EMG 81 Black Long Shaft

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EMG 81 Black Long Shaft

EMG

81 Black Long Shaft

4.4 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 535733
Brand: EMG
Model: 81 Black Long Shaft
Price: $93.50

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The EMG 81 is a legend for a reason. It's your go-to for screaming leads and crushing rhythm tones in high-gain genres – think metal, hard rock, and progressive. Its aggressive output and clarity really cut through, but be mindful of the scooped mids and potential harshness; some EQ tweaking might be needed.

Product Description

  • EMG 81 Black Long Shaft
  • Active Humbucker Pickup For Electric Guitar
  • One of the most popular EMG pickups & the one that started a revolution
  • Powerful ceramic magnets and closely spaced coils produce a sound with detailed intensity
  • plenty of high-end cuts and a smooth sustain
  • Lets your solos cut through even the densest mix
  • Due to the very low feedback susceptibility
  • it is especially well suited for high gain applications
  • Position: bridge
  • Output: high
  • String Spacing: Universal
  • Connectors: Solderless
  • Magnet Material: Ceramic
  • Cap Colour: Black
  • Width: 70 mm
  • Height: 38 mm
  • Mounting depth: 23 mm
  • Mounting screw spacing: 78 mm
  • Made in USA

*Included: EMG's Exclusive Solderless Installation System:*

  • 25k Tone poti
  • 25k Volume poti (both long shaft: 19mm)
  • Battery bus
  • Stereo output jack
  • Two pickup in/out bus
  • Mounting screws and springs
  • Pickup cable
  • 2 x Connecting cables
  • Output cable
  • Battery cable
PROS
  • • Ceramic magnets deliver aggressive high-output and clarity.
  • • Long shaft design accommodates thicker pickguards and deeper cavities.
  • • Solderless system simplifies installation, a huge time-saver.
  • • Excellent feedback rejection, ideal for high-gain metal and hard rock.
CONS
  • • Active circuit requires a 9V battery, adds to maintenance.
  • • Sound profile is quite scooped, lacks warmth for some genres.
  • • Can be harsh and brittle if not paired with appropriate tone controls.

Product Video

Key Features

Position Bridge
Magnet Ceramic
Output Level High
DC Resistance 21.5 kOhms
Spacing Universal
Mounting 78 mm screw spacing, 23 mm mounting depth

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Frequently Asked Questions

It allows for more flexibility when routing or dealing with thicker pickguards, preventing the pots from being buried.
Yes, it’s consistent with other high-output EMG humbuckers, influencing the overall tone and output level.
While it *can* be used, the aggressive tone might clash with a vintage guitar's character; consider carefully if you want that modern edge.

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