Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$109.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (9)
$109.00
Amazon
4.7 (118)
$109.00
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$96.39 New
$65.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (17)
$109.00
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$109.00
Thomann
4.8 (252)
$81.00

Average Price: $98

Budget/Beginner

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "EMG 85". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the realm of tonal excellence and versatility with the EMG 85 humbucker pickup, a masterpiece that redefines your guitar's voice. Unlike its counterparts, the EMG 85 humbucker pickup boasts a unique blend of power, clarity, and warmth, making it the perfect choice for musicians who seek to push the boundaries of rhythm and lead playing. Crafted with Alnico V magnets and featuring close aperture coils, this pickup is not just about high output. It's about delivering a rich, detailed sound that can go from the smooth, soulful blues to the most aggressive metal tones with ease. Its versatility is unmatched, whether installed in the neck position for thick, buttery leads or in the bridge for a tighter, more defined rhythm tone. The EMG 85 is a testament to EMG's commitment to quality, tone, and musicianship, making it a go-to choice for players who demand nothing but the best from their instrument.

Key Features:

  • Alnico V magnets provide exceptional tonal versatility and organic warmth
  • Close aperture coils for a powerful output without sacrificing tonal clarity
  • Ideal for both rhythm and lead roles, offering smooth lead tones and a muscular growl
  • Active circuitry ensures noise-free operation, letting the true voice of your guitar shine
  • Designed and manufactured in the USA, ensuring top-notch quality and reliability
  • Compatible with a wide range of musical styles, from blues to hard rock to metal
  • Comes with EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect™ cable, making installation a breeze

Product specs

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

FAQs

Is the EMG 85 suitable for both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the EMG 85 is versatile and can be used in both the neck and bridge positions. It provides a smooth lead tone in the neck position and a muscular growl when used in the bridge, making it ideal for a range of music styles from blues to metal.

What type of magnet does the EMG 85 use?

The EMG 85 uses an Alnico V magnet, which contributes to its warm and smooth tonal characteristics, distinguishing it from other pickups that may use ceramic magnets.

Is the EMG 85 an active or passive pickup?

The EMG 85 is an active pickup, meaning it requires a battery to operate. This design typically provides a higher output and reduced noise compared to passive pickups.

How does the EMG 85 connect to my guitar?

The EMG 85 features a solderless installation system, making it easier and faster to install or swap out without the need for soldering tools.

What type of sound can I expect from the EMG 85?

The EMG 85 offers a thick and smooth sound with enhanced sustain, making it well-suited for both clean and overdriven tones. Its Alnico V magnet provides a warm and rich tonal quality that is favored by many guitarists for lead and rhythm playing.

megahurtz30

megahurtz30

EMG 81 vs EMG 85 vs EMG 60 - Bridge Position

Video thumbnail for EMG 81 vs EMG 85 vs EMG 60 - Bridge Position by megahurtz30

EMG 81 vs EMG 85 vs EMG 60 - Bridge Position

megahurtz30

megahurtz30

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

Video thumbnail for Soulful demo of EMG 85 and SA pickups, Michael Burks on EMGtv by EMGtv

Soulful demo of EMG 85 and SA pickups, Michael Burks on EMGtv

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for EMG 60 vs EMG 85 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

EMG 60 vs EMG 85 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 81 vs EMG 85 - Metal Comparison by Matt Trojak

EMG 81 vs EMG 85 - Metal Comparison

Matt Trojak

Matt Trojak

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 vs EMG 85 - Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo by Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 vs EMG 85 - Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Fishman FLUENCE MODERN (ceramic) vs EMG 85 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo by Mike Stamper

Fishman FLUENCE MODERN (ceramic) vs EMG 85 - Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Reviews

PROS

  • Minimal static and noise, even in high-gain settings

  • Easy installation with no soldering required

  • Includes all necessary components and clear wiring diagrams

  • Versatile sound, suitable for metal, rock, and blues

  • Balanced tone with fuller lows and highs compared to EMG 81

  • Great sustain and power, enhancing overall guitar sound

  • Ideal for players using computer recording setups

  • Long battery life of up to four years with regular use

  • Compatible with other EMG pickups for varied configurations

CONS

  • Limited space for battery in guitars not designed for active pickups

  • Clean tones can be slightly muddy for some preferences

  • Requires minor modifications for certain guitar models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 85.

Use cases and applications

  • EMG 85/81 pickups are highly regarded for thrash and metal, offering high gain tones with clarity, even when using digital modeling amps like the Boss Katana.

    Source
  • EMG pickups are praised for their ability to create Metallica's AJFA-style tones by effectively removing certain frequency registers.

