EMG P85 Active P90-Size Humbucker 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
- EMG2507
Description
EMG P85 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG P85 delivers the compact form factor and vintage character of a P90 with the clarity and punch of active electronics. This pickup sits comfortably in guitars designed around P90-sized cavities while offering the signal integrity and noise rejection that active systems provide. It's engineered for players who need articulate, controlled output without sacrificing the midrange presence that smaller pickups naturally offer.
Design & Build
Built with Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils in a P90 style housing, the P85 maintains dimensional compatibility with guitars originally routed for P90 pickups. The compact footprint measures 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D, making it a direct fit for retrofit installations or new builds targeting the P90 cavity specification.
Active Electronics & Installation
This active design operates on a 9V battery and ships with a complete Solderless Install System that eliminates traditional wiring. The package includes a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting screws and springs, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for a clean, solder-free installation. Active circuitry reduces noise floor and maintains consistent output across cable runs, ideal for high-gain applications or long studio patch bays.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- Form Factor: P90 style housing
- Magnet Configuration: Close aperture coils
- Active Electronics: 9V battery powered
- Dimensions: 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D
- Solderless Install System included
- 25K volume and tone potentiometers included
- Complete connectivity package: battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, cables
- Mounting hardware included: screws and springs
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
The P85 is built for gigging musicians and builders who need a direct drop-in replacement for P90-routed instruments. Its active architecture delivers the noise-free, stage-ready performance of modern pickups while preserving the compact form factor and vintage vibe that make P90 guitars feel and sound distinct on stage.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P85 is an active P90-sized humbucker that drops into any guitar routed for P90 pickups, delivering articulate punch and controlled output with virtually zero noise—ideal for hard rock and metal players who gig or record. Its Alnico V magnets and close-aperture coils preserve the midrange character of a compact pickup while active electronics ensure consistent signal integrity across long cable runs and high-gain setups. The complete solderless install system means no soldering required; everything you need ships in the box.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Retrofitting P90 guitars
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Acoustic Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this fit my guitar?
The P85 is designed for guitars routed with a P90-sized cavity and will not fit humbucker-routed guitars. It measures 4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D and maintains dimensional compatibility with standard P90 specifications, making it ideal for retrofits and new builds targeting that form factor.
Do I need to solder anything?
No—the EMG Solderless Install System ships with all wiring pre-assembled. The package includes volume and tone pots, battery bus, output jack, connecting cables, and battery cable, so installation requires no soldering or special tools.
What's the noise floor like compared to passive pickups?
The active 9V circuitry reduces noise floor significantly and maintains consistent output across long cable runs, making it ideal for high-gain applications, studio patch bays, and live settings where signal integrity matters.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The P85 excels in hard rock, metal, and studio sessions where articulate, punchy, controlled output is needed. It's not recommended for traditional jazz or acoustic folk styles.
What's included in the box?
The package includes the P85 pickup, 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting screws and springs, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and a two-year manufacturer warranty.
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.
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