EMG 85 Humbucker Active Pickup - Black Chrome

EMG 85 Humbucker Active Pickup - Black Chrome

The EMG 85 Active Humbucker is one of the most iconic active guitar pickups ever produced, delivering the powerful, warm and harmonically rich tone that has made the EMG 81/85 pickup combination a standard choice for hard rock and metal guitarists since the 1980s.

Featuring Alnico V magnets, the EMG 85 produces a fuller and warmer response than the ceramic-magnet EMG 81. Its strong low-mid presence, smooth top end and excellent sustain make it particularly well suited to lead guitar, solos, high-gain rhythm playing and powerful neck pickup tones. The increased body and harmonic richness help notes bloom naturally while retaining clarity when used with heavy distortion.

The EMG 85 is designed to provide a smooth, powerful response without sacrificing definition. Its Alnico V voicing delivers a slightly softer attack than the EMG 81, making it an excellent choice for players looking for warmth, sustain, punch and articulation from an active humbucker.

Although traditionally associated with the neck position, the EMG 85 can also be used successfully in the bridge position, providing a thicker, fuller alternative to the EMG 81. It can be paired with an EMG 81 for the classic 81/85 configuration, or combined with other EMG pickups including the EMG 66 and EMG 60 for different tonal combinations.

The EMG 85 features EMG's solderless installation system, making it straightforward to install or replace without traditional soldering. The pickup is supplied with the required quick-connect wiring, connecting cable and mounting hardware.

This Black Chrome EMG 85 fits a standard humbucker pickup route and operates from a single 9V battery.

Key Features

• EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup
• Classic EMG active humbucker design
• Alnico V magnets for a warm, powerful and harmonically rich tone
• Full low-mid response with smooth high frequencies
• Excellent sustain and note definition
• Ideal for lead guitar, solos, hard rock and heavy metal
• Excellent choice for high-gain guitar rigs
• Can be used in the neck or bridge position
• Perfect partner for the EMG 81 in the classic 81/85 combination
• Can also be paired with EMG 66, EMG 60 or another EMG 85
• Active electronics provide strong output and low noise
• Fits a standard humbucker pickup route
• Powered by a single 9V battery
• EMG solderless quick-connect wiring system
• Includes connecting cable and mounting hardware
• Black Chrome finish

EMG 85 Active Humbucker – Ideal For

The EMG 85 is an excellent upgrade for guitarists looking to add warmth, punch, sustain and high-gain clarity to their instrument. Whether installed in the neck position for smooth lead tones or used in the bridge for a thicker, more powerful sound, the EMG 85 remains a versatile active humbucker for metal, hard rock, rock and modern high-gain guitar.

For the classic aggressive EMG sound, pair the EMG 85 neck pickup with an EMG 81 bridge pickup for one of the most recognisable active pickup combinations in guitar history.