The Hot-Headed Humbucker for Metal Leads!
The high-output EMG 81 Active Humbucker has become a regular first-call pickup for rock and metal guitarists. This engine-of-tone packs a roaring punch for your signal to create a full-fledged force of distortion great for either lead or rhythm. EMG active pickups employ an internal preamp that boosts your signal without adding any unwanted hum or noise. Also, this baby is sensitive, so you get a wide range of tone from a simple turn of your tone control. The sustain from this humbucker is great for holding your notes or getting some mean feedback. See what the buzz is all about by installing one -- or two -- of these babies into your axe.

More Juice for Your Signal
EMGs are world-class pickups with top-notch wiring and circuitry. Active pickups use a preamp to take your signal and add a surge of power to help your playing cut through with more presence and clout. While EMG 81s work well as rhythm pickups, their active character makes them a great choice for wailing leads and biting solos. One of these high-output babies in your neck position will give your playing a thick, darker color, while a bridge position will have a sharp bite to it.

The Ceramic Magnet Advantage
At the heart of your EMG 81 are coils wrapped around a ceramic magnet. Ceramic magnets are pretty strong and tend to have a brightness to them. They're usually found on higher-output pickups, and even when you push your distortion further, these magnets retain a higher articulation so your dirty tones remained well-defined throughout your playing. The magnet in your EMG 81 humbucker uses wider steel aperture poles to yield a quick attack that stays thick and full from your higher notes to your lower ones.

Shielded Magnet and Preamp for Low Noise
This is your all-around reliable and durable humbucker -- housed in epoxy, so dirt, hair, and electrical interference won't get in the way of your encased preamp and shielded ceramic magnet. This protective casing will also keep out electrical interference from lights of electrical signals near by. In the end, what you get is an uninterrupted full-fledged force of tone and sonic authority.

Features:
- Low output noise of -91 dBV
- Active humbucker for bridge or neck position
- Resonant Frequency of 2.25 kHz
- Battery life of 3000 hours
- Uses a ceramic magnet
- RMS output voltage of 1.25 volts
- Peak output voltage of 1.75 volts
- Silver logo color
- EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws & springs all included

Specifications
Resonant Frequency: 2.25 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 1.25
Peak Output Voltage: 1.75
Output Noise: -91dBV
Output Impedance: 10kOhm
Current @ 9V: 80 Microamps
Battery Life: 3000 Hours

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

A Brief FAQ
What's an active pickup, and why would I use one?
An active pickup is one that uses electronics to improve the sound and enhance its operation. There are a variety of ways to "Activate" a pickup. A simple "buffer" pre-amp will do the trick, but it will also amplify the hum and buzz the pickup produces. Just because a pickup is "active" doesn't guarantee you'll get great results. EMG pickups utilize an internal pre-amp (inside the pickup), which not only makes the pickup louder, it also reduces the noise!

What are the advantages of an EMG pickup?
The greatest is reduction in noise. No longer will the dimming of the house lighting system cause your guitar to buzz incessantly. You can use an extra long cable, or a wireless, and you'll get the same great tone every time.

Why an internal pre-amp?
It's the most efficient way to create an active pickup. All the coil connections are shielded, the pre-amp is shielded, and the output of the pickup cable is low-impedence, which makes it less susceptible to noise. Also, it avoids a spider web of wires and possible loose connections in your guitar and the installation is simple. All the benefits with none of the hassle.

zZounds is an authorized dealer of EMG products.