Will the P85 fit my guitar without routing?

Yes. The P85 is P90-sized and fits standard single-coil and wide P90 routes without modification, using standard 3.125" screw spacing that accommodates most mounting schemes.

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

The P85 operates from 9V to 27V and delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell, meaning you can run a single 9V battery for extended touring or stack multiple cells for increased headroom.

What genres and styles work best with this pickup?

The P85 excels in hard rock, metal, drop-tuning applications, and studio sessions where articulate attack and punchy midrange are priorities. It is not well-suited for jazz, acoustic folk, or clean fusion playing.

What comes in the box, and how hard is installation?

Installation is straightforward with the included solderless system: volume and tone potentiometer set, battery bus, stereo output jack, complete cable set, and mounting hardware are all provided. No soldering required.

How does the P85 compare to other active humbuckers like the EMG 81?

The P85 is P90-sized and emphasizes articulate, punchy midrange with tight response, while the EMG 81 is full-size with a slightly different tonal character. Both offer high output and low noise; choice depends on routing compatibility and tonal preference.

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.

EMG P85 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG P85 delivers articulate, punchy response in a compact P90-sized form factor that fits standard single-coil and wide P90 routes without modification. This active humbucker combines Alnico V magnets with built-in preamp circuitry to provide high output and low noise across a wide operating voltage range, making it a reliable choice for players seeking defined attack and midrange clarity on stage.

Electronics & Power

Operating across 9V–27V, this pickup delivers consistent performance whether you run a single battery or stack multiple cells for increased headroom during extended sets. The built-in preamp with dedicated volume and tone controls lets you dial in your tone from the instrument itself, while the 10 kOhm output impedance ensures solid signal integrity into any amp or pedalboard without degradation.

Design & Installation

The solderless install system with included volume/tone pot set, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all necessary cables gets you up and running fast; standard 3.125" screw spacing accommodates most mounting schemes without routing work. Battery life reaches approximately 3000 hours, keeping you gigging without constant battery swaps in active touring rigs.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico V loaded coils
P90-size form factor fits standard single-coil and P90 routes
Built-in active preamp with volume and tone controls
Operating Voltage: 9V–27V
Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
Battery Life: Approximately 3000 hours
Resonant Frequency: 1.87 MHz
Screw Spacing: 3.125" (79.37 mm)
Dimensions: 3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877"
Solderless install system with potentiometer set, battery bus, and output jack included
Complete cable set and mounting hardware supplied
2-year manufacturer warranty

The P85 combines robust active electronics with flexible routing compatibility and straightforward installation, making it a proven upgrade for gigging musicians chasing tighter response, extended battery life, and hands-on tone shaping from the instrument.