EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White

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  • Brand new in original box
  • Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
  • Free shipping in the continental US

In stock

SKU
EMG3307
Pre-Order — this item is built to order by the manufacturer and is expected to ship in January 2027 (the manufacturer is waiting on a delayed parts shipment). Order now to reserve yours.
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Description

EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that delivers aggressive, articulate tone with tight low-end response and punchy midrange clarity. Built for heavy rock, metal, and hard-hitting styles, this ceramic-magnet design cuts through dense mixes with authority while maintaining note definition across the fretboard. The white finish offers a clean, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary instrument designs.

Tone & Output Character

The 81 produces a peak output of 4.50V with an RMS output of 3.00V, providing significant headroom and punch into any amplifier. The 1.63 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper-midrange bite and clarity, making it ideal for articulate lead work and aggressive rhythm playing without sacrificing definition on stage or in the studio.

Electronics & Installation

This active design runs on a single 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours, eliminating the need for external power supplies during gigging or recording sessions. The solderless installation system simplifies mounting and swap-outs, and the -100 dBV output noise floor ensures a clean signal path with minimal hum or interference—critical for live reliability and studio tracking alike.

Key Features

  • Active humbucker with ceramic magnet
  • Peak output voltage: 4.50V
  • RMS output voltage: 3.00V
  • Output noise: -100 dBV
  • Output impedance: 10 kΩ
  • Current draw @ 9V: 80 µA
  • Battery life: 3000 hours
  • Resonant frequency: 1.63 kHz
  • Solderless installation system
  • Width: 70mm, Height: 38mm, Depth: 23mm
  • Mounting screw spacing: 78mm
  • White finish

The EMG 81 is the go-to choice for touring and session players who demand aggressive output, tight response, and dependable performance in high-gain applications night after night.

More Information
Condition New
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At a Glance

The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker built for metal, hard rock, and djent players who need aggressive tone with articulate clarity and a tight low end that cuts through dense mixes. Its 4.50V peak output and punchy midrange bite deliver the definition and punch required for fast lead work and heavy rhythm playing on stage. The ceramic-magnet design, solderless installation, and 3000-hour battery life make it a reliable workhorse for gigging musicians demanding professional-grade performance.

Who This Is For

Great for

  • ✓ Metal
  • ✓ Hard Rock
  • ✓ Djent
  • ✓ Thrash Metal

Not the best pick for

  • – Jazz
  • – Blues
  • – Folk

Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the output level and noise performance of the EMG 81?

The EMG 81 delivers a peak output of 4.50V with an RMS output of 3.00V, providing significant headroom into any amp or interface. The -100 dBV output noise floor ensures a clean signal path with minimal hum or interference, ideal for high-gain and dense mix situations.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues styles?

No, the EMG 81 is designed specifically for metal, hard rock, djent, and thrash metal players. Its aggressive tone profile, tight low end, and punchy midrange are optimized for high-gain styles and may not suit jazz or blues voicings.

How long does the battery last and is installation difficult?

The 9V battery provides 3000 hours of use before replacement, and the pickup uses EMG's solderless installation system for simple, quick mounting without requiring wiring expertise.

How does the EMG 81 compare to passive alternatives?

The EMG 81 is an active design with higher output (4.50V peak), lower noise floor, and tighter low-end response than passive humbuckers, making it especially effective for modern metal and high-gain applications where clarity and articulation matter.

What does the white finish look like on a guitar?

The white finish offers a clean, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary instrument designs and provides visual contrast in solid-color or multi-color guitar finishes.

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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