Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $109
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into a world where clarity meets intensity with the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup. A celebrated evolution of the classic EMG 85, this pickup brings to the table a harmonious blend of organic warmth and precision. Engineered with the discerning musician in mind, the EMG 85X is powered by Alnico V magnets, offering a sound that's both open and dynamic, without sacrificing the punch and power that EMG pickups are renowned for. Whether you're laying down chunky rhythms or soaring through leads, this pickup adapts seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of styles from blues to metal. Its versatility shines in the bridge position, where it pairs effortlessly with virtually any active humbucker in the EMG lineup. Experience a new dimension of sonic potential, where every note and chord is delivered with unparalleled clarity and impact. Welcome to the next chapter of your musical journey with the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup.
Key Features:
- Active humbucking pickup design for enhanced clarity and power
- Equipped with Alnico V magnets for a balanced and dynamic tone
- Optimized for the bridge position, offering versatility across musical genres
- Ideal for both rhythm and lead playing, providing a rich sonic palette
- Compatible with virtually any other EMG humbucker, allowing for flexible pairing options
- Includes all necessary components for hassle-free installation, ensuring a smooth setup process
Product specs
| Available since | June 2009 |
| Active | Yes |
| Wiring | Completely Wired |
| Output | High |
| Cap | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Position | Bridge, Neck |
FAQs
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What makes the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup different from the standard EMG 85?
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The EMG 85X features an extended dynamic range and lower noise floor compared to the standard EMG 85, thanks to its X-Series preamp, providing more headroom and a more organic sound.
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Can the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup be used in both the bridge and neck positions?
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Yes, the EMG 85X is designed for versatile use and can be installed in either the bridge or neck position, offering high output and a smooth, powerful tone in both locations.
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How does the battery life of the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup compare when using two pickups?
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When using two EMG active pickups, the battery life is approximately 1500 hours, as the power consumption is shared between the pickups, reducing the typical 3000-hour life of a single pickup.
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Is the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup suitable for metal music?
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Yes, the EMG 85X is well-suited for metal music, delivering a high output and rich, powerful tones that can handle high-gain settings effectively.
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Does the EMG 85X require any special wiring or modifications to install?
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The EMG 85X comes with a completely wired setup, making installation straightforward without requiring special modifications, provided your guitar is compatible with active pickups.
Videos
Guitar World
EMG X-Series 81X & 85X Pickups
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup.
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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Installing an EMG 85X in a Fender American Special Strat allows the battery to fit under the pick guard without irreversible changes.
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Balancing output between neck and bridge pickups can be managed by adjusting pickup height, especially due to the larger string amplitude over the neck pickup.
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Use cases and applications
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The EMG 85X is praised for its bassier and warmer tones, ideal for clean sounds and lead tones reminiscent of "Guns n' Roses."
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The 85X excels in the neck position for achieving full, clean tones, while the 81X is favored in the bridge for aggressive metal tones.
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EMG 85X active pickups are better suited for very low tunings, notably useful in the 7-string and 8-string range, down to G1 or lower.
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EMG 85X is preferred for traditional metal players focusing on high-gain applications over wide chordal work.
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Comparisons
User experience
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Owners mention that actives like the EMG 85X can sound more sterile and compressed compared to passives, affecting dynamics and feel.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Bill Kelliher used a white Gibson Explorer fitted with an EMG 85X pickup live with Mastodon in 2009.
This diagram shows Corey's guitars with an EMG-85 pickup in the neck position of his "primary" guitar, the prototype for his Jackson signature line.
The second humbucker on the second set of Charlie's pickups is the EMG 85X, according tot he EMG website.
In this Instagram post Morris's NJ series Mockingbird is having a EMG 85X put into it.
In this Instagram post, Michael states he has switched to a set of EMG 81X/85X pickups in his live B.C. Rich Ironbird as of March 2021.
"recently made the switch over to @emgpickups 81X/85X for my @officialbcrich Ironbird and they sound incredible! really tightens up our chugs and brings so much more clarity and heaviness to our tone"
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 85X Active Humbucker Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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