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EMG
EMG 81 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup
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EMG 81 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup

The EMG 81 is a high output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist.
The 81 is at its best for high volume overdrive and amps with a master volume. Whether you're playing power rock and roll, or overdriving your amp, there's a razor sharp attack, and incredible sustain for brilliant soloing. If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a rock pickup, the EMG 81 is the one.

EMG 81 Includes:
  • EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable
  • Pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set
  • Output jack
  • Battery clip set
  • Screws & springs

Click Here to see them all!

EMG 81 Features
It was actually developed in 1979 along with the EMG 58. Like most EMG's, it wasn't heavily advertised until 1981. The EMG 81 has the familiar U-shaped humbucking structure but replaces the pole pieces with steel bars and a smaller ceramic magnet. The EMG 81 is at its best for high volume overdrive. It has become the choice for metal and extreme players alike, Kirk Hammett from Metallica and Kerry King of Slayer to name only two.

Distortion during lead passages is consistent, sustain is long and the breakup fades smoothly. The ceramic magnet in combination with wide aperture steel poles lend a quick attack but the tone stays nice and fat at the same time. Perfect if you're the only guitarist in the band, and need to switch from rhythm to lead and still keep the band moving. Another great thing about the EMG 81 is it's quiet. If you're playing at really high gain the last thing you need is noise.

If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a high output pickup, the EMG 81 is the one. Two 81's are featured in Kirk Hammett's Signature ESP Guitar, the KH-4.
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EMG 81 Specifications

  • Logo Color: Silver
  • Resonant Frequency (kHz): 2.25
  • RMS Output Voltage: 1.25
  • Peak Output Voltage: 1.75
  • Output Noise (dBV): -91
  • Output Impedance (Kohm): 10
  • Current @ 9V (Microamps): 80
  • Battery Life (Hours): 3000

 
 
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Rate and Review this Product:      Rate It
2 people rated this item
MyConcrete from Lexington, NC USA
Overall Ranking:
Quality:
Price:
Overall:
Sound:
Reliability:
Action:
Finish:
Playability:
Tone:
Subject:Power!!
Quality: New connections make setup a breeze!
Sound: Great with the 18 Volt Mod.
Reliability: Very reliable.
Overall: I have used EMG pickups for several years now and liked them but was never completely impressed with them. Then I discovered the 18 volt mod. In other words using two 9 volt batteries in series to create 18 volts. This changed my world. It really opens these babies up and lets them do their thing!
Playability and Feel: N/A
Tone: Thin at 9v. Full at 18v.
Finish: Great Chrome/Stainless finish.
Action: N/A
Skill Level: Semi-Pro
Do you own this product?: Yes
Date submitted: 9/3/09
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"I always check at AMS first when looking for new music equipment. I tell all my friends. Their support is great and they have Payment Plans!" Nov '09