What makes the 81X different from the standard EMG 81?

The 81X refines the classic 81 formula with increased output headroom, tighter low-end response, and enhanced upper-midrange articulation. It's engineered specifically for the demands of modern metal and hard rock, delivering more defined picking attack and string separation at high gain.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 81X draws only 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life on a single 9V charge under typical playing conditions. That's roughly 4 months of regular use before replacement.

Is this pickup easy to install?

Yes. The EMG 81X uses a 2-wire solderless connection system, making it a straightforward retrofit into any six-string guitar without rewiring. No soldering required.

What genres is the 81X suited for?

The 81X excels in metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications where tight low end and aggressive articulation are priorities. It's not designed for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from warmer, less aggressive tones.

How does the output noise compare to passive pickups?

The 81X delivers a -105 dBV output noise floor with 2.00 Kohm impedance, keeping your signal path exceptionally clean and free of hum or interference—a significant advantage over passive pickups, especially at high gain settings.

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 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate bridge-position performance. Its ceramic/steel magnet design and solderless connection system make it a straightforward retrofit into any six-string guitar, delivering the clarity and punch that define modern metal and hard rock tones on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Output Character

This pickup produces a punchy, defined midrange with tight low-end response ideal for fast picking and palm-muted techniques that cut through a live mix. The 8.50V strum output and 4.00V string output provide substantial headroom and dynamic separation, while the 1.72 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper-midrange articulation without harshness, ensuring every note projects clearly under pressure.

Active Electronics & Power

The EMG 81X runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—80 microamps current draw yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life under typical use, meaning you can tour for months on a single cell. The -105 dBV output noise floor and 2.00 Kohm output impedance ensure a clean signal path to your amplifier with minimal interference, whether you're running direct to a console or through pedals and long cable runs.

Key Features

Active humbucker bridge pickup
Ceramic/steel magnet construction
Brushed black chrome finish
10K DC resistance
2-wire solderless connection plus battery
6-string covered design
1.72 kHz resonant frequency
8.50V strum output / 4.00V string output
-105 dBV output noise specification
2.00 Kohm output impedance
80 microamps current draw at 9V
Approximately 3000 hours battery life per charge

The 81X combines active circuit efficiency with brutal output and clarity, making it a dependable workhorse for gigging players and touring rigs that demand tonal definition at high gain without compromise.