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

The EMG 85 uses solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity, so installation requires no soldering or wiring modification. Beginners and intermediate players can install it quickly; no advanced electronics knowledge is needed.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime with minimal current draw at 80 µA @ 9V. That translates to roughly 125 days of continuous use, or many months of typical playing.

What styles and genres is the EMG 85 best suited for?

The EMG 85 excels in metal, hard rock, modern rock, and studio sessions. Its articulate midrange and tight low end preserve note definition at high gain, but it is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk styles.

How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?

The EMG 85 delivers a more balanced, articulate voice with refined high-frequency response, while the 81 is known for a tighter, more aggressive character. The 85 suits a wider range of modern rock and recording contexts.

Will the EMG 85 work with my standard guitar electronics and effects?

Yes. The 10 kΩ output impedance and 3.10 V RMS output ensure smooth interaction with standard guitar electronics and effects chains, and the -101 dBV noise floor keeps your signal clean.

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 Gold

The EMG 85 is a workhorse active humbucker built for gigging musicians and studio players who need articulate clarity without sacrificing punch. This gold-finished pickup delivers a balanced voice that cuts through live mixes—tight low-end definition pairs with refined highs, making it equally reliable in modern rock, metal, and recording rigs. The solderless connector and integrated 9V system mean you can drop it in with zero downtime.

Tone & Output Characteristics

At 3.10 V RMS output with a 4.50 V peak, this pickup sits in the controlled-dynamics sweet spot—enough muscle to command a stage without excessive compression. The Alnico 5 magnet structure and 1870 Hz resonant frequency lock in a natural, focused midrange that keeps every note defined even under high gain, while the 10 kΩ output impedance integrates cleanly with standard wiring and effects chains.

Power & Installation

Powered by a single 9 V battery with a 3000-hour battery life, the EMG 85 runs lean at 80 µA @ 9V current draw—you'll rarely swap batteries mid-tour. The solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity and gold metal body mean this is a true plug-and-play swap with no rewiring needed, delivering a clean -101 dBV noise floor for quiet operation on any stage.

Key Features

Alnico 5 magnet type
3.10 V RMS output voltage
4.50 V peak output voltage
-101 dBV output noise floor
10 kΩ output impedance
80 µA @ 9V current draw
1870 Hz resonant frequency
9 V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
Active humbucker design
Solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity
Gold finish
Metal body construction

The EMG 85 in gold is the pickup choice for working musicians and builders who demand reliability, versatile tone, and the confidence that their rig will perform night after night without fuss.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Modern Rock, Studio Sessions, Home Recording
Tonal character	Tight low end, articulate midrange, refined high-frequency response, balanced output, high clarity
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