What is the primary purpose of the EMG 81?

The EMG 81 is designed to provide high-output, intense power for rock and metal guitarists. It is specifically voiced to deliver sharp high-end clarity and a powerful overall sound in the bridge position.

What type of magnets are used in the EMG 81?

This pickup uses super-powered ceramic magnets. These magnets are chosen for their ability to produce a bright, aggressive tone with excellent sustain and output.

Is the EMG 81 a passive or active pickup?

The EMG 81 is an active humbucker. This means it contains an internal preamp that requires a power source, usually a 9-volt battery, to function.

What is the recommended installation position for this pickup?

EMG recommends placing the 81 in the bridge position. In this location, its sharp high-end and high output are best utilised for lead playing and heavy rhythm work.

Does the EMG 81 Ivory differ tonally from the black version?

No, the tonal characteristics remain the same. The Ivory designation refers strictly to the aesthetic finish of the pickup cover, providing a different look for the guitar.

What are close aperture coils?

Close aperture coils are a design feature of the EMG 81 that helps focus the magnetic field. This results in a tighter sound with more pronounced harmonics and less noise compared to traditional wider coils.

Can the EMG 81 be used for 7-string guitars?

This specific model is listed as a 6-string humbucker pickup. For guitars with more strings, EMG produces dedicated versions like the 81-7 or 81-8.

What kind of music is the EMG 81 best suited for?

It is primarily suited for rock and metal genres. Its design focuses on 'exhilarating rock edge' and provides the immense sound necessary for high-gain amplification environments.

How does the output level compare to standard pickups?

The EMG 81 features a very high output level due to its active circuitry. This allows it to drive amplifiers harder into distortion compared to most passive humbuckers.

What is the typical price for an EMG 81 in the UK?

The typical price range for a new EMG 81 Humbucker is approximately GBP 99. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific finish.

What components are typically used alongside the EMG 81?

It is often used with other active components, including 25k Ohm volume and tone pots. Visually, the Ivory version may be paired with Fender Aged White knobs or other cream-coloured hardware for a coordinated look.

Does the EMG 81 work well for clean tones?

While it is famous for its high-gain performance, it provides a very clear and compressed clean sound. However, its primary design focus remains on providing 'sharp high end' and 'intense power' for rock styles.

Gear article

EMG 81 Humbucker Pickup Ivory

The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucking pickup specifically engineered for the bridge position of six-string electric guitars. Utilising ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, it is designed to provide intense power and sharp high-end definition for rock and metal genres.

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Overview

The EMG 81 Humbucker is a foundational component in the world of active guitar electronics. Known for its high output and aggressive character, it is widely considered an essential upgrade for musicians seeking a powerful rock voice. This specific iteration features an Ivory finish, offering a distinct aesthetic alternative to the standard black casing commonly found on modern instruments.

Design and Construction

The internal architecture of the EMG 81 relies on a combination of powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils. This configuration is intentional, designed to produce a detailed high-frequency response and a high-voltage output that remains stable even under heavy signal processing. As an active pickup, it requires an external power source—typically a 9V battery—to operate its internal preamp.

Sonic Character

The primary characteristic of the EMG 81 is its 'intense power'. The output is voiced to provide sharp high-end notes and a focused, immense sound that cuts through dense mixes. It is particularly effective at maintaining clarity during fast, technical playing where passive pickups might become muddy. The close aperture coils contribute to a tighter low-end response and sustained harmonic content.

Application and Compatibility

While it can be used in various configurations, the EMG 81 is optimised for the bridge position. It is designed for standard 6-string electric guitars. Because it is an active system, it is typically paired with low-impedance potentiometers (usually 25k ohms). The Ivory finish makes it a suitable visual match for guitars featuring aged white or cream hardware, such as those using Fender Aged White knobs or similar vintage-styled components.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the EMG 81?: The EMG 81 is designed to provide high-output, intense power for rock and metal guitarists. It is specifically voiced to deliver sharp high-end clarity and a powerful overall sound in the bridge position.
What type of magnets are used in the EMG 81?: This pickup uses super-powered ceramic magnets. These magnets are chosen for their ability to produce a bright, aggressive tone with excellent sustain and output.
Is the EMG 81 a passive or active pickup?: The EMG 81 is an active humbucker. This means it contains an internal preamp that requires a power source, usually a 9-volt battery, to function.
What is the recommended installation position for this pickup?: EMG recommends placing the 81 in the bridge position. In this location, its sharp high-end and high output are best utilised for lead playing and heavy rhythm work.
Does the EMG 81 Ivory differ tonally from the black version?: No, the tonal characteristics remain the same. The Ivory designation refers strictly to the aesthetic finish of the pickup cover, providing a different look for the guitar.
What are close aperture coils?: Close aperture coils are a design feature of the EMG 81 that helps focus the magnetic field. This results in a tighter sound with more pronounced harmonics and less noise compared to traditional wider coils.
Can the EMG 81 be used for 7-string guitars?: This specific model is listed as a 6-string humbucker pickup. For guitars with more strings, EMG produces dedicated versions like the 81-7 or 81-8.
What kind of music is the EMG 81 best suited for?: It is primarily suited for rock and metal genres. Its design focuses on 'exhilarating rock edge' and provides the immense sound necessary for high-gain amplification environments.
How does the output level compare to standard pickups?: The EMG 81 features a very high output level due to its active circuitry. This allows it to drive amplifiers harder into distortion compared to most passive humbuckers.
What is the typical price for an EMG 81 in the UK?: The typical price range for a new EMG 81 Humbucker is approximately GBP 99. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific finish.
What components are typically used alongside the EMG 81?: It is often used with other active components, including 25k Ohm volume and tone pots. Visually, the Ivory version may be paired with Fender Aged White knobs or other cream-coloured hardware for a coordinated look.
Does the EMG 81 work well for clean tones?: While it is famous for its high-gain performance, it provides a very clear and compressed clean sound. However, its primary design focus remains on providing 'sharp high end' and 'intense power' for rock styles.