EMG-85 Active Alnico V Humbucker Guitar Pickup Solderless Installation

EMG-85 Active Alnico V Humbucker Pickup – Versatile Tone from Blues to Metal | Muscular Growl, Smooth Leads & Solderless Installation

Description:

The Pickup That Defined a Generation. Versatile Enough for Any Genre.

The EMG-85 is one of EMG's first pickups—a true classic that has stood the test of time. Loaded with Alnico V magnets, the 85 delivers powerful, articulate tone with exceptional versatility. The Alnico magnets provide a muscular growl and smooth lead tones, enabling you to play everything from the blues to the most extreme metal. Whether you're seeking warm, soulful cleans or aggressive, saturated distortion, the 85 responds with remarkable dynamics and touch sensitivity.

Although often used in the neck position, make no mistake—the EMG-85 sounds great as a bridge humbucker thanks to its exceptional smoothness and soul. Its warm, fat tone pairs beautifully with the aggressive cut of the EMG-81 in the classic 81/85 setup, creating one of the most iconic pickup combinations in rock and metal history. The 85 also pairs well with just about every other humbucker in the EMG line, offering endless tonal possibilities.

The EMG-85 features EMG's proprietary solderless installation system, making it easy to install or swap pickups with no soldering required. The active design delivers consistent, noise-free performance with exceptional headroom and dynamics. Whether you're playing blues, rock, metal, or anything in between, the EMG-85 is the ultimate pickup for players who demand tonal versatility and professional-grade performance.

Key Features:

• Alnico V Magnets: Deliver a muscular growl and smooth lead tones with exceptional warmth, dynamics, and touch sensitivity—perfect for a wide range of genres from blues to extreme metal.

• Versatile Positioning: Traditionally used in the neck position, but also sounds exceptional as a bridge humbucker thanks to its smoothness and soul.

• Classic Pairing: The legendary 81/85 combo pairs the aggressive cut of the 81 in the bridge with the warm, fat sustain of the 85 in the neck—one of the most iconic pickup combinations in history.

• Solderless Installation: EMG's proprietary solderless system makes installation fast, easy, and hassle-free.

• Active Design: Delivers consistent, noise-free performance with exceptional headroom and dynamics.

• No Noise or Hum: The active preamp eliminates unwanted noise and interference for pristine signal quality.

• Exceptional Versatility: Equally at home with blues, rock, metal, punk, and beyond.

• Trusted by Professionals: One of EMG's original and most beloved pickups—used by countless legendary artists.

• Comprehensive Compatibility: Pairs well with just about every other humbucker in the EMG line.

Technical Specifications:

• Type: Active Alnico V Humbucker

• Magnet: Alnico V

• Position: Traditionally Neck (also works well in Bridge)

• Output: High

• DC Resistance: 14.5 kΩ (Internal, Preamp Buffered)

• Resonant Frequency: 2.25 kHz (Internal, Preamp Buffered)

• Current Draw: 80 µA (Microamperes)

• Battery: 9V (Approximately 3000 hours of battery life)

• Construction: Solderless Installation

• Recommended Pairings: 81/85 (Classic), 85/85 (Dual 85), 85/60 (Versatile)

• String Spacing: Standard

• Compatibility: Works with most guitar brands and models

• Country of Origin: USA