    Source
  • EMG 85 in the bridge position is favored for taming brightness in Floyd Rose-equipped guitars, enhancing clarity in shredding.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners emphasize unplugging the guitar to prevent battery drain, a common consideration with active pickups like the EMG 85/81.

    Source
  • Pickup height is crucial; EMGs perform best when positioned as close to the strings as possible for optimal sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EMG 85/81 set is noted for producing significant tone breakup earlier than passive pickups when used with digital amps, indicating their high output nature.

    Source
  • The EMG 60 is praised for delivering exceptional clean tones in the neck position, especially when seeking versatility beyond metal.

    Source

User experience

  • Digital amps, like the Katana, can replicate tube amp tones to a significant degree, enhancing the EMG 85/81 pickups' performance when finely tuned via software.

    Source
  • Owners note that EMG pickups require consistent battery changes to maintain sound quality, and fresh batteries can dramatically improve tone.

    Source
  • Owners often recommend pairing the EMG 85 with the 60, as the 85/81 combination can lead to tonal imbalance, making the 81 sound shrill or thin.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The 18V mod significantly improves the sound of EMG 81/85 pickups, enhancing their tonal richness and depth.

    Source
  • The EMG 81TW is highlighted for its dual-mode capability, allowing for a transition to single-coil mode, providing a unique tone option.

    Source

Comparisons

  • EMGs are often compared to Fishman and Seymour Duncan Blackouts, with some users preferring the less compressed sound of Fishmans.

    Source
  • The EMG 85, with its Alnico V magnet, is noted for a darker, smoother sound compared to the brighter, more defined EMG 60 with a Ceramic magnet.

    Source
  • Some players prefer the EMG 85 in the bridge over the EMG 81 due to its broader tonal versatility, despite the 81's signature metal sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

85 Review: an EMG 81 will sound like an EMG 81 regardless of... | EMG | Pickups | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The EMG 85 pickup shines by providing a fuller, more saturated distortion and balanced tone, especially in metal genres. Its alnico 5 magnet offers a creamy low end, reminiscent of a Duncan JB, making it versatile for both bridge and neck positions. While it may not suit every guitar perfectly, it's a solid choice for those seeking to enhance their instrument's richness and depth. The quick-connect system and robust build further add to its reliability. However, the EMG 85 may not be ideal for warmer sounding guitars, and its active nature might mask some guitar characteristics. Overall, it's a commendable pickup for metal enthusiasts wanting to beef up their sound.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kerry King uses EMG 85

Kerry King

Guitarist, Composer

Megadeth

...
Verified via Emgpickups

"He gets his aggressive crunch, overdrive and sick lead tones from the EMG 81, EMG 85 and the PA2 Gain Boost Switch that makes up his signature EMG KFK Set."

See how Nick Hipa uses EMG 85

Nick Hipa

Guitarist

As I Lay Dying

...
Verified via Google

Nick Hipa, guitarist for As I Lay Dying, uses the EMG 85 pickup, as noted on a Google site dedicated to his gear.

See how Phil Sgrosso uses EMG 85

Phil Sgrosso

Guitarist

Saosin

...
Verified via Emgpickups

On the Emg website, it says the phil uses Emg 85s.

See how Marco Sfogli uses EMG 85

Marco Sfogli

Guitarist, Composer

James LaBrie

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post, Marco Sfogli confirms using the EMG 85 pickup in his pink Charvel guitar, stating: "Emg's everywhere! SA/SA/85 on the pink Charvel and Crossroads/Super 77 on the Danhage. Tone for days!"

See how sullivan king uses EMG 85

sullivan king

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:18 in a Youtube video posted in April 2020 showing off part of his guitar collection, Sullivan King highlights a red Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR. He mentions that the guitar is slightly modified with EMG 81 and 85 pickups instead of the stock EMG 81/89 setup Schecter initially sold the guitar with. Though the 81 pickup is stock on this model, the 85 is not.

See how Wiley Arnett uses EMG 85

Wiley Arnett

Guitarist, Composer

Sacred Reich

...
Verified via Photo

A screenshot from the EMG website confirms that guitarist Wiley Arnett uses the EMG 85 pickup.

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 85, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981) Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Schecter Hellraiser C-7 Hybrid
Schecter Hellraiser C-7 Hybrid Extended Range Guitars
1
EMG SA
EMG SA Electric Guitar Pickups
1
Charvel So-Cal Style 1 HH FR
Charvel So-Cal Style 1 HH FR Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Schecter Model T
Schecter Model T Electric Basses
1

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