EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup
The remarkable EMG-85 has a smooth and full-bodied attack with a rich background of high-mid harmonics for outstanding lead voicing. Its wide-spread alnico magnets give it a full midrange with a bottom end that's clear and powerful. Through string bends, double note bends, vibrato, or long harmonic sustain the output remains solidly true. At high output, the distortion quality is powerfully live for expressive lead phrasing.
EMG Humbuckers unite a number of crucial EMG innovations in the search for a voice that delivers both classic tones and the benefits of modern technology. Each of these pickups includes an integral preamp (an EMG first) which virtually eliminates hum and noise while simultaneously reducing shock hazard to the player. Low impedance design maintains your tone as you change the volume settings at the guitar and preserves your high frequencies even with a long cord.
EMG's proprietary Impedence Modeling (tm) and Dual Resonant (tm) technologies allow for precise tailoring of frequency response and resonance yielding a variety of highly tuned and tweaked tones. Another EMG exclusive, the Lo-Flux (tm) magnetic design enhances harmonics and sustain. We tailor the materials and geometry of the magnets to spread the magnetic field evenly across the strings for a balanced sound.
The EMG-85 was developed as a replacement for EMG's original EMG-58. They still manufacture the EMG-58 on occasion (via their Custom Shop), but the newer EMG-85 is different than the original 58. Both models have characteristics that are admirable, but the 85 won out in the end.
Although the EMG-85 has more measurable output than the 81 its frequency response and string interface are different. The 85 uses two Alnico magnet loaded coils with a wide aperture to maintain a beefy low end and a fatter top end. It's a perfect choice as a rhythm pickup in combination with an 81 in the bridge, which is the same pickup combination used by Zakk Wylde.
The midrange has better definition and doesn't get foggy or muddy in the rhythm position either. Steve Lukather uses the 85 as his lead pickup in the bridge position of his Ernie Ball Signature 'Luke' model. It has loads of output and isn't muddy.
The 85 has a natural tone that works great as a rhythm and blues pickup. It appeared on the later Guild Bluesbird (designed by George Gruhn) model which was a favorite of blues player Buddy Guy for years. The EMG-85 works best if you like the natural distortion that comes from overdriving the front end of your amp. Under any conditions it responds accurately to your technique.
Package Includes:
EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup, EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws & springs.
Technical Info
Specifications
Logo Color: Gold
Resonant Frequency: 2.55 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 1.25
Peak Output Voltage: 1.75
Output Noise: -89 dBV
Output Impedance: 10kOhms
Current @ 9V: 80 Microamps
Battery Life: 3000 Hours
A Brief FAQ
What's an active pickup, and why would I use one?
An active pickup is one that uses electronics to improve the sound and enhance its operation. There are a variety of ways to "Activate" a pickup. A simple "buffer" pre-amp will do the trick, but it will also amplify the hum and buzz the pickup produces. Just because a pickup is "active" doesn't guarantee you'll get great results. EMG pickups utilize an internal pre-amp (inside the pickup), which not only makes the pickup louder, it also reduces the noise!
What are the advantages of an EMG pickup?
The greatest is reduction in noise. No longer will the dimming of the house lighting system cause your guitar to buzz incessantly. You can use an extra long cable, or a wireless, and you'll get the same great tone every time.
Why an internal pre-amp?
It's the most efficient way to create an active pickup. All the coil connections are shielded, the pre-amp is shielded, and the output of the pickup cable is low-impedence, which makes it less susceptible to noise. Also, it avoids a spider web of wires and possible loose connections in your guitar and the installation is simple. All the benefits with none of the hassle.
Call for 4 equal payments on most orders over $395. Installment plans available only by phone. 
9 out of 10
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