EMG Pickups EMG-81

248 Rock Hill Drive, P.O. Box 760
Rock Hill, NY 12775
Phone/Fax 845-796-3616

EMG-81

EMG-81

The EMG-81 is a high output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist. 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. The EMG Pro-Series EMG-KH20 and EMG-KH21 also feature Kirk€™s usual dual 81 set-up for retrofit into any Stratocaster* style guitar.

You might also want to consider a combination featuring the EMG-81 as your bridge pickup with the EMG-85 as your rhythm pickup. Also, see the EMG-ZW Zakk Wylde Model.

Package Includes: EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect„ cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws & springs.

Product Data Sheet (pdf Download)

Clean (bridge) | Dirty (bridge)

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

$105
Includes Ground Shipping
in Continental U.S.
Buy Now

Our dealer agreement with EMG prohibits us
from selling EMG pickups outside the U.S.

EMG Pickups

EMG-81 Back
EMG-Quik-Connect
EMG-81 Accessories (Included)

Also, see these pickup sets:

EMG-CAMO. LIMITED EDITION. A quality bundle of the classic EMG-81 and EMG-85 humbuckers wrapped in a camouflage design. A limited run of 300 sets were made and there is no information on the EMG web site as these will not be stock products. It is strictly a limited one time production.

EMG-KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series. Joins the EMG-81 with a pair of EMG-S single-coil pickups. Includes Pickguard, Volume & Tone Pots, Black Knobs and pickup assembly. (White pearloid)

EMG-KH21 Kirk Hammett Pro Series. EMG-81/ 81 combination wired straight up with two volumes and a master tone. Includes Pickguard, Volume & Tone Pots, Black Knobs and pickup assembly. (White pearloid)

EMG-ZW Zakk Wylde Model. A combination of the EMG-81 and EMG-85 Humbucking Pickups in a system designed to retro-fit into Les Paul guitars, or for that matter any 2 humbucking pickup guitar with a contoured top.

Prices quoted are subject to change. Quantities are limited on some items.
You may contact us before ordering to verify availability and shipping information. Click HERE for Return Policy.
Questions? Call or e-mail steve@stevesmusiccenter.com.