Is the M-80 suitable for bridge or neck position?

The M-80 is engineered for bridge positions on standard instruments, with narrow string spacing designed to accommodate bridge pickup slots up to 2 inches wide. It is not optimized for neck placement.

What's included in the box?

The pickup comes with one volume pot (25k) and one tone pot (25k), battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup connecting cables, and mounting hardware (screws and springs). Everything needed for installation is supplied.

How long does the 9V battery last?

A single 9V battery powers a two-pickup M-80 system at 1.3 milliamps draw, providing extended battery life per charge cycle. Exact runtime depends on playing frequency and amplifier gain settings.

Will this pickup work with wireless systems?

Yes. The low-impedance output design ensures clean signal transmission to cable and wireless systems without coloration or impedance-matching artifacts.

What genres is the M-80 best for?

The M-80 excels in metal, hard rock, rock, fusion, and drop-tuning applications. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from warmer, less compressed tones.

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.

EMG M-80 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG M-80 is a high-output active humbucker built for players who need articulate, compressed tone with a noise floor that won't betray you on stage. Its narrow string spacing sits perfectly in bridge positions on standard instruments, and the low-impedance design plays nice with both traditional and modern wiring setups. This pickup prioritizes precision over vintage coloration—made for tight, aggressive styles in rock, metal, and fusion where clarity cuts through the mix.

Electronics & Tone Character

The new-design preamp runs quietly with headroom to spare, refusing to clip even when your amp is pushed hard. Low-impedance output guarantees clean signal delivery down the cable or through wireless rigs without sonic degradation or impedance mismatches.

Power & Integration

At 1.3 Milliamps on 9V battery power (for a two-pickup system), the M-80 runs lean and efficient, stretching out your battery life between swaps. The full control suite—dual 25k pots, battery bus, output jacks, and all connecting cables—ships ready to drop into your instrument or new build without hunting down extra parts.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet with 2 steel bars for focused, high-output response
Narrow string spacing, designed for bridge positions up to 2 inches (51mm)
Low-impedance output for clean signal integrity
Active preamp with quiet operation and headroom for high-gain applications
1.3 Milliamps power draw at 9V (2-pickup system configuration)
Includes 1 volume pot (25k) and 1 tone pot (25k)
Includes battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup bus, and all connecting cables
Compatible with standard cable and wireless audio systems
Mounting hardware supplied: screws and springs

The M-80 pairs solid active circuitry with no-fuss installation—a reliable choice for players who want controlled, articulate humbucker tone on the gig without extra hassle.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Rock, Fusion, Drop Tunings
Tonal character	High-output, articulate, compressed, tight, minimal noise floor
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional