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

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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

EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup

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Average of 18 User Ratings

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Better than the 81 for rhythm

Posted by Jason Paul from Fresno, Ca on Jun 24, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: I lift up the name of my God Jesus Christ!

I gave almost the same review for the 81. I have a Les Paul Studio with an 81 in the bridge and an 85 in the neck. The 85 is everything I could possibly want in a pickup; low, crunchy, dark and HUGE!!! The 81 on the other hand is a pickup for the lead guitarist. It's trebly and thin sounding compared to the 85. I plan to switch positions on the two considering I'm a rhythm player and see how that works out.

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EMG 85

Posted by JPaul from Plano, TX on Jan 3, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Metal, Rock, Blues

I recently put a pair of EMG 85's in a guitar; the results could not have been better. In the neck it sounds great as most people know, but it sounds very good in the bridge as well. It provides a very accurate sound with very little muddiness to it and gives a guitarist a tone distinguishable from the EMG 81 in everyone else's guitars. I strongly recommend this pickup for both bridge and neck purposes.

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A good choice

Posted by jahaziel from california on Nov 25, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: metal,rock'n'roll,blues,hard rock

i got these a few ago, and i was pretty satisfied. tone was good,cleans were good,distortion was very crunchy. i personally prefer the seymoour duncan blackouts over these,but you can't really go wrong either pickup, though the SD's have slightly less buzz,but tone is pretty equal.

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Awesome neck pickup

Posted by Battery23 on Oct 21, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Metal, Classic Rock, Some Blues

This pickup is so perfect. I stuck it in the neck of my Epi Les Paul standard, and I'm here to tell you that I don't need another guitar now. It sounds so great. It makes even notes on the high strings sound fat, and full. I feel like the sound surrounds me whenever I solo. And you can get awesome cleans with it! I was a little skeptical at first, but it is my favorite pickup, along with the 81. Get it, you won't be sorry.

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Unique Sound. Fat Tone when Distorted

Posted by Butterfingers from Union IL on Sep 3, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist/Practicing Guitarist

Reviewer's Play Style: Hard Rock, Classic Rock, some Metal.

EMG 85 White Humbucker. Installed it in bridge of Fender Strat. I don't play much Metal so I wanted a smoother p/u in bridge, hence my choice of 85, not the 81. Pretty happy with it. Unique clean sound, not bad. Fat sound when distorted, sustain and harmonics are incredible, and bends sound wicked. It's still a little harsh for my ears when I play regular rock but I'm still working on dialing in my amp for that. The 85 is a metal monster, I can't imagine what the 81 is like. I really like the way it is constructed, the p/u clip is a realy good idea. Finding a place to install the 9 volt was a bit of work. Features: EMG sells cool add ons, e.g. gain boost etc. If you play Metallica & Ozzy but still play non-metal rock like Van Halen, Queen Satch, and Nirvana the EMG 85 is a good choice. Only bads are it's not very transparent and it can be a little-to-a-lot harsh at times.

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EMG EMG-85 Humbucking Active Guitar Pickup

Read 18 Reviews