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EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup - Black
6 models to choose from:
Great Additions
Description
One of the most popular EMGs the 81 is the one that started a revolution. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed 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. When used in both neck and bridge positions the sound can only be described as blistering. Other recommended pairings include the classic 81/85 setup and the versatile 81/60 combo.
Package Includes EMG's exclusive Solderless Install System.
Package Includes EMG's exclusive Solderless Install System.
Q & A
Question: is it just one singular pickup or a set of 2?
- asked on Sep 23, 2025
- asked on Sep 23, 2025
Answer: It's a single pickup, traditionally mounted at the bridge position.
- answered by Michelle Lehto, Ottawa, Ontario
- answered by Michelle Lehto, Ottawa, Ontario
Reviews
216.73.216.172
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4.1/ 5 7 Reviews
5 StarsEveryone needs one
0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Prince George, British Columbia
It’s so versatile and it’s just my go to. And most my guitars even my 7 strings I use the 81 for. I have a PRS with a Seymour Duncan only because I don’t wana dremmel the body and an old school knock off K7 with legit DiMarzio PAG7 same set up as Korn. I may not be good with change and new things but if you haven’t tried yet well your missing out
Posted by Charles Harper on Sep 3, 2025
Some Like It Hot
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Langley, British Columbia
I have the EMG 81/85 set in several of my guitars. I like the combo and I am not a Metal Guy per se.
I find them to be pretty versatile with proper discretionary use of the volume/tone controls and amp settings.
I have a lot of guitars ranging from a vintage Ibby AH-10 to an EBMM Axis to a Custom Shop LP and I love each of them(if I don't I sell them). I use some guitars for some things and some for others.
My stable would be incomplete without a guitar that has the 81/85 set
Posted by Ross on Aug 30, 2020
Perfect For What Its Made For
0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
I had one of these along with an 85 years ago in a old BC Rich Warlock. Because of the ability to unplug the pickup from the wires, I regularly switched positions and got to really compare them both in neck and bridge positions.
The 81 is flat to a little high ended in response, probably due to the ceramic magnet used in them. If you are looking for classic Metallica, you need this pickup in the bridge. In comparison to the 85 which uses alnico magnets, the 81 sounds more sterile and aimed more at top end crunch where as the 85 which crunches almost as hard, has a smoother warmer sound. I prefer the 85 out of the two but if your guitar is particularly dark and you want more top end or you want classic Metallica, the 81 is the pickup you want.
Posted by David on Nov 4, 2019
meh.
0 of 7 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Toronto (LM Pro), Ontario
These things are built like tanks. I've played ones from the 70s and 80s and they all work great. The typical preamp that makes these tick in the 81 is out dated unless. The mid range is scooped severely, lifeless, sterile and unless you put a boost pedal or something in front of it (after the guitar, before the amp) don't bother with these. It took Metallica , Slayer or whoever you're trying to capture a tone of to get their sound. Plus there's always the fee of getting a tech to re-wire a guitar which is a very labor intensive and expensive endeavor . Whenever I get higher end import guitars oriented towards metal these always come out.
Posted by shredder82 on Dec 6, 2018
Over rated
1 of 8 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Brampton, Ontario
If a lifeless sterile sound with little articulation is what you're after look no further. As an upgrade I'll take stock pickups that have no name on them over this particular EMG preamp used in the 81, 85, 60 and 58 (not 57). I've tried actives in at least a dozen guitars I personally owned and took them out. I've bought high end imports like Schecter, ESP , Jackson and the second the guitars came it's to the point I just take out the soldering iron and remove them.
if you just got a smoking hot deal on a guitar and it had EMG pickups put the specs into regard before hitting those 10/10 markers on this sites reviews because if your guitar is properly shielded like with copper tape, you have a quality guitar cable and have a way to cancel hum inside your house/jam space you'll realize how far EMG hum cancelling sales pitch goes.
The only thing good I can say about EMG is besides them being solderless for kids wjp are terrified of soldering irons is they are built like tanks , had some from the early 80s still work.
Posted by anyone on Nov 25, 2015
Great pickup for metal
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store North York (Steeles), Ontario
This pickup is really a great pickup for metal. It's also great for rock and even has a pretty good clean tone.
Posted by anonymous on Feb 8, 2015
customer services
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Stouffville (formerly Markham), Ontario
got this a few days ago, stock ordered this from downtown to my local L@M and it was here the next day, wow talk about your next day drop off, keep up the great services.
Posted by anonymous on Mar 5, 2014
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 81 Active Humbucker Pickup - Black | 6935 |
