EMG 81 Humbucker Active Pickup - Black Chrome

EMG 81 Humbucker Active Pickup - Black Chrome

The EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup is one of the most iconic high-output guitar pickups ever made, renowned for its tight, aggressive tone, powerful output, fast response and exceptional clarity. Originally developed for high-gain rock and metal, the EMG 81 has become a go-to active humbucker for guitarists who demand precise articulation and a powerful, cutting sound.

Featuring ceramic magnets and EMG's active pickup design, the EMG 81 delivers a focused attack with tight low end, pronounced upper-midrange response and excellent definition. It is particularly effective in the bridge position, where its controlled bass response and powerful attack make it ideal for heavy metal riffs, palm-muted power chords, hard rock and high-gain lead guitar.

The EMG 81 remains articulate even with substantial amounts of distortion and compression, helping individual notes and chords retain their definition in dense mixes. Its strong output also provides excellent sustain, making it a popular choice for guitar solos, lead lines and modern high-gain playing.

Although commonly installed in the bridge position, the EMG 81 can also be used in the neck position for an aggressive, powerful neck pickup sound. It can be paired with an EMG 85 for the classic EMG 81/85 combination, one of the most recognisable active pickup configurations in rock and metal.

Easy Solderless Installation

The EMG 81 features EMG's solderless quick-connect installation system, allowing the pickup to be installed without traditional soldering. The system makes upgrading your electric guitar quicker and easier while allowing the pickup to be swapped or removed without extensive wiring work.

The EMG 81 fits a standard humbucker pickup route and operates using a 9V battery.

Key Features

• EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup
• Iconic high-output active guitar pickup
• Ceramic magnet design
• Tight, aggressive and highly articulate tone
• Powerful output with excellent clarity
• Tight low end and focused upper-midrange attack
• Exceptional note definition under high gain
• Excellent sustain for lead guitar and solos
• Ideal for metal, hard rock, rock and high-gain guitar
• Designed primarily for the bridge position
• Can also be installed in the neck position
• Perfect partner for the EMG 85 in the classic 81/85 setup
• Fits a standard humbucker route
• Powered by a single 9V battery
• Solderless quick-connect installation
• No traditional soldering required
• Black Chrome finish

EMG 81 – The Classic High-Gain Humbucker

Whether you're looking for tight metal rhythm tones, aggressive hard rock sounds, articulate high-gain leads or powerful sustained solos, the EMG 81 delivers the focused response and clarity that has made it a staple of professional guitar rigs for decades.

The EMG 81 Black Chrome is an ideal pickup upgrade for guitarists who want a powerful, tight and precise active humbucker capable of cutting through even the densest high-gain mix.