What's the difference between the EMG 85 and the EMG 81?

The 85 has a lower resonant frequency (1870 Hz vs. the 81's higher focus) and delivers warmer, more articulate midrange response while maintaining similar output and noise performance. The 85 works well in both bridge and neck positions, whereas the 81 is traditionally a bridge pickup.

How long does the battery last, and how do I install this pickup?

The 9V battery runs for approximately 3000 hours of continuous operation, and installation is solderless—the 2-wire plus battery connection clips together without any soldering required. A full install takes minutes, and you can swap it out just as quickly.

Will this pickup work in my guitar, and what positions can I use it in?

The EMG 85 fits any standard humbucker routing and works in bridge or neck position. It includes mounting hardware and all necessary cables; compatibility depends on your guitar's existing routing and electronics cavity.

What's included in the box?

The package includes the pickup with brushed chrome finish, a 9V battery, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output socket, two pickup in/out bus connections, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables.

Is this pickup good for jazz or acoustic-style playing?

The EMG 85 is voiced for hard rock and metal and delivers high output and punchy midrange response. It's not designed for jazz or folk applications and will sound aggressive in those genres.

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 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker voiced for clarity and punch across the frequency spectrum. This solderless design installs cleanly into bridge or neck positions, delivering the articulate, controlled response that made EMG active pickups the go-to choice for touring musicians and stage-ready rigs. The brushed chrome finish pairs refined aesthetics with proven performance.

Tone & Output Characteristics

With a resonant frequency of 1870 Hz, the 85 centers its response in the midrange while maintaining upper-end definition. Output measures 3.10 V RMS and 4.50 V peak, providing substantial gain without excessive noise—the –101 dBV output noise floor ensures clean signal transmission to any amplifier or mixing console.

Power & Installation

The pickup runs on a single 9 V battery rated for 3000 hours of continuous operation, and the solderless 2-wire plus battery connection simplifies installation and future adjustments. Current draw sits at 80 µA @ 9V, maximizing battery longevity in real-world use.

Key Features

Alnico 5 magnet for focused, responsive tone
Stainless steel cap construction
3.10 V RMS / 4.50 V peak output
–101 dBV output noise specification
10 kΩ output impedance
9 V battery power source
3000-hour battery life
1870 Hz resonant frequency
Solderless connection with 2-wire plus battery interface
Bridge or neck position compatibility
Includes 25k volume and 25k tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output socket, two pickup in/out bus connections, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables
Brushed chrome finish

The EMG 85 combines transparent signal integrity with the practical advantages of active electronics—fast installation, extended battery life, and the noise immunity live performance and on-stage reliability demand.