Can I install this myself, or do I need a tech?

The EMG 85 uses a solderless connection system, so no soldering is required—you can install it directly into your guitar with basic tools. The pickup includes all necessary installation components.

How often will I need to change the battery?

The single 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours on a charge, which translates to months of regular playing. The pickup draws only 80 microamps, making battery life exceptional for an active design.

Is the EMG 85 better for bridge or neck position?

The mid-focused character and balanced articulation make it equally suitable for both positions. Many players use it as a bridge pickup for aggressive tones or as a neck pickup for warm, defined lead work.

How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?

The 85 has a more mid-focused, warmer tone compared to the 81's brighter character, making it more versatile across bridge and neck positions while maintaining clarity through high-gain circuits.

Will this pickup work well with heavy distortion and effects?

Yes—the 1.75V peak output and -89 dBV noise floor are designed to maintain clarity and definition through high-gain recording and live environments, with minimal hum even in demanding signal chains.

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.

EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 85 is a versatile active humbucker that delivers articulate midrange presence and controlled dynamics on stage. Its mid-focused character works equally well in bridge or neck positions, cutting through a mix with clarity while maintaining enough warmth to stay musical across high-gain and clean tones. The brushed chrome finish pairs aggressive aesthetics with the solderless convenience that keeps setup and roadside fixes simple.

Tone & Output Performance

With a resonant frequency of 2.55 kHz, the EMG 85 sits in the upper-midrange sweet spot for punch and presence in live and studio settings. The 1.25V RMS output and 1.75V peak output deliver enough headroom to drive tube amps cleanly and maintain definition through high-gain chains, while the -89 dBV output noise floor keeps the signal clean and hum-free whether you're on a noisy stage or in the studio.

Electronics & Installation

Solderless connection design eliminates the need for professional wiring, making this pickup accessible for direct installation or quick modifications between gigs. The pickup runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—drawing only 80 microamps for a rated battery life of 3000 hours—so you'll spend more time playing and less time replacing batteries. The 10 kΩ output impedance ensures compatibility with standard guitar electronics and effects chains.

Key Features

Resonant Frequency: 2.55 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 1.25V
Peak Output Voltage: 1.75V
Output Noise: -89 dBV
Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
Current Draw: 80 microamps at 9V
Battery Life: 3000 hours on single 9V battery
Magnet Material: Alnico V
Cover: Stainless steel brushed chrome finish
Solderless connection system
Suitable for bridge or neck position
Includes all installation components

The EMG 85 combines proven active electronics, efficient power management, and straightforward installation into a reliable workhorse pickup for gigging musicians and players who demand midrange definition and output consistency night after night.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, High-Gain Recording
Tonal character	Mid-focused, articulate highs, controlled lows, high output, clarity through gain
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional