What's included in this pickup set?

The set includes the EMG 81 bridge pickup, EMG 89R neck pickup, a complete wiring harness with two 25k volume pots, two 25k tone pots, stereo output jack, battery bus and connectors, mounting screws, springs, two pickup cables, and four connect cables. Everything needed for a full installation is in the box.

Do I need to solder anything to install these pickups?

No. The solderless installation system uses push-fit connectors for all wiring, eliminating the need for a soldering iron or professional luthier work. All connections are reversible and field-ready.

What genres and playing styles are these pickups best suited for?

These pickups are designed for metal, hard rock, djent, and drop-tuning applications where tight low end, high output, and minimal noise are priorities. They are not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.

How does the EMG 81 bridge compare to the EMG 89R neck in this set?

The EMG 81 bridge delivers defined note articulation and fast transient response for aggressive riffing, while the EMG 89R neck adds harmonic warmth and sustain for lead work and smoother tones. Together they balance classic active EMG aggression with musical midrange response.

Are these pickups active or passive?

These are active pickups powered by a 9-volt battery. The active circuitry and ceramic magnet construction deliver tight, controlled output with minimal noise ideal for high-gain applications.

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. On this item that is roughly $17 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 GH Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup Set in Red

The EMG GH delivers articulate, aggressive active tone in a visually striking red finish. This complete wiring kit pairs the punchy EMG 81 bridge pickup with the warm, balanced EMG 89R neck pickup, bridging the gap between high-output clarity and musical midrange response. The solderless installation system makes this a practical retrofit for players upgrading their electronics without professional luthier work.

Active Electronics & Tone Character

The ceramic magnet construction and active circuitry deliver tight, controlled output with minimal noise—essential for high-gain stages and studio tracking. The EMG 81 excels at defined note articulation and fast transient response, cutting through live mixes with precision, while the EMG 89R adds harmonic warmth and sustain to the neck position for smooth rhythm work and expressive lead playing. This pairing covers classic active EMG aggression alongside usable lead and rhythm tones without sacrificing musicality.

Installation & Complete Hardware Package

The solderless install system eliminates the need for a soldering iron—all connections use push-fit connectors for reliable, reversible assembly. Every component needed for a full wiring harness is included, from potentiometers and switching hardware to patch cables and battery connectors, making this a turnkey solution for pickup replacement that keeps your instrument road-ready.

Key Features

EMG 81 bridge pickup and EMG 89R neck pickup pair
Ceramic magnet construction
Active powered electronics
Custom red pickup caps
Solderless installation system
1× 25k volume pot, 1× 25k push/pull volume pot, 2× 25k tone pots
Complete wiring harness: stereo output jack, battery bus, two-pickup in/out bus, battery cable, output cable
2 pickup cables and 4 connect cables included
Mounting screws and springs for both pickups
Limited Lifetime warranty

This is a complete, field-ready solution for players seeking proven active tone and straightforward, solder-free installation.