Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $105
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup, a game-changer for guitarists who crave a powerful and articulate tone. This pickup is designed to deliver a blazingly high output that cuts through the mix with ease, making it the ideal choice for metal, rock, and beyond. With its active design, the EMG 81 ensures minimal noise and maximum clarity, bringing every note to life with precision and depth. The chrome finish not only adds a sleek, modern aesthetic to your instrument but also enhances durability, keeping your gear looking sharp through countless gigs and sessions.
The EMG 81's internal circuitry is crafted to maintain a consistent and balanced sound across all strings, ensuring your performance is as tight as it is dynamic. Whether you're shredding solos or holding down the rhythm, this pickup's ceramic magnet configuration delivers unmatched sustain and a rich harmonic profile. Perfect for both stage and studio, the EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup is the secret weapon in any serious guitarist's arsenal.
Key Features:
- Active humbucker design for high output and low noise
- Ceramic magnet for enhanced sustain and harmonic richness
- Sleek chrome finish for a modern look and increased durability
- Consistent and balanced sound across all strings
- Ideal for metal, rock, and high-gain applications
Product specs
| Available since | May 2009 |
| Active | Yes |
| Wiring | 2-Conductor |
| Output | High |
| Cap | Yes |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Position | Bridge, Neck |
FAQs
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Is the EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup suitable for metal music?
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Yes, the EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup is highly favored for metal music due to its high output and aggressive tone, which provide excellent sustain and clarity for heavy riffs and solos.
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Can the EMG 81 Chrome be used in both the bridge and neck positions?
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The EMG 81 Chrome is versatile and can be installed in either the bridge or neck positions, though it is most commonly used in the bridge position for lead tones.
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What type of battery does the EMG 81 Chrome require?
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The EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup requires a 9-volt battery to power its active electronics, providing approximately 3000 hours of usage.
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Does the EMG 81 Chrome require any special wiring for installation?
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The EMG 81 Chrome uses a 2-conductor wiring system and typically comes with EMG's solderless installation system, making it easier to install without specialized wiring skills.
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What finish options are available for the EMG 81 Chrome?
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The EMG 81 Chrome is available in a variety of finishes, including Brushed Black Chrome, Brushed Gold, Brushed Chrome, and Black Chrome, allowing for aesthetic customization.
Videos
Mike Stamper
EMG 81 vs EMG 85 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup.
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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To prevent battery drain, it's crucial to unplug the guitar when not in use with EMG active pickups.
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Ensure EMG 81 pickups are positioned as close to the strings as possible for optimal sound quality.
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A stuck tone potentiometer can significantly impact the sound quality of EMG 81 pickups, highlighting the importance of checking all hardware components before considering a pickup swap.
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Features and functionality
Comparisons
User experience
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Owners report that the EMG 81/85 combo functions like a high-performance engine, requiring complementary gear to fully realize its potential.
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Fresh batteries greatly improve sound quality, preventing tone degradation and unwanted distortion.
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Owners note that EMG 81 pickups sound different depending on the guitar's body wood density, with mahogany providing a distinct tonal quality compared to lighter woods like ash or basswood.
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Mods and upgrades
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Artist usage
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Used With
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