What skill level do I need to install the EMG 85?

The EMG 85 features solderless connection architecture, meaning no soldering is required—just direct plug-in installation into a compatible guitar cavity. Intermediate players and above can handle the install; the package includes everything needed: mounting hardware, potentiometers, battery bus, and pickup cables.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 9V battery runs for approximately 3000 hours of active operation before replacement. At typical gigging or studio use, expect several months of reliable performance per battery.

Will this pickup work in jazz or blues applications?

The EMG 85 is voiced for metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain work—its articulate midrange and aggressive presence are not optimized for jazz, folk, or traditional blues tones. For those genres, consider a passive alternative with warmer, darker voicing.

How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?

The 85 delivers more articulate midrange presence and slightly warmer character than the 81, while still maintaining tight low-end and high output. Both are active and solderless; the 85 suits players who want note definition alongside aggression, while the 81 is known for maximum gain and raw power.

What output level should I expect?

The EMG 85 produces 3.1V on individual string strikes and 4.5V on full strum, providing strong signal headroom into any amp, interface, or mixing console without clipping or distortion.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 85 delivers the articulate, punchy output that works live—controlled dynamics and transparent highs cut through without muddiness. This active humbucker pairs aggressive midrange with tight low-end definition, holding its own in high-gain rigs on stage while staying responsive enough for cleaner tones in your set rotation. The brushed black chrome cover fits seamlessly into modern guitar electronics while keeping the pickup's signature aggression intact.

Tone & Output Characteristics

Output measures 3.1V on individual string strikes and 4.5V on full strum, delivering strong signal headroom that drives any amp without breakup or loss of articulation. The 1.87 kHz resonant frequency sits exactly where note definition lives onstage, while -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz keeps hum and interference out of your signal path in any venue—quiet backline, loud PA, standard rigs, all of it.

Electronics & Installation

This active design runs on a single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life, so you're not swapping cells mid-tour. Solderless connection architecture means plug-and-play installation with no rework needed. The included system comprises 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery bus, two pickup in/out bus connectors, mounting hardware, and pickup cable—everything you need for a drop-in retrofit into compatible guitar cavities.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet with close-aperture coil design
Output Voltage: 3.1V (string) / 4.5V (strum)
Resonant Frequency: 1.87 kHz
Output Noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
Output Impedance: 10 KOhm
Current Draw at 9V: 80 mA
Battery Life: 3000 hours on single 9V cell
Active electronics with solderless installation
Includes 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo jack, dual bus connectors
Brushed Black Chrome cover finish
Dimensions: 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D
Long shaft design for direct mounting compatibility

The EMG 85 combines high-output active performance with straightforward installation and extended battery endurance—a reliable upgrade for working musicians who need articulation, noise rejection, and zero headaches on the road.