EMG 81-X Active Humbucker Pickup

Come out on top of the mix with this humbucker pickup. It utilizes ceramic magnets and close aperture coils for awesome sustain.

Overview

The EMG 81-X provides increased headroom giving the voicing an organic and open tone while still maintaining the clarity and response that EMG's are renowned for. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils and powered by a reengineered preamp, the 81-X shines with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain.

Traditionally used in the bridge position, this pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix like a hot knife. When used in both positions the sound can only be described as blistering. Other recommended pairings include the 85-X and the versatile 81-X/60-X combo. Give it a try and experience why the "X" factor is exciting players all around the world.

Get a taste of the super-hot lead tone that the EMXG 81-X delivers:

Package Includes: EMG's exclusive solderless Quik-Connect(TM) system; split shaft volume/active tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws & springs.

Specs

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Black: Shipping Weight: 0.5 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 3 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 2966.00

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 707-525-9941

Specifications Sheet

Reviews

(5 ratings)

Submitted September 15, 2017 by Jonathan downey in Xenia, OH

"Not just for metal don't believe the hype"

Overall:

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.

I recently bought this pickup after owning an EMG 89 years ago. I put this one in my Jackson Dinky and glad i did. The one review i read claims it hums really bad. I haven't had this issue i would say they didn't follow the directions correctly. Wired correctly it is a well pronounced pickup that has a sweet sound for metal blues rock and even country. I play all styles and it has yet to dissapoint. I do alot of solo guitar songs similar to Vai and Satriani and it has performed well for them. Used in the studio i dial back the treble a bit at around 700-800hz and it seems to be just right for me. All in all EMG has done well in this pup as far as i can tell so far.

Sound

It is bright with full midrange with a flat low end. If you are looking for more chunk as found in death metal you may prefer the 89 or 60

Features

The quick connect made install a breeze but not one to use in a 2 humbucker setup that you only want to replace one of your pickups. I had to leave my neck pup unhooked up amd useless

Ease of Use

Simple. Dial back the treble with a high pass filter and prepare to be amazed

Quality

Build quality is what you expect from EMG no cheap materials here

Value

Absolutely

Manufacturer Support

Never had to contact EMG

The Wow Factor

No other than its an EMG. I know when i am done installing i dont have to take it back out and try again with another pup