Is the EMG 85 good for metal and hard rock, or is it better suited to blues and jazz?

The EMG 85 is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and progressive music. Its high output, punchy midrange, and controlled highs excel in heavy genres and tight rhythm work, but it is not optimized for jazz or blues playing styles.

What comes in the box, and do I need to solder anything?

The EMG 85 includes a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, springs, pickup cables, and connection cables. The solderless installation system means no soldering required—just wire and mount.

How long does the battery last, and what are the key specs?

The 9V battery delivers 3000 hours of playable life and draws only 80 µA of current. Output is 3.10 V RMS and 4.50 V peak, with a noise floor of –101 dBV and 10 kΩ impedance, ensuring a clean signal under high-gain conditions.

How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81 or other active humbuckers?

The EMG 85 has a slightly lower output and more articulate, focused midrange compared to the harder-hitting EMG 81, making it better for clarity and note definition. It compares favorably to the Seymour Duncan JB Custom and DiMarzio D Activator in its balance of output and articulation.

What is the long shaft configuration?

Long shaft refers to the pickup's mounting ring height, which fits certain guitar body types and neck-through designs. Confirm your guitar's pickup cavity depth before ordering to ensure proper fit.

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 Red

The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker that delivers articulate, punchy tone with exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum. Its wide-aperture dual Alnico 5 coils capture fast transients and defined note separation, making it equally at home in tight rhythm work and lead passages. The solderless installation system and included electronics streamline the retrofit process, reducing setup time without compromising signal integrity.

Tone & Output Performance

This pickup generates 3.10 V RMS and 4.50 V peak output with a resonant frequency of 1870 Hz, producing focused midrange punch and controlled high-end articulation. The 10 kΩ impedance and –101 dBV noise floor ensure a clean signal path with minimal hum, even under high-gain conditions—critical for cutting through live mixes without feedback.

Live Reliability & Installation

The active circuit runs on a single 9 V battery with 3000-hour battery life, eliminating passive pickup noise while maintaining response stability through extended gigs and tours. The solderless mounting system and included 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and connection cables get you stage-ready without permanent modifications, and make swaps painless when you need them.

Key Features

Alnico 5 bar magnet with two Alnico magnet-loaded coils
Wide-aperture coil design for enhanced clarity and detail
3.10 V RMS output / 4.50 V peak output
10 kΩ impedance
80 µA current draw
–101 dBV noise specification
1870 Hz resonant frequency
Active 9 V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
Solderless installation system
Includes 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, and stereo output jack
Includes mounting screws, springs, and pickup/connection cables
Long shaft configuration

The EMG 85 combines the noise rejection of active electronics with the tonal clarity of Alnico magnetics, delivering reliable performance and straightforward installation for working musicians who demand both output and definition night after night.