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EMG

Description

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 Black

Features

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

Specs

  • 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

Featured Articles

Reviews

5

9 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Incredible heavy tone
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Reviewed by 9 customers

  • Incredible heavy tone

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted7 months ago

    byLeslie

    fromNew Orleans, Louisiana

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Pairs well with solid state amps and amp sims, works incredibly well with gain and drop tuning along with pinch harmonics

  • perfect mistake

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byRob Hall

    fromn. tonawanda NY

    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.

  • AMAZING!!!!

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byJarrod

    frommilwaukee, WI

    So, when i got the 85 home from getting it installed i was not impressed, but being as stupid as i am i didnt mess with the tone controll on my guitar, when i did, its freakin amazing, pinch harmonics were piercing just like i wanted them to be, its really deep and sounds just like my favorite band that uses them. i am completley satisfyed with this pickup, i had it installed in the bridge, and the emg SA installed in the neck, they are a good combo, these pickups are 1000% WORTH YOUR MONEY!!!!!

  • very clean tone and heavy at the same time

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byallen

    fromwestland, mi

    so far this ickup rocks and it got in days :) if you like to rock like me get this pickup

  • Much better lead pickup than the 81

    5

    submitted17 years ago

    byDjskfhiueh

    fromMiami, Florida

    The 85 is very loud and very tonefull. I was using a 81/85 combo before and the 85 was just too bassy and too powerfull for the neck, it screamed "Put me in the bridge!!!". So i did put it in the bridge and it changed everything. It has a brutal sound with high distortion, palm muting is amazing, and it sounds great with drop tunings. If your a fan of drop tunings like D, C, D standard, B, A etc, this will do you justice. I can also get a very Alexi Laihoish tone from this pickup. Another thing is that pinch harmonics SCREAM with this pickup. With the 81 I had a hard time getting pinch harmonics scream(I would have to hook up my Ibanez TS-808 tube screamer reissue to add harmonics), but this solved everyhing. The best set you can have is either a 85/85 set or a 85/60 set.(The 60 is a great pickup for arpeggiating sweeps and solos). As hard as it is to believe, this pickup was just as tonefull as a duncan blackout and much more natural. Put the 18V mod and you will make it sizzle more than a dimarzio super distortion, D sonic, D activator, X2n and duncan JB and all those passive monsters. EMG's have potential, much potential. Don't listen to people's complaints about sterileness, because there is nothing sterile about EMGs.

  • EMG makes the best pickups

    5

    submitted17 years ago

    byHappy Customer

    fromLos Angeles,CA

    Tried this pickup out along with the 81 on a ZW Les Paul. This pickup is great for clean rhythms, but metal rhythm players should look at the 60.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byEthan

    fromPueblo, Co

    How much would it cost for Guitar Center to install this.?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for specific pricing inquiries

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byJW

    fromTracy, Ca

    Does the EMG 81 and 85 humbuckers come supplied with all of the quick connect gear to fit the squire bullet mustang body? I realize that some modifications will need to be made to the pick guard and body to accommodate the pickups, pots and battery housing.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes they do. They have the solderless installation.