EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3316
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81X is a high-output active bridge humbucker built for tight, articulate tone in aggressive playing styles. Steel rails and ceramic/steel magnets cut through the mix with minimal noise, while the X-Series preamp delivers punchy midrange and controlled sustain—essential for modern rock, metal, and hard styles where note definition keeps your playing locked in. The solderless quick-connect system means faster onstage swaps and hassle-free maintenance on the road.
Output & Tone Character
At 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, the 81X feeds substantial signal to your amp with no flub, hitting a 1.72 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes upper-midrange bite and clarity. This output level pairs cleanly with high-gain amplification and stage volumes, keeping your riffs articulate and each note separated even in dense band mixes.
Design & Installation
Steel rails replace individual pole pieces, reducing microphonic feedback while maintaining consistent string response across the fretboard for reliable live performance. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header and included split shaft volume/active tone control set eliminates soldering, and a single 9V battery powers the active circuitry—making onstage repairs and pickup swaps faster than traditional wiring, so you can get back to playing without downtime.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with X-Series preamp
- Ceramic and steel magnets with steel rails
- 4.00V string output / 8.50V strum output
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin system
- Dual-coil humbucker with close aperture coils
- Standard humbucker mounting ring (bridge position)
- Includes split shaft volume/active tone control set
- Includes output jack and battery clip set
- Requires one 9V battery
- Gold finish
- Installation hardware included (screws and springs)
The 81X combines dependable active electronics, quick installation, and a tone engineered for precision and punch in bridge or neck positions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker designed for metal, hard rock, and djent players who demand tight articulation, controlled sustain, and minimal noise. Its X-Series preamp circuitry and steel-rail construction deliver punchy midrange clarity and aggressive tone without flabbiness, making it ideal for modern high-gain rigs where note definition cuts through the mix on stage. The solderless quick-connect system means you can swap it in minutes without soldering, and it runs on a single 9V battery.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup good for metal and hard rock?
Yes—the 81X is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles. Its high output (4.00V string / 8.50V strum), tight low end, and upper-midrange emphasis deliver the articulate, aggressive tone and note separation those genres demand.
Do I need to solder this pickup?
No. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin system lets you install or swap the 81X without any soldering. The package includes the split shaft volume and active tone control set, output jack, battery clip, and all mounting hardware.
What powers the active electronics?
A single 9V battery powers the X-Series preamp circuitry. The included battery clip makes it simple to install and replace.
Will this work in bridge or neck position?
Yes, the 81X can work in either position and comes with standard humbucker mounting hardware. Many players use it as a bridge pickup for maximum output and clarity.
How does the 81X compare to the original EMG 81?
The 81X uses X-Series preamp circuitry and steel rails instead of individual pole pieces, reducing microphonic feedback while maintaining consistent response across the fretboard. It offers tighter control and cleaner articulation than the classic 81.
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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