Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$229.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$249.00 $229.00 $20.00 · All time low
Amazon
4.5 (33)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$207.99 New
$179.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (9)
$249.00
zZounds
4.5 (3)
$249.00
Thomann
4.8 (44)
$198.00 $195.00 $3.00 · All time low

Average Price: $224

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the ferocity of Slayer's signature sound with the EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set, a powerhouse of tone for the discerning metal guitarist. Crafted with the legendary shredding of Kerry King in mind, this set combines the raw power of the EMG-81 and the depth of the EMG-85 pickups, topped with the blistering boost of the PA2 preamp booster. Whether you're laying down bone-crushing riffs or soaring solos, this setup delivers unparalleled clarity, sustain, and aggression, making it a perfect choice for players seeking to dominate the stage and studio alike.

Designed for players who refuse to compromise on their sound, this humbucker set transforms any guitar into a metal machine. The EMG-81, with its ceramic magnets and wide aperture coils, offers a razor-sharp attack and incredible sustain, making it ideal for lead guitarists. Meanwhile, the EMG-85 rounds out the sonic assault with its Alnico V magnets, ensuring a rich, powerful bottom end and a fuller top end. The addition of the PA2 gain booster allows for up to 20 dB of additional gain, pushing your tone into the realm of pure distortion while maintaining noise-free performance at high volumes.

Transform your guitar with the same electrifying tone that has defined a genre. The EMG-KFK set is not just about sound; it's about making a statement.

Key Features:

  • Kerry King (Slayer) Signature Model, capturing the essence of Slayer's iconic tone
  • Combines an active EMG 81 with an active EMG 85 for a versatile range of high-output tones
  • Includes the PA2 20dB gain booster for maximum distortion and sustain
  • Comes with EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cables, simplifying installation
  • Package includes 2 25k split-shaft volume/tone controls, screws, springs, and signature Kerry King collectibles

Product specs

Type Set: Humbucker
Active/Passive Active
Configuration HH Set
Magnet Material Ceramic/Steel (bridge), Alnico V (neck)
Number of Conductors 2 wire plus battery
DC Resistance 10K
Connectivity Solderless
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered

FAQs

What makes the EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Set suitable for metal music?

The EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Set is ideal for metal due to its active humbucker design, offering high output and clarity. The 81 provides aggressive lead tones with its ceramic/steel magnets, while the 85 in the neck offers warm, smooth rhythm tones with Alnico V magnets.

Are the EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 pickups easy to install?

Yes, the EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 pickups feature a solderless installation system, making them easy to install without the need for complex wiring or soldering.

How do the EMG 81 and 85 pickups differ in terms of tone?

The EMG 81 delivers a sharp, aggressive tone with tight low end and crisp highs, making it perfect for lead guitar. The EMG 85 offers a warmer, fuller sound with a pronounced midrange, ideal for rhythm playing.

Can the EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Set be used in guitars with passive pickups?

Yes, the EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Set can replace passive pickups, but requires a 9V battery for the active electronics, which may require additional space in the guitar's cavity.

What type of magnet materials are used in the EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 pickups?

The EMG 81 uses ceramic/steel magnets for a bright and cutting tone, while the EMG 85 uses Alnico V magnets for a warmer and smoother sound.

Pete Cottrell

Pete Cottrell

EMG 81 & 85 - Metal | Pete Cottrell

Video thumbnail for EMG 81 & 85 - Metal | Pete Cottrell by Pete Cottrell

EMG 81 & 85 - Metal | Pete Cottrell

Pete Cottrell

Pete Cottrell

Video thumbnail for EMG KFK Kerry King Set (EMG 81 / 85 + PA2) by RHR Sound Lab

EMG KFK Kerry King Set (EMG 81 / 85 + PA2)

RHR Sound Lab

RHR Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Slash Style Solo with Kerry King EMG Pickup Set by TechWith Todd

Slash Style Solo with Kerry King EMG Pickup Set

TechWith Todd

TechWith Todd

Reviews

PROS

  • Transforms budget guitars into high-end sounding instruments

  • Plug-and-play installation with solder-less system

  • Offers a wide array of tones from clean to aggressive distortion

  • Razor-sharp attack ideal for high volume overdrive

  • Low noise level, maintaining signal clarity

  • Thick low end and rich top end perfect for rhythm and blues

  • Preamp provides extra boost for cutting through the mix

  • Enhances harmonic clarity and ease

  • Highly articulate distorted tones, not muddy

CONS

  • Boost switch can introduce excessive noise

  • Requires drilling for installation, might not be ideal for all guitars

  • Preamp feature considered unnecessary by some users

  • Faulty boost switch reported by some users

  • Comparatively expensive if not utilizing all features

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kerry King uses EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set

Kerry King

Guitarist, Composer

Slayer

...
Verified via Emgpickups

Kerry's signature EMG pickups.

See how Brandon Mullen uses EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set

Brandon Mullen

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Here is MY Guitar Setup" by Fayence Dream, Brandon Mullen confirms that he uses the EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set on his black Ibanez Xiphos.

See how Anthony Giorgio uses EMG EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set

Anthony Giorgio

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Video description:

Mama, I'm Coming Home Guitar Solo Cover , by Ozzy Osbourne/ Zakk Wylde

Gibson Les Paul, EMG 81/85

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 EMG-KFK Kerry King 81/85 Humbucker Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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