What skill level is required to install the EMG 85X?

No soldering is needed—the solderless Quik-Connect system handles all wiring. Even intermediate players can install and swap the pickup quickly with just basic tools.

How long does the battery last, and what is the current draw?

The 85X draws 80 mA at 9V and delivers approximately 3000 hours of playtime on a single 9V battery cell. You can also supply up to 27V DC for longer life if using a larger power source.

What genres and playing styles is the EMG 85X designed for?

The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio sessions with high-gain playing. Its articulate, punchy character works equally well on clean channels; it is not optimized for traditional jazz or folk applications.

How does the tone compare to the standard EMG 85?

The 85X revises the classic 85 design with updated preamp circuitry and AlNiCo 5 magnets to deliver clarity and articulate transients without harshness. Its 1.91 kHz resonant frequency sits in the sweet spot between brightness and body.

What is included in the package, and what else do I need?

The 85X includes a 25K volume pot, 25K active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, dual pickup in/out bus, and all connection and mounting hardware. You will need a 9V battery and a humbucker-routed guitar to complete installation.

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 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 85X delivers a punchy, articulate voice with the clarity and definition that modern active electronics provide. This revised design pairs the vintage warmth of AlNiCo 5 magnets with a refined preamp circuit, making it equally at home in high-gain rigs and clean channels. The gold-plated housing adds visual presence while the compact footprint integrates seamlessly into most humbucker-routed instruments.

Tone & Electronics Performance

A resonant frequency of 1.91 kHz positions the 85X in the sweet spot between brightness and body, capturing articulate transients without harshness. The 10 KΩ output impedance and revised active preamp deliver consistent signal integrity into any amp or pedalboard, with a modest 80 mA draw at 9V ensuring extended battery life and minimal noise floor—critical for touring and studio sessions where reliability matters.

Installation & Live Integration

The Quik-Connect solderless system eliminates traditional wiring complexity, allowing fast installation and swaps without soldering skills. The complete connectivity package includes dedicated volume and tone controls, battery management bus, and all necessary cables and connectors for immediate integration into multi-pickup configurations or standard single-pickup setups—ideal for gigging musicians who need to troubleshoot or swap gear on the road.

Key Features

AlNiCo 5 magnet type for warm, articulate tone
Gold-plated steel housing
Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches
Active pickup with revised built-in preamp
Resonant frequency: 1.91 kHz
Output impedance: 10 KΩ
Current draw: 80 mA @ 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours on single 9V cell
Maximum supply: 27V DC
Solderless Quik-Connect installation system
Includes 25K volume pot, 25K active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, dual pickup in/out bus, and all connection and mounting hardware

The 85X combines established EMG reliability with modern tone-shaping control, delivering consistency and clarity that holds up on stage and in the studio across any playing dynamic.