What guitar models does the long shaft design fit?

The 19mm long shaft is designed for Les Paul–style guitars and similar platforms that use longer pickup mounting posts. Check your guitar's specifications before ordering if you are unsure of your shaft length requirement.

Does this pickup require a battery, and how long does it last?

Yes, the EMG 81 is an active pickup that requires a single 9V battery, which lasts approximately 3000 hours of use. The package includes a battery clip set for straightforward installation.

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

The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications where high output, tight response, and reduced feedback are priorities. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk styles that depend on nuanced dynamic response and natural resonance.

Does the pickup come with everything needed for installation?

Yes, the package includes a solderless install system, potentiometers, output socket, battery clip set, screws, and springs. The solderless system simplifies wiring and modification.

How does the EMG 81 compare to other high-output humbuckers?

The EMG 81's 1.75 V peak output and 2.25 kHz resonance frequency deliver controlled midrange aggression and clarity comparable to competitors like the Seymour Duncan JB and DiMarzio D Activator, with the added benefit of active electronics that reduce feedback and improve sustain.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome

The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate tone with exceptional clarity and sustain. The long shaft design accommodates Les Paul–style guitars, and the polished chrome finish pairs visual sophistication with proven performance. This pickup delivers the tight, focused character that defined modern metal and hard rock, making it a workhorse for gigging musicians who demand reliability and cut through a dense mix.

Tone & Electronics

With a resonance frequency of 2.25 kHz, the 81 produces controlled midrange aggression and reduced feedback—essential for high-gain applications and live stages where clarity matters. Peak output reaches 1.75 V and RMS output sits at 1.25 V, generating the articulate attack and compression that define this pickup's signature response across bridge and neck positions. On stage, the 81 sits locked in the mix without muddiness or feedback wrestles.

Design & Build

The ceramic magnet core with close aperture coils and stainless steel cap (polished mirror finish) is housed in durable epoxy construction for reliability and tonal consistency through years of road use and venue changes. The long shaft (19mm) geometry fits Les Paul and similar platforms, while 2-conductor wiring simplifies installation and mod work. Battery life stretches to 3000 hours—enough for serious touring without frequent swaps.

Key Features

Ceramic magnets with close aperture coils
Stainless steel cap with polished mirror finish
Epoxy housing for durability
Long shaft design (19mm) for Les Paul–style guitars
Active circuitry (9V battery required)
Peak output: 1.75 V
RMS output: 1.25 V
Output impedance: 10 kOhm
Resonance frequency: 2.25 kHz
Current consumption: 80 µA at 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours
Includes solderless install system, potentiometers, output socket, battery clip set, screws, and springs

The EMG 81 combines professional-grade electronics, straightforward installation, and the tonal character that has made it the go-to choice for working musicians and touring rigs for over four decades.