Is the EMG 81 easy to install?

Yes. EMG's solderless install system eliminates wiring complexity and allows fast integration into existing harnesses without modification. The package includes a split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting screws.

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

The EMG 81 is designed for metal, hard rock, djent, and high-gain applications where articulate, punchy tone with tight low end and minimal noise are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playable life with a current draw of 80 microamps at 9V.

How does the EMG 81 compare to the EMG 85?

The EMG 81 delivers higher output aggression with a resonant frequency of 2.25 kHz and is optimized for tight, defined articulation in high-gain settings. The EMG 85 offers a warmer, more rounded tone profile—choose the 81 for maximum clarity in heavy riffs and lead work.

What output level should I expect from this pickup?

The EMG 81 produces a peak output voltage of 1.75V with 1.25V RMS, delivering aggressive signal strength with a -91 dBV output noise floor for clean, feedback-free operation.

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 Red

The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that delivers articulate, punchy tone with minimal noise floor—built for players demanding clarity in heavy genres and high-gain applications on stage and in the studio. This red-finished pickup combines ceramic magnet construction with EMG's proprietary active preamp circuit, offering consistent performance and extended dynamic range across the full frequency spectrum night after night.

Tone & Electronics

The 81 produces a peak output voltage of 1.75V with 1.25V RMS, providing aggressive signal strength without mud or feedback—crucial for cutting through a live mix. A 2.25 kHz resonant frequency and -91 dBV output noise floor ensure tight, defined articulation that holds up under palm-muted riffs and lead work, where clarity and note definition separate your tone from the crowd.

Reliability & Setup

EMG's solderless install system eliminates wiring complexity, allowing fast swap-outs between gigs or quick repairs without a soldering iron. The split shaft volume/tone control set maintains ergonomic control placement for live adjustments, while the included battery clip set and screws ensure secure, reliable mounting—no modification needed to your instrument.

Key Features

Active ceramic magnet humbucker with epoxy-housed shielded preamp
Peak output voltage: 1.75V; RMS output voltage: 1.25V
Output noise: -91 dBV for low-noise operation
Output impedance: 10 kOhm
Resonant frequency: 2.25 kHz
Powered by 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life
Current draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
Dimensions: 4.75" L × 3.4" W × 2.25" H
Solderless Install System for fast, tool-free integration
Includes split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, and battery clip set

The EMG 81 in red remains the go-to active pickup for high-output tone paired with minimal installation hassle and road-tested reliability that gigging musicians depend on.