutting through dense mixes and maintaining clarity without external boost or noise gates.
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.
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