What does active mean, and do I need a battery?

Active electronics power the pickup's signal through a 9V battery, which lasts about 3000 hours under normal playing. This delivers a consistent, high-output signal (4.5 V when strumming, 3.1 V per string) without the noise and impedance issues of passive designs, and there's no preamp breakup when running into amps or interfaces.

Is the EMG 85 hard to install?

No—it uses a solderless installation system that plugs directly into a standard EMG harness, requiring no rewiring. The long shaft design fits most guitar cavities as a straightforward retrofit.

What genres is this pickup best for?

The EMG 85 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate midrange and tight sustain are essential. Its high output and low noise make it less suitable for folk or traditional jazz, where a warmer, more passive tone is preferred.

How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?

The 85 has a slightly warmer, more midrange-focused voicing than the brighter, tighter 81, making it better for rhythm definition and body while the 81 leans into treble cut and lead clarity. Both are high-output actives with identical battery life and noise performance.

Will this pickup introduce hum or noise in a noisy electrical environment?

No—the EMG 85 is rated at -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz and is vacuum sealed in epoxy for long-term reliability, ensuring hum-free operation even in electrically hostile venues or studios.

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

The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker engineered for articulate midrange clarity and controlled sustain without noise floor issues. Its compact footprint and solderless installation make it a straightforward retrofit into most guitar cavities, while the active electronics deliver consistent performance across the full dynamic range—from fingerstyle passages to hard-picked aggression.

Tone & Electronics

Voiced with a slight midrange presence peak, the EMG 85 balances definition and body—locking in clearly on stage during both rhythm work and lead lines. The Alnico V magnet and 1.87 KHz resonant frequency produce a response that cuts through a mix without the muddiness that passive designs often suffer from, while the output voltage of 4.5 V (strum) and 3.1 V (string) provides ample signal to any amp or interface without preamp saturation, keeping your tone tight across venues and systems.

Design & Build

This unit runs on a single 9V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life under normal use—meaning one battery per tour without worry. The entire coil assembly is vacuum sealed in epoxy for long-term reliability through road abuse and humidity swings, and the solderless installation system eliminates the need for rewiring—the connector plugs directly into a standard EMG harness. The -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz ensures hum-free operation even in electrically hostile venue environments.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet
1.87 KHz resonant frequency
4.5 V output voltage (strum)
3.1 V output voltage (string)
-101 dB output noise (60 Hz)
10 KOhm output impedance
80 mA current at 9V
3000-hour battery life
27V DC maximum supply
Solderless installation system
Vacuum sealed in epoxy
Made in USA

The EMG 85 remains the go-to active humbucker for players who value consistency, clarity, and reliability night after night.