EMG 81 Guitar Pickup

$115.00

4.3 (15)

$115.00

5.0 (17)

$89.38 26 available New

$59.00 11 available Used

4.0 (68)

$115.00

4.9 (58)

$106.00 $105.00 $1.00 · All time low

£89.00

Average Price: $102

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

In the Electric Guitar Pickups category, EMG 81 Guitar Pickup is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EMG 81 Guitar Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Unleash the raw power and precision of your guitar with the EMG 81 Guitar Pickup, a favorite among metal enthusiasts and rock legends alike. This high-output active humbucker is engineered with robust ceramic magnets and tightly packed coils, designed to deliver an electrifying combination of detailed intensity, sharp high-end cut, and smooth, fluid sustain. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down bone-crushing riffs, the EMG 81 ensures your sound slices through even the densest mix. Its versatility shines in the bridge position, but when paired in both neck and bridge, expect a truly blistering soundscape.

Installation is a breeze with EMG's innovative solderless setup, allowing you to upgrade your gear without hassle. This makes it an ideal choice for musicians who love to tweak their sound without the fuss. Crafted in the USA, the EMG 81 is a testament to quality and innovation, making it a staple in the arsenal of countless iconic guitarists.

Key Features:

Active humbucker with high-output
Ceramic magnets and closely spaced coils
Incredible high-end cut and fluid sustain
Solderless installation system
Optimal for bridge position, with universal string spacing
Includes all necessary components for easy installation

Product specs

Type	Humbucker
Position	Bridge
Active/Passive	Active
Magnet Material	Ceramic
Number of Conductors	2 wire plus battery
DC Resistance	10K
Connectivity	Solderless
Number of Strings	6
Covering	Covered

FAQs

What type of music is the EMG 81 pickup most suitable for?: The EMG 81 is ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres, offering high output and a sharp attack perfect for aggressive playing styles and lead guitar work.
Can the EMG 81 pickup be installed in any electric guitar?: The EMG 81 is designed for 6-string electric guitars and fits in standard humbucker slots. Its solderless installation system makes it compatible with most electric guitars that have a similar setup.
How does the EMG 81 pickup differ from passive pickups?: The EMG 81 is an active pickup, which uses a built-in preamp powered by a battery to deliver higher output, more sustain, and less noise compared to passive pickups.
Is the EMG 81 pickup suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar?: The EMG 81 is primarily used as a bridge pickup for lead guitar due to its high output and clarity, but it can also be used for rhythm with a different tonal character.
Does the EMG 81 pickup require a special power supply?: The EMG 81 pickup requires a 9V battery to power its active electronics, which is typically installed in the guitar's control cavity.

Videos

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Mike Stamper

EMG 81 vs SEYMOUR DUNCAN NAZGUL - Active Passive Bridge Pickup Metal Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

EMG 81 Pickups - 9V & 18V Comparison

Microdomus

EMG 81 vs FISHMAN FLUENCE MODERN (ceramic) - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 vs EMG 81 - Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan BLACK WINTER vs EMG 81 - Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs EMG 81 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Reviews

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PROS

Aggressive sound ideal for metal and rock genres
Solderless installation system simplifies setup for many users
Minimal background noise, even at high gain
Enhanced dynamic range compared to cheaper alternatives
Long battery life if unplugged after use
Sharp attack and punchy sound suitable for staccato riffs
Versatile performance with both low and high tuning
Provides clarity and focus for high-gain applications
Compatible with different guitar models and colors

CONS

May require drilling for non-standard guitars
Limited suitability for crunch or low-gain sounds
Potential wiring challenges for specific guitar shapes
Occasional reports of faulty units or installation issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 81 Guitar Pickup.

Setup and maintenance

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Proper pickup height is crucial for EMG 81s; they need to be as close to the strings as possible to ensure optimal sound quality.
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Fresh 9-volt batteries significantly impact the tone and output of EMG 81 pickups; fading batteries degrade signal and introduce distortion.
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It's crucial to unplug the guitar to prevent battery drain with EMG 81/85 pickups.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

The 18V mod for EMG 81s reportedly improves tone, offering a fuller, more dynamic sound compared to the standard 9V setup.
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The 24V mod is praised for delivering an "insane" sound, offering more headroom and dynamics compared to the standard setup.
Source

Comparisons

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Users transitioning from EMG 81s to Seymour Duncan Nazgûl/Sentient sets find the latter hits amps harder, offering a more aggressive tone without the need for batteries.
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The EMG HA is mentioned as an alternative, described as the SA pickup in a humbucker housing, appealing to those seeking different tonal characteristics.
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User experience

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Owners note that EMG 81s excel in settings where clarity and reduced noise are priorities, but lack the dynamics and aggression of hot passive pickups in overdrive scenarios.
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Active pickups like EMG 81s cause tone to break up sooner compared to passive pickups when used with digital modeling amps.
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Features and functionality

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Users appreciate EMG's solderless system, suggesting it simplifies pickup swaps significantly.
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EMG 81 pickups are likened to a "nitro engine," highlighting their powerful output and tonal capabilities.
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Use cases and applications

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EMG 81 is considered an industrial standard for metal, ensuring audibility in mixes and favored by sound engineers for its clarity.
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EMG 81/85 pickups are praised for high gain tones and clarity, making them ideal for thrash and hard rock styles.
Source

Value and pricing

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Some users found the EMG 81 priced at $185 steep, with others reporting regional variations between $80 to $100, highlighting potential geographical cost differences.
Source

Critic Reviews

81 Review: I play primarily rock and metal, and the EMG 81 is... | EMG | Pickups | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The EMG 81 pickup is lauded for its precision and clarity, making it a favorite for rock and metal players seeking crisp, articulate tones and vibrant harmonics. Its flat response enhances finger-picking and high-gain settings, though it can expose playing flaws. While not ideal for classic Strat or Les Paul tones, it offers versatility across various genres with some tweaking. Its robust construction ensures durability, but installation can be tricky for novices due to the need for a 9V battery and potential guitar modifications. Overall, the EMG 81 is a solid choice for those seeking clarity and reliability in high-gain environments.

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Artist usage

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Johnny Christ

Bassist

Avenged Sevenfold

Verified via Bassplayer

"For six months, Schecter and I went through six or seven different pickup combinations before finally trying an EMG 81 guitar pickup in the neck position"

Wiley Arnett

Guitarist, Composer

Sacred Reich

Verified via Photo

On his EMG Artist page, Wiley Arnett says he uses EMG 81 and 85

Proud member of the EMG family. Lead guitarist for Sacred Reich 1986 to current. EMG Pickups have been a key component to my tone and an inspiration to my playing for over 30 years. I have played EMG pickups on every record and every tour I've done including our most recent "Awakening LP" released in Aug 2019. I can tell you from experience that there is not a more consistant pickup on the market. Do yourself a favor and get some!

Album Usage

The EMG 81 Guitar Pickup has been featured on the following albums:

Awakening

Sacred Reich (2019)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

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

Visual Sound H2O Multi Effects Pedals

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (50-105) Strings

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