Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
5.0 (16)
$119.00
Reverb
4.0 (1)
$95.33 19 available New
Thomann
4.9 (52)
$95.00

Average Price: $109

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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.

* 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

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

What makes the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup different from the standard EMG 85?

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.

Can the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup be used in both the bridge and neck positions?

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.

How does the battery life of the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup compare when using two pickups?

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.

Is the EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup suitable for metal music?

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.

Does the EMG 85X require any special wiring or modifications to install?

The EMG 85X comes with a completely wired setup, making installation straightforward without requiring special modifications, provided your guitar is compatible with active pickups.

Guitar World

Guitar World

EMG X-Series 81X & 85X Pickups

Video thumbnail for EMG X-Series 81X & 85X Pickups by Guitar World

EMG X-Series 81X & 85X Pickups

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for EMG 85X vs EMG 85 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo by Mike Stamper

EMG 85X vs EMG 85 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Engl E570 SE Preamp & E840 Poweramp Playthrough with EMG 85X Pickup by Masaki Murashita

Engl E570 SE Preamp & E840 Poweramp Playthrough with EMG 85X Pickup

Masaki Murashita

Masaki Murashita

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton UPGRADE - Active humbucker pickups EMG 81X & 85X install + demo by Mark Balage

Harley Benton UPGRADE - Active humbucker pickups EMG 81X & 85X install + demo

Mark Balage

Mark Balage

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

EMG 85X vs EMG 60 - Active NECK Pickup Guitar Comparison / Demo

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 85X Active Humbucker Pickup.

Features and functionality

  • The tone knob beneath the main volume knob can be repurposed to control both neck and bridge pickup volumes, with the top knob managing the bridge.

    Source
  • The 85X uses an AlNiCo V magnet, providing slightly more output on single strings compared to the 81, which uses a ceramic/steel magnet.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing an EMG 85X in a Fender American Special Strat allows the battery to fit under the pick guard without irreversible changes.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EMG 85X is praised for its bassier and warmer tones, ideal for clean sounds and lead tones reminiscent of "Guns n' Roses."

    Source
  • The 85X excels in the neck position for achieving full, clean tones, while the 81X is favored in the bridge for aggressive metal tones.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • EMG 85X is preferred for traditional metal players focusing on high-gain applications over wide chordal work.

    Source

Comparisons

  • When comparing the 81 and 85 pickups, the main difference lies in the magnet type, impacting tonal warmth and output.

    Source
  • Active pickups, including EMG models, are said to provide more precision and compression, ideal for aggressive metal tones but less so for dynamic clean tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention that actives like the EMG 85X can sound more sterile and compressed compared to passives, affecting dynamics and feel.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Active pickups require battery changes; leaving them plugged in drains the battery, which can be inconvenient for those accustomed to passive setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

premierguitar.com

The EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup is a compelling update to EMG's lineup, offering improved headroom and a more organic tone akin to a good passive pickup. It excels in delivering warm, clean tones, making it versatile for blues, rock, and heavy genres alike. The solderless installation system is a boon for easy setup and swapping. While its headroom and sensitivity are noteworthy, those who dislike active pickups may find the battery dependency off-putting. Overall, the 85X is a robust choice for players seeking a powerful, articulate sound with a touch of warmth.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mort
mort

244

Great stuff

roll back on the vol knob to about 8 and it will sing, purr or shred, depending on your genre. Surprisingly versatile, it is not just for metal. Put the tone down and the Blues start seeping through.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bill Kelliher uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how K. K. Downing uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

K. K. Downing

Guitarist, Composer

Judas Priest

...
Verified

According to EMG's official site, K. K. uses EMG 85X pickups in his guitars.

See how Corey Beaulieu uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

Corey Beaulieu

Guitarist

Trivium

...
Verified via Guitargeek

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.

See how Charlie Simpson uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

Charlie Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

Busted

...
Verified via Emgpickups

The second humbucker on the second set of Charlie's pickups is the EMG 85X, according tot he EMG website.

See how Zoltán Farkas uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

Zoltán Farkas

Guitarist, Singer

Ektomorf

...
See how Morris Kolontyrsky uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

Morris Kolontyrsky

Guitarist

Blood Incantation

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram post Morris's NJ series Mockingbird is having a EMG 85X put into it.

See how Michael Munday uses EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup

Michael Munday

Guitarist

Frozen Soul

...
Verified via Photo

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"

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

EMG 81X
EMG 81X Electric Guitar Pickups
5
EMG 85 Active Alnico Humbucker
EMG 85 Active Alnico Humbucker Electric Guitar Pickups
2
DigiTech FS3X Foot Switch
DigiTech FS3X Foot Switch Switch Effects Pedals
1
Marshall JCM800 2203
Marshall JCM800 2203 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1
MXR M193 GT-OD
MXR M193 GT-OD Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Peavey 6505 Guitar Amp Head
Peavey 6505 Guitar Amp Head Guitar Amplifier Heads
1

More EMG Electric Guitar Pickups

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    narcist
    narcist

    Gear IQ 17214