Don’t sell your soul to a creditor to get the gear you need. At AMS, we want to lower the barriers to create. That’s why we offer in-house 0% financing, and you don’t even have to open a new line of credit! Spread out payments on your credit card to simplify financing and avoid hefty late fees or service charges. Cost shouldn’t interfere with your creativity.
Earn rewards every time you shop at AMS. You'll collect points on eligible purchases that turn into promotional savings on future gear, with points typically available several days after your order ships. All  you need is a free AMS account — no credit card, financing, or payment plan required.
The more you shop, the more you earn. Create a free account and start earning from your very first eligible purchase. Rewards are applied as a discount on future eligible purchases.
Earn points on eligible purchases with AMS Rewards and turn them into savings on future orders, no credit card required. You can apply points at checkout once they’re available.
OR
h m s
Compare
Compare! Here are all the serial numbers of this model we have in stock. Compare them all and select your favorite!
Opt in for Notifications on this product for the price drops, stock changes and promotions
Did you know AMS is the only music distributor with four distribution centers? And that means we can offer super-fast shipping on all your music products. Whether you don’t want the spark of inspiration to fade or you really need that replacement speaker before the next show, we have you covered anywhere in the U.S. And even better, it’s FREE!
Don’t sell your soul to a creditor to get the gear you need. At AMS, we want to lower the barriers to create. That’s why we offer in-house 0% financing, and you don’t even have to open a new line of credit! Spread out payments on your credit card to simplify financing and avoid hefty late fees or service charges. Cost shouldn’t interfere with your creativity.
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
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.
