EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4862
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 85X is a modern active humbucker built for players who demand refined high-output tone without losing articulation on stage. Its revised preamp architecture delivers a balanced response across the frequency spectrum, holding its own in lead work and heavy rhythm playing through any venue setup. The brushed chrome cover projects a professional look while the compact footprint drops into any solidbody without hassle.
Tone & Output
Built around an Alnico V magnet and close aperture coils, the 85X produces 3.10V in single-string clarity and 4.50V during full strumming—an output level that lives between vintage warmth and modern aggression. The revised built-in preamp keeps response consistent across pickup positions while maintaining the note definition that passive designs can't match at comparable output levels, a real advantage in a live mix.
Installation & Integration
This active pickup uses a solderless installation system with a 3-wire quick-connect design, cutting setup time and eliminating soldering headaches. The included split shaft volume and active tone control let you shape your sound in real time without routing complications, while the supplied battery clip set and output jack handle power and signal transmission straight out of the box.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet construction
- Close aperture coils for focused response
- Active design with revised built-in preamp
- 3.10V single-string output / 4.50V strumming output
- 3-wire quick-connect wiring system
- Solderless installation—no soldering required
- Plastic housing with brushed chrome finish
- Includes split shaft volume/active tone control set
- Battery clip set and output jack included
- Operates on single 9V battery
- Mounting screws and springs included
The EMG 85X combines straightforward installation with professional-grade tone shaping, making it a dependable upgrade for gigging musicians who want both ease of setup and sonic control under their fingers.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is a modern active humbucker that delivers high-output tone with articulate note definition—3.10V single-string clarity and 4.50V during full strums. Built for metal, hard rock, and progressive players who gig or record, it pairs aggressive response with balanced frequency spread across lead and rhythm work. Solderless 3-wire quick-connect installation and included tone controls make it a straightforward upgrade that needs no soldering.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, articulate, balanced frequency response, modern aggression, note definition |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this pickup require soldering to install?
No. The EMG 85X uses a solderless 3-wire quick-connect design that drastically reduces installation time and complexity. No soldering required.
What output level should I expect compared to passive pickups?
The 85X produces 3.10V in single-string clarity and 4.50V during full strumming—a measured high output that sits between vintage warmth and modern aggression. This active design maintains note definition that passive designs struggle to achieve at comparable output levels.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio session work. Its balanced frequency response and articulate tone work equally well for lead work and heavy rhythm playing, though it is not recommended for folk or jazz.
What comes included with the pickup?
The package includes the pickup, split shaft volume and active tone control set, battery clip set, output jack, mounting screws, and springs. It operates on a single 9V battery.
How does the 85X compare to the EMG 81?
The 85X uses a revised preamp architecture and Alnico V magnet for a more balanced, articulate response across the frequency spectrum compared to the 81, making it versatile for both lead and rhythm applications.
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.
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