EMG 85 Brushed Chrome
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
EMG
85 Brushed Chrome
Product Info
Article Number:
339429
Brand:
EMG
Model:
85 Brushed Chrome
Category:
Humbucker Pickups
Price:
$119.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The EMG 85 Brushed Chrome is a fantastic choice for players wanting a warm, rounded tone with plenty of punch. It's a workhorse pickup, well-suited for rock, blues, and even some jazz applications—especially when paired with an EMG 81 in the bridge. The solderless system is a real bonus for easier installation.
Product Description
- EMG 85 Brushed Chrome
- Pickup for Electric Guitar
- Active humbucker
- For the neck position
- Output: Medium
- Powerful and versatile
- Often used in the neck position and paired with an EMG 81 as a bridge pickup
- but also sounds great as a bridge pickup itself
- String spacing: Universal
- Connectors: Solderless
- Magnetic material: Alnico 5
- Cap colour: Brushed chrome
- Made in USA
*With EMG's exclusive solderless installation system, comprising:*
- 25k volume potentiometer & 25k tone potentiometer (standard shaft: 9.5 mm thread length)
- Battery bus
- Stereo output jack
- Two pickup in/out bus
- Mounting screws and springs
- Audio cable
- 2x Connection cables
- Output cable
- Battery cable
PROS
- • Brushed chrome finish adds a premium aesthetic touch and resists fingerprints.
- • Alnico 5 magnets deliver a warm, articulate tone with strong fundamental frequencies.
- • Solderless installation simplifies upgrades, especially for players less experienced with electronics.
- • Versatile enough for neck or bridge position, offering a wider range of tonal possibilities.
CONS
- • Active circuitry demands battery power, adding a maintenance consideration.
- • The 'medium' output might be lacking for players seeking extremely high-gain tones.
- • Brushed chrome can be susceptible to scratches despite its fingerprint resistance.
Product Video
Key Features
Position
Neck (often paired with EMG 81)
Magnet
Alnico 5
Output Level
Medium
DC Resistance
Approximately 22k Ohms
Spacing
Universal
Mounting
Solderless with included hardware
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's more durable than a gloss finish, but still prone to micro-scratches. Regular cleaning and care will keep it looking its best.
Absolutely. The 85's warmer character complements the 81's aggressive output, creating a balanced and versatile sound.
Expect around 8-12 hours of playtime depending on volume and tone settings; regular battery changes are a small price to pay for the EMG sound.
