EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3308
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 85 is a modern workhorse active humbucker that delivers articulate, controlled output with exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum. Built around an Alnico 5 magnet, it produces a 3.10 V RMS output with a resonant frequency of 1870 Hz, yielding a balanced tone that cuts through a live mix without excessive treble harshness or muddiness. The cream-colored housing with gold EMG logo offers classic appeal that pairs well with both traditional and contemporary guitar finishes.
Tone & Electronics
On stage or in the studio, the EMG 85 sits perfectly in your frequency pocket with minimal hum—the -101 dBV output noise floor ensures clean signal transmission even in electrically noisy venues. Its 10 kΩ output impedance interfaces reliably with standard guitar electronics and amplifiers, so you can trust consistent performance across any rig. The 4.50 V peak output voltage gives you headroom for aggressive playing without digital breakup or unwanted compression artifacts.
Power & Installation
This active design runs on a single 9 V battery with a conservative 80 µA current draw, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life—enough to get through a full tour before you need a fresh cell. The pickup supports supply voltages up to 27 V DC for extended headroom in high-current rigs. Installation is completely solderless: the preassembled connector plugs directly into standard EMG wiring harnesses, so you can swap it in and out without any shop time or soldering iron.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet design
- 3.10 V RMS output voltage
- 4.50 V peak output voltage
- -101 dBV output noise
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- 1870 Hz resonant frequency
- 9 V battery powered with 3000 hour battery life
- 27 V DC maximum supply voltage
- 80 µA current draw at 9V
- Solderless installation connector
- Cream housing with gold EMG logo
- 2.63 x 2.38 x 6 inch dimensions
The EMG 85 combines articulate, vintage-voiced character with modern active circuitry and road-proven reliability. It's the choice for gigging musicians who need consistent output, noise-free operation, and hassle-free installation across every gig.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker built on an Alnico 5 magnet that delivers articulate, controlled output with exceptional clarity—ideal for hard rock and metal players who need consistent tone and minimal hum on stage and in the studio. Its balanced midrange and clean signal sit well in a heavy mix without harsh treble or mud, and the solderless installation makes retrofitting straightforward on most guitars. With 3000 hours of battery life per 9V cell, it's a road-ready workhorse for intermediate to professional players.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 85 and EMG 81?
The EMG 85 uses an Alnico 5 magnet and delivers a warmer, more articulate tone with a lower resonant frequency (1870 Hz) compared to the brighter EMG 81. The 85 sits better in dense mixes and produces a balanced midrange, making it popular for hard rock; the 81 is known for a tighter, more aggressive high-end.
How long does the battery last?
A single 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time, which translates to roughly four to five months of regular use before replacement is needed.
Do I need to solder this pickup to install it?
No. The EMG 85 features a solderless installation connector that plugs directly into standard EMG wiring harnesses, making retrofit quick and straightforward on most guitars.
What genres is the EMG 85 best suited for?
The EMG 85 excels in hard rock, metal, and studio sessions where controlled output and clarity across the frequency spectrum are essential. Its balanced tone and minimal hum make it less ideal for traditional jazz or folk applications.
What output voltage does it deliver?
The EMG 85 produces 3.10 V RMS with a peak output of 4.50 V, providing consistent, noise-free signal with a -101 dBV output noise floor for clean transmission to your amp or interface.
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.
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