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EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup

Item # 101264935 | Customer Ratings: Ratings (Based on 9 reviews)

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EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup
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      EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup (101264935)
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Although the EMG-85 Humbucker has more measurable output than the 81, its frequency response and string interface are different. The 85 uses 2 Alnico magnet-loaded coils with a wide aperture to maintain a beefy low end and a fatter top end. Because of a more natural tone, it works great as a rhythm and blues pickup because it has loads of output but isn't muddy. It's a perfect choice as a rhythm pickup in combination with an 81 in the bridge.

The midrange has great definition and doesn't get foggy or muddy in the rhythm position. The EMG-85 guitar pickup works best if you like the natural distortion that comes from overdriving the front end of your amp. Under any condition, it responds accurately to your technique.

EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup Features:

  • Package includes:
    EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable
    Prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
    Output jack
    Battery clip set
    Screws and springs


EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup Specifications:

  • Resonant Frequency: 2.45
    Magnet Type: Alnico
    Output Voltage (String): 2.1
    Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5
    Output Noise @ 60Hz: -89dBV
    Output Impedance: 10kOhms
    Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
    Battery Life: 3,000 hours
    Maximum Supply: 27V DC


Product Reviews
Based on 9 reviews)
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Viewing Reviews 1 - 3 of 9 |

  • Excellent.

    As reviewed by Fluff on 9/16/2008

    I have the ZW pickup set and put the 85 in the neck (as most players do) and the 81 in the bridge position. Man was I disappointed. Thin and weak, and the 85 was WAY louder than the 81, so I switched the positions and WOW it is like night and day. Adam D from Killswitch uses the 85 in the bridge as well, as for good reason. Its like getting drop kicked by a bull. Try it. You will see.

    14 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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  • Almost perfect

    As reviewed by shadowgrass3 on 6/29/2011

    I have never heard a better, more well-rounded bridge-position humbucker. Period. The famous EMG-81 may be better suited for the pure metal player, but if you like tonal versatility, the 85 is the way to go. The highest compliment I can give this pickup is that I prefer it over Seymour Duncan's legendary JB pickup, and that's been one of my favorites for almost 20 years now. If you're looking for loads of power without sacrificing tone, look no further. Not to mention it sounds great clean, and still manages to be solid with those awesome slightly dirty sounds.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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  • perfect mistake

    As reviewed by Rob Hall on 5/25/2010

    I've played emgs since 87. in 95 had them put in my Ibanez Iceman ps-10/2. this one always sounded better when I opened it up I found the 85 was in the bridge by mistake! Its fuller and wider than the 81. A modern Brown sound. I don't know why more people don't use it in the bridge, and I like the 81 in the neck.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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