EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2920
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81 is built for the stage: articulate, high-output aggression with crystalline clarity and controlled sustain that cuts through dense live mixes. This active humbucker sits in the upper midrange with punchy definition and tight low-end control, making it the go-to for modern rock, metal, and high-gain players who need their tone to land hard in front of a crowd. The compact form factor and solderless connector system mean fast swaps between gigs and bulletproof reliability across demanding professional rigs.
Tone & Performance
With a 3.00 V RMS output and 4.50 V peak output, the EMG 81 sits hot enough to push tube amps into natural breakup or stack layers of distortion without losing definition. The 1630 Hz resonant frequency centers the pickup's character in the upper-midrange, yielding articulate note definition and clarity even at extreme gain levels. Output impedance of 10 kΩ and noise floor of -100 dBV ensure low-noise operation and tight signal integrity through long cable runs and effects chains.
Electronics & Installation
Powered by a single 9V battery rated for 3000 hours of operation at 80 µA draw, this pickup runs efficiently with minimal downtime between battery changes. The solderless connector eliminates the need for traditional wiring, streamlining installation and reducing potential failure points in the signal chain during tour prep or mid-set troubleshooting.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with ceramic magnet construction
- 3.00 V RMS output / 4.50 V peak output
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- -100 dBV output noise floor
- 1630 Hz resonant frequency
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- 80 µA current draw
- Solderless connector for quick installation
- 70 mm width × 38 mm height × 23 mm mounting depth
- 78 mm mounting screw spacing
- Gold cap finish
- Made in USA
The EMG 81 in gold remains the industry standard for players demanding aggressive, articulate tones with zero compromise on reliability.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that delivers articulate, punchy aggression with crystalline clarity—built for metal, hard rock, and high-gain work where note definition matters as much as tone. The compact solderless connector system and 9V battery power make installation and gigging worry-free, while the tight low end and controlled sustain cut through dense mixes on stage or in the studio. This is the workhorse pickup for players who need reliability and aggression in one package.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ High-gain Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music and gain levels is the EMG 81 built for?
The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, thrash, and high-gain studio sessions where articulate clarity and punchy midrange are priorities. Its crystalline tone and controlled sustain make it ideal for distortion and overdrive, cutting through dense mixes even at extreme gain levels. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How long does the 9V battery last, and how often will I need to change it?
The 9V battery is rated for 3000 hours of operation at 80 µA current draw, which translates to roughly 125 days of continuous use or several months of regular playing. Battery life depends on how often you play and whether the pickup remains powered when not in use.
How difficult is installation, and what tools do I need?
The EMG 81 uses a solderless connector system that eliminates traditional wiring, making installation straightforward and reducing potential failure points. No soldering is required, though you will need basic hand tools to mount the pickup in your guitar's cavity and route the battery compartment if not already present.
What are the key output specs, and how do they compare to passive pickups?
The EMG 81 delivers 3.00 V RMS output with a 4.50 V peak output, along with a -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance. This active design is significantly hotter and cleaner than passive humbuckers, providing the compressed, aggressive tone that high-gain applications demand.
What does the gold finish mean, and are there other color options?
The gold cap finish is a cosmetic variant of the EMG 81 and does not affect tone or performance. The EMG 81 is available in multiple finishes; the gold version offers the same reliability and tone profile as other finish options.
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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