What's included, and do I need special tools to install it?

The EMG 81 ships with a Quik-Connect cable, prewired split-shaft volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs—everything needed for a complete install. Solderless connections eliminate the need for desoldering tools, making retrofit or swap straightforward for intermediate players and beyond.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery is rated for 3000 hours of service life with 80 microamps current draw, meaning regular playing sessions will yield months of use before replacement is needed.

Is the EMG 81 suitable for styles outside metal and hard rock?

The EMG 81 is optimized for metal, hard rock, high-gain, and drop-tuning applications; it is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk genres where its aggressive, articulate character and high output may not suit the tonal goals.

Will the EMG 81 fit my guitar's bridge position?

The pickup has a 78 mm screw spacing and mounting dimensions of 70 mm width × 38 mm height × 23 mm depth, fitting standard bridge positions on most electric guitars; verify your guitar's bridge cavity dimensions before ordering if you have an unusual or offset setup.

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

The EMG 81 offers 1.25V RMS output with a −91 dBV noise floor and 2.25 kHz resonant frequency, delivering controlled clarity in aggressive settings; similar alternatives include the Seymour Duncan JB Jr., DiMarzio Fusion Edge, and EMG 85, each with slightly different frequency responses and output characteristics suited to different gain structures.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 81 is a road-tested active humbucker that cuts through the mix with articulate, high-output aggression and a noise floor so clean you'll hear every note. Its compact footprint and solderless connections mean you can drop it into your bridge position without a soldering iron, and the gold finish fits darker instrument aesthetics. Gigging musicians and metal players rely on this pickup for clarity and punch that stays punchy night after night in hard rock and high-gain setups.

Electronics & Power

Powered by a single 9V battery rated for 3000 hours, this active design outputs 1.25 volts RMS and 1.75 volts peak with an extremely low output noise floor of −91 dBV. Current draw sits at 80 microamps @ 9V, so you won't be hunting for fresh batteries every weekend—service intervals stay reasonable even with regular touring or practice.

Design & Integration

The ceramic magnet construction and solderless connections let you swap or install this pickup without desoldering tools, keeping your downtime minimal. Mounting dimensions of 70 mm width × 38 mm height × 23 mm depth with 78 mm screw spacing fit standard bridge positions, and the included Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs mean you have everything needed for a quick, dependable installation.

Key Features

RMS Output Voltage: 1.25 volts
Peak Output Voltage: 1.75 volts
Output Noise: −91 dBV
Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
Resonant Frequency: 2.25 kHz
9V battery powered with 3000-hour battery life
Ceramic magnet construction
Solderless connections
Gold cap finish
Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired controls, output jack, and battery clip set
Width: 70 mm; Height: 38 mm; Depth: 23 mm; Screw spacing: 78 mm

The EMG 81 Long Shaft remains a workhorse choice for players who demand controlled, articulate output without noise interference in high-gain rigs—tested by touring musicians and studio professionals alike.

Condition	New
Finish	Gold

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, High-Gain, Drop Tunings
Tonal character	Articulate, high-output, tight low end, minimal noise floor, aggressive clarity
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional