Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$129.00
Amazon
2.2 (9)
$31.57
Reverb
$129.00 New
$103.20 Used
Thomann
4.8 (37)
$106.00

Average Price: $105

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

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

Is the EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup suitable for metal music?

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.

Can the EMG 81 Chrome be used in both the bridge and neck positions?

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.

What type of battery does the EMG 81 Chrome require?

The EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup requires a 9-volt battery to power its active electronics, providing approximately 3000 hours of usage.

Does the EMG 81 Chrome require any special wiring for installation?

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.

What finish options are available for the EMG 81 Chrome?

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.

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

EMG 81 vs EMG 85 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Video thumbnail for EMG 81 vs EMG 85 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

EMG 81 vs EMG 85 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

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

  • EMG 81 pickups excel for high gain tones, particularly in thrash and hard rock, offering clear sound even at high output levels.

    Source
  • EMG 81s excel in producing clear, defined tones at high gain, suitable for thrash and hard rock.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To prevent battery drain, it's crucial to unplug the guitar when not in use with EMG active pickups.

    Source
  • Ensure EMG 81 pickups are positioned as close to the strings as possible for optimal sound quality.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • EMG 81s cause digital amps like the Boss Katana to exhibit earlier tone breakup, similar to a tube amp response.

    Source
  • EMG's active tone control can be used with all EMG pickups, providing a smoother roll-off, and is included directly in the EMG X package.

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Comparisons

  • Digital amps can achieve up to 90% of tube amp tones with proper fine-tuning, making them a versatile choice for EMG 81 pickups.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from EMG to Fishman pickups notice differences in compression and dynamics, preferring Fishman's clarity.

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User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider the 18V mod for EMG 81s to enhance sound quality and dynamics.

    Source
  • The EMG X variants offer more mids, less compression, and increased headroom compared to non-X models, potentially enhancing tonal versatility.

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Software and compatibility

  • Fishman Fluence pickups are noted for their ease of installation, requiring no soldering due to their direct plug-and-play capability with existing EMG setups.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Richard Zven Kruspe uses EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup

Richard Zven Kruspe

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via YouTube

It is on his ESP E-II RZK-II Burnt guitar

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 81 Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez SZ520QM
Ibanez SZ520QM Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Axcess Custom
Gibson Les Paul Axcess Custom Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Competition Mustang
Fender Competition Mustang Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
EMG 60
EMG 60 Electric Guitar Pickups
1
Gibson Les Paul Studio
Gibson Les Paul Studio Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

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marc_michael_moser

Gear IQ 214

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