EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3572
Description
EMG 81X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81X is the workhorse active humbucker for players who demand aggression and clarity in one package. Built for high-gain rigs and dense stage mixes, this pickup cuts through with exceptional articulation and sustain without muddying your tone. The chrome finish and long shaft design fit seamlessly into Les Paul–style guitars, adding visual polish while maintaining the pickup's legendary responsiveness and on-stage reliability.
Tone & Electronics
Hot output of 8.50V on strum and 4.00V per string ensures your signal stays clear and punchy in any live or studio setting. The X-Series preamp architecture and 1.72 kHz resonant frequency center the tone in the upper midrange, delivering tight low-end and singing treble that holds its own even at extreme gain settings. Noise floor of −105 dBV keeps hum and interference minimal—essential for recording and touring without unwanted artifacts.
Power & Installation
Single 9V battery powers the active circuit for approximately 3000 hours of playing time, with maximum supply rated to 27V DC and current draw of only 80 microamps at 9V. Installation is straightforward via the EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system—no soldering required, just plug the 3-pin Quick-Connect header into compatible electronics. The long shaft (19mm, Les Paul spec) and standard humbucker mounting ring ensure a perfect fit in most traditional guitar cavities.
Key Features
- Active humbucker pickup with X-Series preamp
- Dual-coil humbucker with close aperture coils
- Steel rails construction (no individual pole pieces)
- Output voltage: 8.50V strum / 4.00V string
- Output noise: −105 dBV (60Hz)
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Resonant frequency: 1.72 kHz
- Powered by single 9V battery (3000-hour life)
- Maximum supply: 27V DC
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin header
- Long shaft (Les Paul) 19mm length
- Ceramic/steel magnet with metal body
The EMG 81X remains the benchmark active pickup for modern high-output applications, combining raw power with articulate definition and bulletproof reliability.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker built for metal and hard rock players who demand clarity and punch through dense, high-gain tones. Its 8.50V output and upper-midrange focus keep articulate definition even when pushing your amp to extreme settings, while the tight low end and singing treble cut through on stage and in the studio. The long shaft and chrome finish fit Les Paul–style guitars perfectly, and the solderless quick-connect system makes installation dead simple—no soldering required.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, High-Gain Recording, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, articulate cleans, tight low end, singing treble, upper midrange focus |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Acoustic Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of output does the EMG 81X deliver?
The 81X produces 8.50V on strum and 4.00V per string, making it a serious high-output pickup. Its X-Series preamp and 1.72 kHz resonant frequency keep the tone articulate in the upper midrange, so you get clarity even at extreme gain settings.
Is soldering required to install this pickup?
No. The EMG 81X uses the solderless Quick-Connect system—you simply plug the 3-pin header into compatible electronics. The long shaft (19mm, Les Paul spec) and standard humbucker mounting ring ensure a straightforward fit.
How long does the battery last?
A single 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time. The active circuit draws only 80 microamps at 9V, keeping power consumption minimal.
Will this pickup work in my Les Paul?
Yes. The long shaft (19mm length) and chrome finish are designed to fit Les Paul–style guitars with standard humbucker cavities. The ceramic/steel magnet and metal body deliver the robust response and visual polish that suits traditional instruments.
Is the EMG 81X suitable for jazz or blues?
The 81X is optimized for metal, hard rock, and high-gain recording. Its aggressive upper-midrange focus and tight low end are not well-suited to jazz or blues tones, which typically benefit from warmer, more moderate output pickups.
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.
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