Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (27)
$219.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (44)
$219.00
Amazon
4.7 (278)
$219.00
Musician's Friend
5.0 (83)
$219.00
zZounds
5.0 (9)
$219.00
Thomann
4.8 (585)
$159.00
Gear4Music
£166.00

Average Price: $209

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your inner metal maestro with the EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set, a formidable fusion of raw power and precision designed for the discerning guitarist. This set, inspired by legendary shredder Zakk Wylde, is engineered to deliver unparalleled tonal clarity and intensity. Featuring the EMG 81 and EMG 85 active humbuckers, this duo is tailored to cut through even the most formidable walls of distortion, providing a searing, articulate sound that remains robust and dynamic under high gain.

The EMG 81, ideally suited for the neck position, employs a ceramic magnet to produce a bright, razor-sharp attack with remarkable sustain, perfect for soaring solos and intricate leads. Its counterpart, the EMG 85, is best positioned at the bridge, utilizing Alnico magnets to offer a beefy low end and smooth, fat top end, ensuring your rhythm tones remain full and defined without losing clarity.

Installation is a breeze with EMG's exclusive "solderless" system, allowing you to swap out your pickups without the hassle of soldering. This set also includes everything you need for a quick setup: long shaft volume and tone pots, Quik-Connect cables, and more. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring shredder, the EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set empowers you to achieve a professional-grade sound with ease.

Key Features:

  • EMG 81 and EMG 85 active humbuckers
  • Ceramic magnet in EMG 81; Alnico magnet in EMG 85
  • Long shaft volume and tone pots included
  • EMG's exclusive "solderless" installation system
  • Includes Quik-Connect cables, mounting screws, and springs
  • Zakk Wylde collectible guitar pick included

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 Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set ideal for metal and rock music?

The EMG ZW Pickup Set features high-output active pickups with a ceramic/steel magnet in the bridge and Alnico V in the neck, providing powerful, articulate tones perfect for aggressive metal and rock styles.

Is the EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set difficult to install?

The EMG ZW Set includes a solderless installation system, making it straightforward to install without the need for complex wiring or soldering skills.

How does the EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set differ from passive pickups?

The EMG ZW Set uses active pickups with an onboard preamp, offering higher output and clarity compared to passive pickups, which is ideal for cutting through dense mixes.

Does the EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set require a battery?

Yes, the EMG ZW Set is an active pickup set that requires a battery to power the onboard preamp, enhancing output and clarity.

Can the EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set handle downtuned guitars?

The EMG ZW Set's active design and high output are well-suited for downtuned guitars, maintaining clarity and definition even in lower tunings.

Cameron Cooper

Cameron Cooper

Charvel So cal MIJ modded with EMG 81 85 Zakk Wylde signature pickups

Video thumbnail for Charvel So cal MIJ modded with EMG 81 85 Zakk Wylde signature pickups by Cameron Cooper

Charvel So cal MIJ modded with EMG 81 85 Zakk Wylde signature pickups

Cameron Cooper

Cameron Cooper

Video thumbnail for walnut tele w active emg pups by Jacek Kiedo

walnut tele w active emg pups

Jacek Kiedo

Jacek Kiedo

Reviews

PROS

  • Easy solderless installation simplifies setup for anyone, even beginners.

  • Delivers powerful, sustained sound with a crunchy, clear tone ideal for metal and hard rock.

  • Versatile across multiple genres, including jazz, blues, and country.

  • Enhances guitar clarity, offering a clean and articulate tone.

  • Excellent sustain and punch with high gain, perfect for solos and chugging riffs.

  • 81 in bridge offers aggressive midrange; 85 in neck provides warmth and smoothness.

  • Allows guitar's unique character to shine through, despite being active pickups.

  • Compatible with a variety of guitars and amps, delivering consistent quality.

  • Highly praised for its ability to improve sound without needing a high-end guitar.

CONS

  • Installation may require additional adjustments for certain guitar models.

  • Potential need for modifications to fit battery and wiring in some guitars.

  • Some users find bridge and neck tones too similar.

  • Battery wires may be too short for specific setups, requiring extra work.

  • Cleans can sound compressed at lower volumes.

  • Not ideal for those seeking traditional, warm passive pickup sound.

  • High gain amps may reduce the effectiveness of volume roll-off dynamics.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set.

Features and functionality

  • The Zakk Wylde set includes longer pots, specifically designed for Les Paul installations.

    Source
  • The ZW set includes a foam cover for the 9V battery to prevent electrical shorts.

    Source
  • The ends of the knobs for the ZW set reportedly sit about 15 mm above the guitar body, highlighting specific installation characteristics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The ZW pickups are optimized for direct installation into a Les Paul Custom, which may require different shaft lengths than other guitars.

    Source
  • The ZW set's long pots can be adjusted with nuts to fit any Les Paul, offering flexibility with installation.

    Source
  • Installing the ZW set in an SG requires careful pot placement to accommodate the battery, suggesting a tighter fit than in Les Paul models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Zakk Wylde set can occasionally be found cheaper than buying the EMG 81 and 85 separately.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Zakk Wylde kit is preferred by some for its ease in retrofitting into Les Paul models, offering a complete wiring solution.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ZW set for high-gain tones, noting a significant improvement in heavier music styles compared to stock pickups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using an EMG solderless 3-way switch for easier installation and superior quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report ample space for a 9V battery in an Epiphone Les Paul Custom with the ZW set, avoiding the need for additional drilling.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users considered alternatives like the EMG 57/66 set or Duncan Blackouts but preferred the ZW set for its classic high-output tone.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zakk Wylde uses EMG Limited Edition ZW Pickup Set

Zakk Wylde

Guitarist, Singer

Pantera

...
Verified via YouTube

In this EMG promotional video, Zakk Wylde talks about why he likes EMG pickups. For Wylde, it's "the spectrum of sound, the clarity, the punch, and nothing gets muddy. The fidelity of the sound, all the way from the bottom to the highs...Everything is just crystal clear," he says at (2:00) "Once I threw the EMGs in my Les Paul, it was like 'Oh My God!' It was like night and day," he said at (3:00).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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