What does the long shaft configuration mean, and do I need it?

The long shaft extends deeper into the pickup cavity, accommodating guitars with deeper or non-standard cavities where a standard-shaft pickup would sit proud of the body. Check your guitar's cavity depth before ordering; if you have a standard cavity, a regular EMG 85 will work fine.

How long does the battery last, and how do I change it?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours at typical current draw (80 µA), which translates to years of regular playing before needing a change. Battery access is simple; exact location depends on your guitar's electronics cavity design.

Is this pickup good for blues or jazz?

No; the 85X is designed for metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications where its aggressive midrange and hot output shine. For blues or jazz, consider EMG's cleaner, lower-output designs or passive pickups that offer warmer, more nuanced response.

What's included, and is installation complicated?

The pickup includes the EMG 85X with solderless 3-wire quick-connect connectors and battery box. Installation is straightforward—no soldering required; you plug the connectors together and secure the battery in your electronics cavity.

How does the 85X compare to the EMG 81?

The 85 (and 85X) emphasizes midrange aggression and controlled dynamics with 3.10V single-note output, while the 81 is brighter and slightly hotter (around 3.25V). The 85X is better for thick, articulate tones; the 81 suits maximum cut and treble.

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 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory

The EMG 85X is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who need aggressive midrange punch and controlled output night after night. The extended shaft configuration fits guitars with deeper cavities or non-standard mounting specs, making it the practical choice when a standard-shaft pickup won't seat properly. This pickup delivers clarity and defined articulation without the sterile bite that plagues many hot active designs.

Tone & Output Character

Built around Alnico V magnets with close-aperture coils and a bar-shaped magnet structure, the 85X produces 3.10V output in single-note mode and 4.50V on strummed chords, giving you substantial gain without the ice-pick brittleness of extreme voicings. The -101 dBV output noise floor keeps the signal clean and articulate, essential for high-gain applications and studio work where background hum becomes audible.

Power & Installation

This pickup runs on 9V battery power with an impressive 3000-hour battery life at just 80 µA current draw, meaning years between battery changes in typical use. Installation is straightforward via the solderless 3-wire quick-connect system, and the long shaft configuration accommodates guitars with deeper pickup cavities or specific mounting requirements where standard-shaft pickups won't sit flush.

Key Features

Alnico V magnets with close-aperture coil design
Bar-shaped Alnico 5 magnet structure
3.10V output (single note), 4.50V output (strummed)
-101 dBV output noise specification
10 kΩ output impedance
9V battery power source
3000-hour battery life
80 µA current draw
Solderless installation with 3-wire quick-connect system
Metal body construction with plastic housing
Long shaft configuration for deep-cavity mounting
Ivory finish

The 85X combines EMG's proven midrange aggression with practical solderless wiring and rock-solid output stability, delivering the consistency active pickups are known for across touring and studio work.