What does the long shaft design mean, and will it fit my guitar?

The long shaft design is engineered for Les Paul-style guitars in both bridge and neck positions. If your guitar is a Les Paul or similar design with a standard humbucker cavity, the EMG 85 will integrate seamlessly.

Do I need to solder this pickup, or is installation quick?

No soldering required. The EMG 85 ships with solderless Quik-Connect technology, prewired split shaft controls, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware—everything you need for straightforward integration.

How long does the battery last, and what's the output power?

The 9V battery delivers up to 3000 hours of typical use and draws 80 mA. The pickup generates 3.1 V string output and 4.5 V strum output, giving it substantial punch and clarity in high-gain settings.

Is the EMG 85 suitable for jazz or clean tones, or only heavy music?

The EMG 85 is engineered for metal, hard rock, and progressive music where its aggressive character, tight low end, and compressed midrange shine. It is not optimized for jazz, folk, or country styles.

How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?

Both are high-output active humbuckers, but the 85 has a slightly lower resonant frequency (1.87 kHz) and a warmer, more defined response from its Alnico V magnets and stainless steel cap, making it more articulate in mids and lows compared to the 81's brighter character.

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 Chrome

The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate tone with exceptional clarity and sustain. Its covered chrome finish and long shaft design integrate seamlessly into most Les Paul-style guitars, delivering the punch and definition essential for cutting through live mixes and demanding stage rigs.

Tone & Output Character

This pickup generates substantial output with a 3.1 V string output and 4.5 V strum output, cutting through dense mixes with authority. The 1.87 kHz resonant frequency and close-aperture coil design produce tight, focused highs and a compressed midrange ideal for heavy rhythms and solos that demand clarity and definition in any venue.

Power & Installation

The active circuit operates on a standard 9V battery with an 80 mA current draw, delivering up to 3000 hours of battery life for reliable gig-to-gig performance. Installation is straightforward with solderless EMG Quik-Connect technology; the package includes a pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware for hassle-free integration.

Key Features

Alnico V magnets in stainless steel cap for warm, defined response
Close-aperture coils deliver tight, controlled output
Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
DC Resistance: 10K
Output Voltage (String): 3.1 V
Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5 V
Output Noise (60 Hz): -101 dBV
Resonant Frequency: 1.87 kHz
9V battery power with 80 mA current draw
3000-hour battery life under typical use
Long shaft design fits Les Paul bridge and neck positions
Solderless EMG Quik-Connect with prewired controls and all mounting hardware included

The EMG 85 combines professional output specifications, intuitive installation, and the aggressive character that made it a staple in high-gain rigs across generations of touring and studio work.