---
product_id: 266228806
title: "85 Active Pickup - Black"
brand: "emg"
price: "$264.41"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/266228806-85-active-pickup-black
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Higher output than EMG 81 Alnico V magnets for rich tone Solderless installation ease 85 Active Pickup - Black

**Brand:** emg
**Price:** $264.41
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Unlock your guitar’s soul with the EMG 85 – tone that commands the stage!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 85 Active Pickup - Black by emg
- **How much does it cost?** $264.41 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/266228806-85-active-pickup-black)

## Best For

- emg enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted emg brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Perfect Pairing:** Ideal as a neck pickup, it pairs seamlessly with EMG 81 in the bridge for iconic tone combos.
- • **Powerful Output:** Higher output than the EMG 81 ensures your rhythm parts cut through the mix with clarity.
- • **Built to Perform:** Wide aperture coils maintain beefy lows and fat highs for a natural, dynamic sound.
- • **Effortless Upgrade:** Solderless installation means you can swap pickups at home without a tech hassle.
- • **Versatile Tone Master:** Alnico V magnets deliver a muscular growl and smooth leads, perfect from blues to metal.

## Overview

The EMG 85 Active Pickup features Alnico V magnet-loaded coils with a wide aperture, delivering a beefy low end and rich top end. It offers higher output than the EMG 81 and excels as a neck pickup or bridge humbucker, favored by pros like Zakk Wylde. Its solderless design allows easy installation, making it a versatile upgrade for serious guitarists seeking smooth, powerful tone across genres.

## Description

EMG 85 Active Pickup - Black

## Features

- The slightly more sophisticated and well-rounded half of its famous brother, the EMG 81
- Features close aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets for exceptional tone and versatility
- The Alnico magnets provide a muscular growl and smooth leads for everything from the blues to the most extreme metal
- Although often used in the neck position, it sounds great as a bridge humbucker with its exceptional smoothness and soul
- Pairs well with just about every other humbucker in our line.EMG's solderless installation makes swapping your guitar pickups easy to do at home

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Item Weight | 213 g |
| Product Dimensions | 6.68 x 6.05 x 15.24 cm; 213.19 g |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. |
| Item model number | 85 |
| Back Material | Maple Wood |
| Body Material | Metal |
| Color Name | Black |
| Fretboard Material | Maple Wood |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | H |
| String Material | Metal |
| Top Material | Metal |
| Neck Material Type | Maple |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Hard Tail |
| Material Type | Other,Synthetic |
| Size | 0 |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** EMG
- **Colour:** Black
- **Top material type:** Metal
- **Body material:** Metal
- **Back material type:** Maple Wood

## Images

![85 Active Pickup - Black - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ugEi1j6wL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Colour Name** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does it work with F spaced guitars?**
A: Yes, all pickups work with tremolos. The difference between an F space pickup and normally spaced pickup is imperceptible. Enjoy, it’s a great pickup.

**Q: does the EMG 85 sound good in a strat in the bridge**
A: Sure does!  I really like these pickups in both the neck and bridge positions in a Strat.  Have fun!

**Q: Can the guitar work with just one pickup?**
A: Yes. It comes with the necessary controls for one pickup. Just configure it and your good.

**Q: Can this pick up go into a Squire Bullet Mustang?**
A: Yes any guitar that can fit a humbucker. Just have to make sure you can fit the battery in the back plate if the guitar comes stock with passive pickups.

## Frequently Bought Together

- EMG 85 Active Guitar Humbucker Bridge/Neck Pickup, Black
- EMG 81 Active Guitar Humbucker Bridge/Neck Pickup, Black
- EMG 3 Position Switch

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-02-02*