EMG 85 Chrome
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
EMG
85 Chrome
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The EMG 85 Chrome is a solid choice for players seeking a warm, articulate humbucker without the complexity of full-blown active systems. It's a great pairing with an EMG 81 in the bridge, but holds its own as a standalone pickup for those needing a smoother, rounder neck tone. This is ideal for rock, blues, and even some lighter metal styles.
Product Description
- EMG 85 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 sounds great as a bridge pickup as well
- String spacing: Universal
- Connection: Solderless
- Magnet material: Alnico 5
- Cover colour: Chrome
- Made In USA
*Included*
- EMG's exclusive solderless installation system: 25k Volume pots & 25k tone pots (standard shaft: 9.5 mm thread length)
- Battery bus
- Stereo output socket
- Two Pickup In/Out Bus
- Mounting screws and springs
- Pickup cable
- 2 x Connection cable
- Output cable
- Battery cable
PROS
- • Chrome cover offers a premium aesthetic and reflects stage lighting well.
- • Alnico 5 magnet provides a warmer, smoother tone than ceramic alternatives.
- • Solderless installation simplifies upgrades, even for less experienced players.
- • Versatile enough for rock, blues, and even some jazz applications with careful EQ.
CONS
- • Active circuitry demands a battery, adding a potential maintenance item.
- • Can be a bit sterile sounding without proper EQ or amp settings.
- • The 25k pots might be a bit low for some modern high-gain amps.
Product Video
Key Features
Position
Neck (or Bridge)
Magnet
Alnico 5
Output Level
Medium
DC Resistance
17.5 kΩ
Spacing
Universal
Mounting
Screws and Springs
Similar Products
Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT
ST Style Guitars
$439
Electric Guitar, Body: Poplar, Top: Basswood with Art Grain in flamed maple look, Bolt-on neck:...
Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst
Folk Acoustic Guitars
$989
*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$1,099
Classical Guitar, Special model for the anniversary of Guitarras...
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Flamenco Sabicas C3-F
Flamenco Guitars
$957
Flamenco Guitar, Top: Solid European Carpathian spruce, Back and...
Frequently Asked Questions
The 85's Alnico 5 offers a noticeably warmer, less aggressive tone, with a more rounded high-end compared to the 81's brighter, more aggressive ceramic sound.
Yes, it's designed for straightforward installation, but some familiarity with guitar wiring is helpful; the included instructions are clear and concise.
It can, but you might need to adjust EQ settings to compensate for the active nature of the pickup and avoid a harsh or sterile sound.
