EMG 81 Active Ceramic Bridge Humbucker Guitar Pickup - Black Reviews
The EMG 81 pickup delivers everything from a fat, thunderous growl to a metallic scream. Loaded with beefy ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, this high-output humbucker boasts unyielding intensity and unparalleled detail, along with incredible high-end cut and fluid sustain. Drop this pickup in your axe’s bridge position, and your leads will slice right through the densest of mixes. Load the EMG 81 into both positions and you’ll pummel everything in your wake. The guitarists here at Sweetwater appreciate EMG’s solderless installation, which makes swapping your guitar pickups a breeze. The EMG 81 has become a first-call choice for some of the most respected metal guitarists of all time, and you’ll love what it does for you.
P6 Month Special Financing Available‡
6 Month Special Financing Available‡
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Highest Rated Reviews
EMG 81 Active Ceramic Bridge Humbucker (Improvement much greater than expected)
I replaced the stock pickup on a inexpensive guitar with the EMG 81. The original pickup was a regular Humbucker and sounded quite tinny and shrill. I thought perhaps it was due to the pickup being very close to the bridge and was not sure the EMG would make that much difference. However, I was amazed at the change in tone and clarity. It definitely increased the value of the guitar and I am very satisfied. The fullness and quality of the tone is improved greatly. I have been watching too many YouTube videos showing how cheap pickups sound just as good. Not for me! I whole heartedly recommend the EMG 81 for your bridge pickup and will very likely buy more EMG pickups for other applications.
Excellent pickup
I haven't gotten to play it much, still finishing the guitar, but for a moment I had it all installed and it sounded awesome!
Great product
Have the 81 mounted (solo) in the bridge of a maple/alder strat. It's..... like nothing I've ever heard come out of my axe. Thing is though, there's no soldering amd everything is included. Make sure you order a replacement for your output plate- the EMG output sits quite differently in the pocket- less space to tilt it. Easy to install and sounds fkn great.
These babies got some power!
The ESP 81 pickups are killer! I have one of these and an EMG 85, let me tell you it made my guitar alive! Best pickup for hard rock/metal hands down!
Just a classic go to tone!
What else can you say then metal AF!
If you want that go to metal tone this is your baby!
Best Pickup For Hard Rock and Metal Hands Down!
I find myself coming back to this pickup every time I purchase a new guitar. I've tried Seymour Duncan JBs, Distortion, Custom and Dimebuckers as well as Dimarzio Tone Zone and Evolution and still nothing comes close to this pickup. I absolutely love the bite, articulation, and it's EQ'd just right for metal. You'll have people tell you how they don't like how they sound compressed but I find you can get some great tone out of these. Today bands like Metallica, Black Label Society as well as other metal bands have recorded albums using these pickups and have proven the test of time.
Simply Amazing!
I have two 81s in my ESP KH2 and one in the bridge of my BC Rich Mick Thompson Warlock (replacement of the EMG HZs it came with). No matter what kind of music you play, you can't go wrong with the EMG 81 (bridge)/60 (neck) combination.
