EMG 81 Black
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
EMG
81 Black
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The EMG 81 is a legendary pickup for a reason. It’s a powerhouse delivering that searing, modern metal tone—think aggressive riffs and screaming leads. If you’re after that high-gain, focused sound, this pickup is an excellent choice and a real workhorse for heavier styles.
Product Description
- EMG 81 Pickup
- Pickup for Electric Guitar
- Active humbucker
- For bridge position
- Strong ceramic magnets and closely spaced coils produce a sound with detailed intensity
- lots of high-end cut and smooth sustain
- Due to very low susceptibility to feedback
- it's particularly well suited for high-gain applications
- Output: High
- String spacing: Universal
- Connections: Solderless
- Magnet: Ceramic
- Width: 70 mm
- Height: 38 mm
- Installation depth: 23 cm
- Mounting screw spacing: 78 mm
- Cap colour: Black
- Made in USA
- *Including EMG's solderless installation system: *
- 25k Tone potentiometer
- 25k Volume potentiometer
- Battery bus
- Stereo output socket
- In/Out bus for two pickups
- Mounting screws and springs
- Pickup cable
- 2 x Connection cable
- Output cable
- Battery cable
PROS
- • Ceramic magnets deliver aggressive high-output and tight low-end response.
- • Closely spaced coils minimize string noise and enhance note definition.
- • Solderless system simplifies installation, even for less experienced users.
- • Excellent feedback rejection allows for extreme gain settings without issues.
CONS
- • The high output can be overwhelming for players seeking a vintage or mellow tone.
- • Limited tonal versatility; best suited for rock, metal, and high-gain genres.
- • Active circuitry requires a 9V battery, adding to maintenance and potential failure.
Product Video
Key Features
Position
Bridge
Magnet
Ceramic
Output Level
High
DC Resistance
22.3 kOhms
Spacing
Universal
Mounting
Solderless
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 81 has a significantly higher output and a brighter, more aggressive tone compared to the 85’s smoother, more balanced character.
Yes, the 25k pots are a good starting point, but some players prefer 500k pots to further brighten the high-end and maximize the pickup's output.
It’s considerably simpler than traditional soldering, but you'll still need to connect the wiring, and some basic electrical knowledge is helpful to avoid mistakes.
