What does 'P90-size' mean, and will it fit my guitar?

P90-size refers to the humbucker's compact footprint and standard P90 mounting specifications (3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877" with 3.125" screw spacing). It is a direct drop-in replacement for any guitar with a vintage P90 cavity and will not fit standard humbucker routes without routing modification.

How long does the battery last, and what voltage does it need?

The P81 operates on 9V–27V and delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life at 9V. You can use a standard 9V battery, and the included battery clip set makes installation straightforward.

Is external amplification or in-guitar preamp required?

No. The P81 has a built-in active preamp, so no external amplification or additional in-guitar electronics are necessary. The included Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, and mounting hardware provide everything needed for a complete installation.

What genres and playing styles is the P81 best suited for?

The P81 excels in rock, metal, and hard rock, delivering the articulate punch and midrange focus those styles demand. Its tight low-end response and clarity make it less ideal for jazz, folk, and country applications.

How does the P81 compare to other P90-style pickups?

The P81 combines a P90's vintage form factor with modern active electronics, offering significantly lower noise (−91 dB) and more consistent output than passive alternatives like the Seymour Duncan P-Rail and DiMarzio Virtual P90, while maintaining the tonal character of a traditional P90.

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 P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG P81 pairs the warm, articulate character of a P90 with the output muscle and consistency of a modern active humbucker. Built to drop directly into vintage P90 cavities, this compact pickup delivers tight low-end grip and clarity that cuts through live mix situations on stage. The integrated preamp provides rock-solid performance night after night without fuss.

Tone & Electronics

Running on 9V–27V, the P81 delivers roughly 3000 hours of battery life at 9V with exceptionally low noise at −91 dB (@60 Hz). The 2.0 KHz resonant frequency and 10 KOhm output impedance focus the midrange to cut through dense live settings, with 2.0V string output and 4.5V strum output giving you responsive, dynamic range for everything from controlled licks to full-throttle rhythm work.

Design & Build

USA-made construction ensures reliability on the road and in the studio. Measuring 3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877" with 3.125" screw spacing, it fits standard P90 routes without modification. The ceramic magnet and built-in preamp eliminate external electronics requirements, and the package includes everything you need: Quik-Connect cable, split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting screws.

Key Features

P90-size humbucker form factor with ceramic magnet construction
Built-in active preamp with 9V–27V operating voltage range
Output impedance: 10 KOhm
Resonant frequency: 2.0 KHz
String output: 2.0V, Strum output: 4.5V
Output noise: −91 dB (@60 Hz)
Battery life: ~3000 hours at 9V
Dimensions: 3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877" with 3.125" screw spacing
Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, and battery clip set
Made in the United States
Black finish
Batteries not included

The P81 marries the classic P90 footprint with modern active electronics, giving gigging players vintage tone character with the dependable noise rejection and output consistency demanded by serious live and studio work.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Articulate punch, tight low end, midrange-focused, high output, low noise
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional