For tone that slays!

The EMG-KFK Kerry King (Slayer) signature model includes the EMG-81 and EMG-85 along with the PA2 (20dB gain booster) to deliver maximum distortion for Kerry and Slayer's bone crushing tones. This is his exact configuration used for live and studio action.

EMG-81
High-output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist. The 81 is at its best for high volume overdrive and amps with a master volume. Whether you're playing power rock 'n' roll, or overdriving your amp, there's a razor sharp attack, and incredible sustain for brilliant soloing. If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a rock pickup, the EMG-81 is the one.

Distortion during lead passages is consistent, sustain is long and the breakup fades smoothly. The ceramic magnet in combination with wide aperture steel poles lend a quick attack but the tone stays nice and fat at the same time. Perfect if you're the only guitarist in the band, and need to switch from rhythm to lead and still keep the band moving. Another great thing about the EMG-81 is it's quiet. If you're playing at really high gain the last thing you need is noise.

EMG-85
Although this humbucker pickup has more measurable output than the 81, its frequency response and string interface are different. The 85 uses two 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 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-PA2
Straight booster preamplifier mounted on a mini toggle switch. Perfect if you want to just plain overdrive the input of your amp for distortion. It has a trim pot so you can preset the amount of boost up to an additional 20 dB. The PA2 will also work with passive pickups.s

EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set Features:

• Package includes:
• 2 EMG-exclusive Quik-Connect cables
• 2 25k split shaft volume/tone (standard) controls
• Screws and springs
• Removable Kerry King card on the box
• 1 EMG/Kerry King signature collectable guitar pick
• Output jack and battery clip set for EMG-PA2

If teeth-rattling distortion and max gain is your goal, get the pups and booster Kerry uses!

EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set Specifications:

• EMG-81
• Resonant Frequency (kHz): 2.00
• Magnet Type: Ceramic/steel
• Output Voltage (String): 2.0
• Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5
• Output Noise @ 60Hz: -91 dBV
• Output Impedance: 10 kOhms
• Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
• Battery Life: 3,000 hours
• Maximum Supply: 27V DC
  
  EMG-85
• Resonant Frequency: 2.45
• Magnet Type: Alnico
• Output Voltage (String): 2.1
• Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5
• Output Noise @ 60Hz: -89 dBV
• Output Impedance: 10 kOhms
• Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
• Battery Life: 3,000 hours
• Maximum Supply: 27V DC
  
  EMG-PA2
• Input Impedance: 500 kOhms
• Output Noise @ 60Hz: -91 dBV
• Output Noise (Spectral): -130 dBV (-110 dBV @ full boost)
• Output Impedance: 2 kOhms
• Current @ 9V: 290 microamps
• Battery Life: 1,725 hours
• Maximum Supply: 27V DC

EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set

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Average of 5 User Ratings

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This Set Is Killer!!

Posted by Ironhead1972 from TN on Feb 13, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Semi-active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Metal

I bought this set a year or two ago, and all I can say is AWESOME!! Some people seem to have some trouble with the pre. I took my beast and this set to a local shop and told them to make it SCREAM!! set the pre to where when my fingers are off the frets, it'll deafen you!! And man! will it!! Absolutely Amazing!! for metal. If set Wrong, the pre will absolutely drown out the rest of a blues band if engaged during a solo. You have to play with the dip switches to get it right. On the rhythm channel of a high-gain amp, your harmonics will SCREAM!! Your CHUNK will hit HARD!! Totally Trick feedback!! Just remember, you have to play with the dip switches. If you don't plan on using the pre, or run dist. pedals, this may not be for you, you may want to look at the ZW set. But if you play High-Gain Raw Thrash!! Don't look anywhere else!!

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Yeah they are great but your an idiot!

Posted by nmon1 from LA on Jan 9, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active

Reviewer's Play Style: Metal, Blues Rock

Yeah, the combo of EMG 81-85 is an absolute beautiful thing! These pups scream metal! but I keep reading reviews like, "this set is so much better than the Zakk Wylde set, but I don't like the pre-amp." Well, the only difference between this set and the ZW set is the pre-amp! That's it! The humbuckers are the EXACT same humbuckers in the ZW set. So if you are running around saying this set is better than the ZW set, your an idiot and need to open your ears when you play guitar!

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i bought these pickups about a year ago...

Posted by MachoNacho420 from aromas CA on Dec 27, 2007

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: black metal, death metal, thrash

i bought these pickups about a year ago and i love them. they're super responsive and sound amazing . Although they sound great, i'm extremely dissatisfied with the preamp. i've had to get mine replaced twice in under six months because it has cut the signal and then completely fallen apart into two pieces. i strongly recommend these pickups, even with the switch problems the tone is completely worth it.

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Buy It Right Now

Posted by Kerry King is the Reining King from Muscle Shoals, Alabama on Sep 3, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal

This Kerry King EMG set is great. This EMG Kerry King set gives you the most distortion and gain out of your amp. This set sounds way better than the Zakk Wylde set. I have owned this set for about 4 months and I will never use any other pickups but the Kerry King set. BUY THIS SET YOU WILL THANK ME!

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Totally amazing

Posted by enzoguitarist35 from Mooresville NC on Aug 28, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Metal, prog metal

I went into the local guitar shop and was going to purchase the Zakk Wylde EMG pickup set, but the salesman mentioned the KFK set, which I ended up getting, and I am SO glad I did. EMGs are by far some of the best and brightest pickups. The only thing I dont like about the set, is that when the PA2 is engaged, it adds some overdrive to it. Luckily this is only noticable on a clean channel.

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EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set

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