EMG 81X

^# 39

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$94.00 to $125.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (4)

1 Critic Review

Find out who is using EMG 81X

1 wishlisted

10 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (3)

$119.00

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$125.00

View Deal

5.0 (1)

$102.35 13 available New

$95.20 1 available Used

View Deal

4.8 (90)

$94.00

View Deal

Average Price: $107

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

In the Electric Guitar Pickups category, EMG 81X 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 2 merchants for "EMG 81X". 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

Edit description

Power up your guitar with the EMG 81X, a modern marvel in the world of active humbucker pickups. Designed specifically for the discerning guitarist who demands both clarity and power, the 81X delivers a balanced mix of blistering high output and exceptional low-end response. Its advanced design ensures that each note you play resonates with a distinct punch and precision, making it a go-to choice for metal and hard rock enthusiasts.

The heart of the 81X lies in its newly redesigned preamp, which brings a refined dynamic response and an extended frequency range to your instrument. This means you can achieve pristine cleans and crushing distortion with ease, all while maintaining the integrity of your tone. Wrapped in a sleek black finish, this pickup not only sounds incredible but also adds a touch of modern elegance to your guitar.

Whether you're shredding solos or laying down rhythm tracks, the EMG 81X ensures every nuance of your playing is heard. Plug it in, crank it up, and feel the difference.

Key Features:

High-output active humbucker pickup
Redesigned preamp for enhanced dynamic response
Extended frequency range for versatile tonal options
Sleek black finish for a modern aesthetic
Ideal for metal and hard rock genres
Easy installation with solderless connections

Product specs

Available since	June 2009
Active	Yes
Wiring	2-Conductor
Output	High
Cap	No
Colour	Black
Position	Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What makes the EMG 81X different from the standard EMG 81?: The EMG 81X features an expanded dynamic range and lower noise floor compared to the standard EMG 81, offering more headroom and clarity, especially beneficial for high-gain settings.
Is the EMG 81X suitable for metal music?: Yes, the EMG 81X is highly suitable for metal music due to its high output and tight, aggressive sound, making it ideal for heavy riffs and solos.
Can the EMG 81X be used in both the neck and bridge positions?: The EMG 81X can be used in both neck and bridge positions, providing a consistent and powerful tone across different guitar configurations.
Does the EMG 81X require a battery to operate?: Yes, the EMG 81X is an active pickup and requires a 9V battery to operate, which is included in the setup with a battery clip set.
How does the EMG 81X install in a guitar?: The EMG 81X utilizes EMG's Solderless Quik-Connect system, making installation straightforward with included components like a split shaft volume/active tone control set and output jack.

Videos

Add video

Guitar World

EMG X-Series 81X & 85X Pickups

Guitar World

EMG 81X vs EMG 81 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo

Mike Stamper

T.D. Clark Demos EMG 81X and 85X Pickups on EMGtv

EMGtv

EMG X-Series 81X & 60X Pickups set Review

Pete Tross

EMG 81 vs 81x - EMG Showdown and Review

GuitarGuts

EMG 81 VS EMG 81X - clean, crunch, high gain, lead!

Chester Chen

EMG 81X vs EMG 57 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo

Mike Stamper

EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup Unboxing

Tim Guitar

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Clear, punchy sound suitable for modern metal rhythms
Bright enough to cut through dense mixes
Versatile sound, from high gain to mellow tones
Highlights middle tones, offering a dreamy sound without effects
Maintains sound quality across various music genres
Convenient installation, beginner-friendly with plug-in model
Sharp, crisp output ideal for bridge position

CONS

Some users find the sound muddy and not tight
Lower output compared to regular EMG 81
May require modifications if guitar has shallow input jack cavity

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

0 0

EMG 81X uses ceramic/steel magnets, delivering a sharp, cutting tone ideal for metal and punk, particularly effective in bridge positions.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The EMG 85X, with AlNiCo V magnets, offers a bassier and warmer sound, preferred for cleaner tones and lead styles like those used by Guns N' Roses.
Source
0 0

The 81-8X is noted for being more refined for modern low tunings compared to the 81-8, particularly effective for 8-string guitars.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Pairing an 81X in the bridge with a 60X in the neck is favored for a balanced output, enhancing powerful rhythm tones and articulate solos.
Source
0 0

The 81-8X is recommended for melodic death metal, providing tight tones that cater to this genre's demands.
Source
0 0

Andrew Baena, a known guitarist, uses the 81-8X, providing a reference point for potential buyers to assess its sound.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Adjusting pickup height can balance output between neck and bridge positions due to natural amplitude differences in string vibrations.
Source

User experience

0 0

Users report satisfaction with dual 81 setups for consistent metal tones, though many prefer mixing models for versatility in sound.
Source
0 0

Owners who have tested both the 81-8 and 81-8X prefer the latter for its enhanced performance in lower tunings.
Source
0 0

An owner confirmed satisfaction with the 81-8X after trying it in various tunings on a 7-string guitar, suggesting versatility.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the convenience of the EMG solderless system, simplifying the process of experimenting with different pickup combinations like 81X and Hetfield models.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

The EMG solderless system allows for easy swapping between 81X, 85X, and James Hetfield pickups without additional wiring changes.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Users confirm EMG pickups with the solderless harness are interchangeable, easing the process of trying different models without extra soldering work.
Source

Critic Reviews

EMG X-Series 81X, 85X and SAX Pickup Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The EMG 81X pickup shines with its improved headroom and organic tone, making it a stellar upgrade for those seeking clarity and precision in heavy rock music. Its ease of installation, thanks to a solderless wiring system, is a dream for quick swaps. However, its active design may deter traditionalists wary of battery-powered setups. Overall, the 81X elevates EMG's legacy, appealing to both modern shredders and those desiring a more versatile, passive-like feel.

positive

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star