EMG KH21 Active Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG1783
Description
EMG KH21 Active Pickup in Black
The EMG KH21 is built for players who demand aggressive, articulate tone with zero compromise on noise rejection. This dual EMG-81 humbucker system pairs ceramic magnets with close aperture coils for tight, focused output—the kind of clean high-gain clarity that cuts through any mix and holds definition even when you're pushing your amp hard. The pre-wired configuration mounts directly to an 11-screw pickguard, making it a straightforward retrofit for Strat-style instruments with no routing necessary.
Tone & Electronics
Each EMG-81 generates 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, with a resonant frequency of 2.00 kHz that emphasizes midrange punch and definition. Output impedance of 10K Ohm and noise floor of -91 dB mean you stay crystal-clear even at extreme gain levels—no hum, no buzz, just pure attack and sustain. The dual-volume plus master-tone control scheme lets you shape your tone on the fly without hunting through menus.
Installation & Power
The system runs on a single 9V DC battery with exceptionally low draw (150 microamps complete system), delivering approximately 1500 hours of battery life per charge—you'll change strings before you change batteries. The pickguard assembly includes custom white pearl with contrasting black knobs and mounts via standard 11-hole Strat configuration—bolt it in and play.
Key Features
- Dual EMG-81 active humbuckers with ceramic magnets and close aperture coils
- Three-position pickup selection switch for bridge/both/neck voicing
- Output voltage: 2.00V (string), 4.50V (strum) per pickup
- Output impedance: 10K Ohm
- Output noise: −91 dB (60 Hz)
- Resonant frequency: 2.00 kHz
- Two volume controls and one master tone control
- 9V DC battery supply with 150 microamps current draw
- Battery life: approximately 1500 hours
- Pre-installed on 11-screw white pearl pickguard with black knobs
- Designed for Strat-style guitar installation
- Black finish with professional presentation
The KH21 delivers high-output, noise-free performance on any Strat platform—proven active electronics that won't let you down on stage or in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG KH21 is a dual-EMG-81 active humbucker system designed for high-gain metal and hard rock, delivering aggressive, articulate tone with tight low end and exceptional noise rejection even at extreme gain levels. Built on a pre-wired pickguard that drops directly into any standard Strat-style guitar with no routing, it's ideal for gigging musicians who need road-reliable, fast-attack response and midrange punch without feedback or hum. Choose it if you're chasing Kirk Hammett's signature metal tone and want a plug-and-play retrofit that eliminates installation hassle.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ High-Gain Playing
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Clean Tones
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar does this fit, and how difficult is installation?
The KH21 mounts directly to any standard Strat-style guitar via an 11-hole pickguard configuration—no routing or soldering required. The system arrives pre-wired on a white pearl pickguard with black knobs, so installation is a straightforward bolt-on retrofit.
What kind of tones is this pickup best suited for?
The KH21 excels in metal, hard rock, thrash, and high-gain playing, delivering aggressive, articulate tone with tight lows and midrange punch. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or clean tones—it is built specifically for extreme-gain applications and fast-attack styles.
How long does the battery last, and what is the noise floor?
A single 9V battery powers the entire system with exceptionally low current draw (150 microamps), providing approximately 1500 hours of battery life per charge. The noise floor is -91 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean amplification even at extreme gain levels without hum or feedback.
How does the output level compare to passive pickups?
The dual EMG-81 humbuckers generate 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, with 10K Ohm output impedance and a 2.00 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange definition. This high output and tight response is designed to cut through dense, high-gain mixes without losing articulation.
What control options are included?
The system features a three-position pickup selector (bridge/both/neck), two independent volume controls, and one master tone control, allowing intuitive on-the-fly shaping across all voicing options.
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 $19 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.
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