EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2879
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81 cuts through live mix with tight, articulate response and virtually zero noise—a professional-grade active pickup built for stage reliability and consistent output night after night. The chrome finish complements high-end instruments while the compact rail magnet design integrates seamlessly into most humbucker cavities. This is the workhorse pickup for players who demand clarity, output stability, and zero-compromise tracking across the fretboard.
Output & Signal Characteristics
Output measures 1.25 volts RMS with 1.75 volts peak, providing substantial gain without saturation or mud. The -91 dBV output noise floor and 10 kOhm output impedance ensure signal integrity through long cable runs or stacking effects, making this pickup equally at home in studio rigs and live systems.
Power & Installation
A single 9-volt battery powers the onboard preamp for approximately 3000 hours of typical use, consuming only 80 microamps at 9V. Installation is straightforward: the included Quik-Connect solderless cable eliminates traditional wiring, and the package provides a prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs for a complete drop-in retrofit.
Key Features
- Stainless steel cap with ceramic magnets
- Rail magnet configuration for focused response
- RMS output voltage: 1.25 volts
- Peak output voltage: 1.75 volts
- Output noise: -91 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Resonant frequency: 2.25 kHz
- 9-volt battery operation with ~3000-hour runtime
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- 2-wire plus battery conductors with EMG Quik-Connect solderless connectivity
- Includes prewired control set, output jack, battery clip, hardware, and screws
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
The EMG 81 combines articulate high-end detail with low-noise amplification and genuine plug-and-play convenience—a proven choice for touring musicians and demanding recording applications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is an active humbucker that delivers tight lows, articulate highs, and high output with virtually zero noise—a workhorse for metal, hard rock, and progressive players who need studio-grade clarity on stage and in the studio. The compact rail magnet design fits most humbucker cavities, and the solderless Quik-Connect system makes installation straightforward without soldering. Choose it when you want consistency, tracking precision across the fretboard, and the ability to run long cable runs and stack effects without signal degradation.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install the EMG 81?
Installation is beginner-friendly thanks to the solderless Quik-Connect system and included prewired control set. No soldering is required; the pickup drops into most humbucker cavities with the provided hardware, output jack, battery clip, and wiring loom.
How long does the 9-volt battery last?
The onboard preamp draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of typical use per battery—roughly 4 months of regular playing before replacement.
What genres and applications is the EMG 81 best suited for?
The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music in both studio and live settings. Its tight, articulate response with high output and minimal noise is optimized for those genres; it is not recommended for folk or blues styles.
How does the output compare to passive pickups, and will it work with long cable runs?
The EMG 81 outputs 1.25V RMS with a peak of 1.75V—substantially higher than passive humbuckers—and maintains signal integrity over long cable runs and through stacked effects thanks to its 10 kOhm output impedance and -91 dBV noise floor, making it equally reliable in studio rigs and live systems.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the EMG 81 pickup, a prewired split-shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, Quik-Connect solderless cable, screws, springs, and all hardware needed for a complete drop-in retrofit.
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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