EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3306
Description
EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate tones with minimal noise floor. Its long shaft design and ivory finish integrate seamlessly into modern instrument aesthetics while delivering the clarity and punch that defines active pickup performance. Built for players demanding tight, controlled response across high-gain applications.
Active Electronics & Noise Performance
This pickup operates on a 9V battery with exceptional 3000-hour battery life, ensuring years of reliable use between replacements. The -100 dBV output noise specification maintains transparency and definition even at extreme gain settings, while the 3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak output delivers muscular signal without unwanted compression or degradation.
Construction & Connectivity
The ceramic magnet is housed in epoxy with shielded design and an encased preamp for maximum rejection of electromagnetic interference. The Quik-Connect™ cable system simplifies installation and wiring, while the included prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs provide a complete ready-to-install package.
Key Features
- Long shaft active humbucker design
- Ivory color finish
- Ceramic magnet with shielded construction
- Output voltage: 3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak
- Output noise: -100 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Current draw: 80 µA at 9V
- Resonant frequency: 1630 Hz
- EMG Quik-Connect™ cable included
- Prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
- Complete installation hardware included
The EMG 81 combines proven active pickup technology with low-noise performance and straightforward installation, making it the standard choice for high-output, modern-voiced instruments across metal, hard rock, and progressive genres.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker built for metal, hard rock, and progressive players who demand articulate, tight tones with zero noise floor at extreme gain settings. Its long shaft ivory finish integrates cleanly into modern instruments, while the ceramic magnet and shielded preamp deliver muscular, controlled response that cuts through dense tunings and aggressive playing. Complete with Quik-Connect™ wiring, prewired controls, and a 9V battery good for 3000 hours, it's a drop-in solution for gigging musicians and collectors who won't compromise on clarity and punch.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 81 designed for?
The EMG 81 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music, especially in drop tunings and high-gain applications. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk playing.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time before replacement is needed, translating to years of reliable use for most players.
What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The pickup includes a prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, Quik-Connect™ cable, screws, springs, and all necessary hardware. The Quik-Connect™ system simplifies wiring, making installation straightforward for intermediate to advanced players.
How does the EMG 81 compare to passive humbuckers?
Active pickups like the 81 deliver higher output voltage (3.00V RMS), significantly lower noise (-100 dBV), and tighter, more controlled response at extreme gain levels compared to passive designs. The trade-off is battery dependency and a more aggressive, modern character rather than organic warmth.
What makes the long shaft design important?
The long shaft design accommodates modern instrument builds and provides the ivory finish option for contemporary aesthetics while maintaining the same proven EMG 81 active tone and noise performance.
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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