What does 'active' mean, and why would I want an active pickup?

Active pickups have a built-in preamp powered by a 9V battery, giving you consistent output and lower noise (-101 dB) across your entire dynamic range. This means tighter response through any amp, extended headroom for dynamics, and reliable performance in both studio and live settings—especially valuable for progressive and high-output playing styles.

How long does the battery last, and is it easy to replace?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours of playable time per charge, which translates to many months of regular use. Battery replacement is straightforward thanks to the solderless installation system, and the battery bus included with the pickup makes swapping simple without rewiring.

Can I use the EMG 85 in both bridge and neck positions?

Yes, the EMG 85 is designed to work equally well in either bridge or neck position, making it versatile for full system upgrades or targeted replacement. The focused midrange and articulate character remain consistent regardless of position.

What's included in the box, and will I need any additional gear to install it?

The pickup includes a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, cables, and mounting hardware. Solderless installation means you won't need extensive wiring modifications, though you may want a soldering iron if integrating with existing electronics or custom wiring schemes.

How does the EMG 85 compare to other high-output humbuckers?

The EMG 85 prioritizes articulate clarity and controlled output over raw aggression, with a focused midrange peaked at 1.87 KHz and tight low end. Comparable models like the Seymour Duncan JB and DiMarzio Crunch Lab offer more aggression; the EMG 85 excels in progressive, studio, and touring contexts where definition and consistency are priorities.

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 Ivory

The EMG 85 delivers articulate, controlled output with a focused midrange character that cuts through live mixes without sacrificing clarity. Built-in active preamp circuitry means immediate response and consistent tone across your instrument's dynamic range, whether you're digging in hard or playing clean lines. This ivory-finished humbucker performs equally well in bridge or neck positions, making it a versatile choice for replacement or full system upgrades on gigging instruments.

Active Electronics & Output

The integrated preamp runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—up to 3000 hours of playable battery life per charge. Output measurements of 3.1V (string) and 4.5V (strum) with 10 KOhm impedance ensure tight, controlled response through any stage amplifier without noise issues (-101 dB at 60 Hz). Supply voltage capability up to 27V DC allows for extended headroom and enhanced dynamics if needed.

Construction & Installation

Close aperture coils wound with Alnico V magnets deliver the pickup's signature articulate tone with smooth harmonic response, peaked at 1.87 KHz. Solderless installation streamlines setup and removal, reducing the need for extensive wiring modifications while maintaining road reliability.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet construction for articulate, controlled tone
Built-in active preamp in pickup housing
Output voltage: 3.1V (string) / 4.5V (strum)
Output impedance: 10 KOhm
Output noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
Battery life: 3000 hours at 9V
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Resonant frequency: 1.87 KHz
Solderless installation system
Ivory finish, 6-string humbucker configuration
Includes 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, cables, and mounting hardware
Compatible with bridge or neck position installation

The EMG 85 combines established active pickup performance with practical solderless wiring and long battery life, making it dependable for studio sessions and touring schedules alike.