EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3309
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 85 delivers a balanced, articulate active humbucker voice with controlled output and minimal noise—ideal for players seeking clarity and definition without excessive aggression. This white-finished unit pairs dual Alnico 5 magnets with EMG's proven solderless installation system, making it a straightforward retrofit for guitars requiring a tonal refresh or upgrade.
Tone & Electronics
Built around two Alnico magnet loaded coils with wide aperture design, the EMG 85 achieves a 1870 Hz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange presence and string articulation. The active circuit delivers 3.10 V RMS output with an exceptionally low noise floor of −101 dBV, yielding punchy, defined tones across gain structures without the hum and interference typical of passive pickups. On stage, that means your note separation stays locked in even at high volumes, and feedback stays predictable and controllable.
Power & Installation
The pickup runs on a single 9 V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours, eliminating the need for external power supplies during normal use. EMG's Solderless Install System is included, enabling fast, reliable wiring without soldering—a practical advantage for quick swaps or modular setups, and invaluable when you need to make changes between soundchecks or on the road.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet type with dual coils and wide aperture design
- 3.10 V RMS output voltage for defined, controlled signal
- 4.50 V peak voltage capability
- −101 dBV noise specification for clean, interference-free operation
- 10 kΩ impedance
- 1870 Hz resonant frequency emphasizing midrange articulation
- 80 µA current draw
- 9 V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Solderless Install System included for fast installation
- White finish
- Dimensions: 2.63 × 2.38 × 6 inches
The EMG 85 in white combines proven active electronics, low-noise design, and hassle-free installation into a single package suitable for modern and classic rigs alike. Built for gigging musicians who demand reliability and tonal consistency night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker that delivers articulate midrange punch and clarity without excessive noise or aggression—perfect for metal, hard rock, and progressive players who demand defined tones across high-gain settings. Its dual Alnico 5 magnets and low-noise active circuit (−101 dBV) cut through a mix on stage while the solderless install system makes retrofitting quick and reliable. Choose it if you want controlled, balanced output that sits tight in dense arrangements without sacrificing string definition.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Blues
- – Jazz
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the EMG 85 different from the EMG 81?
The EMG 85 emphasizes midrange articulation with a 1870 Hz resonant frequency and balanced output, making it suited for clarity and definition across genres including metal and hard rock. The EMG 81 delivers a tighter, more aggressive voice; compare tone profiles and genre fit to your rig before choosing.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery has a rated lifespan of 3000 hours under normal use, equating to several months depending on how often you play. Monitor output levels and replace the battery when tone starts to thin to maintain peak performance.
Is soldering required to install this pickup?
No—the EMG 85 includes EMG's Solderless Install System, so you can wire it into your guitar using quick connectors without a soldering iron. This makes retrofitting or swapping pickups fast and reliable, especially useful for quick rig changes.
What output level should I expect?
The EMG 85 delivers 3.10 V RMS output with a 4.50 V peak capability, providing controlled, defined signal suitable for high-gain rigs without excessive output pushing into amp clipping or overdrive.
Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?
The EMG 85 is voiced for metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate midrange and low noise shine. It is not ideal for blues or jazz, where warmer, more organic passive humbucker tones are typically preferred.
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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