--- product_id: 266228806 title: "EMG 85 Active Pickup - Black" brand: "emg" price: "€ 161.55" currency: EUR in_stock: true category: "Emg" url: https://www.desertcart.be/products/266228806-emg-85-active-pickup-black store_origin: BE region: Belgium --- # Higher output than EMG 81 for powerful tone Active humbucker with Alnico V magnets Solderless installation for easy DIY upgrade EMG 85 Active Pickup - Black **Brand:** emg **Price:** € 161.55 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎶 Unlock your guitar’s soul with EMG 85 — tone that commands the spotlight! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** EMG 85 Active Pickup - Black by emg - **How much does it cost?** € 161.55 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.be](https://www.desertcart.be/products/266228806-emg-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 - • **Alnico V Powerhouse:** Loaded with Alnico V magnets for a beefy low end and fat top end that cuts through the mix. - • **Built for Every Gig:** Robust black finish and premium materials ensure durability and stage-ready reliability. - • **Pro-Approved Pairing:** Ideal as a neck pickup paired with EMG 81 in the bridge, the same setup used by Zakk Wylde. - • **Seamless DIY Upgrade:** Solderless installation system lets you swap pickups effortlessly at home—no tech degree needed. - • **Versatile Tone Master:** Delivers a muscular growl and smooth leads, perfect for blues to extreme metal. ## Overview The EMG 85 Active Pickup features dual Alnico V magnet-loaded coils delivering a rich, versatile tone with higher output than the EMG 81. Designed for smooth leads and a muscular growl, it excels in both neck and bridge positions. Its solderless installation system makes upgrading your guitar effortless, while its proven performance is trusted by pros like Zakk Wylde. Crafted with premium materials and a sleek black finish, it’s the ultimate choice for serious guitarists seeking powerful, clear sound across genres. ## Description Although the EMG-85 has more measurable output than the 81, its frequency response and string interface are different. The 85 uses two Alnico magnet loaded coils with a wide aperture to maintain a beefy lowend and a fatter top end. Because of a more natural tone, it works great as a rhythm and blues pickup because it has loads of output but isn't muddy. Itís a perfect choice as a rhythm pickup in combination with an 81 in the bridge, which is the same pickup combination used by Zakk Wylde. ## 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 | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B000RW4B4M | | Back Material Type | Maple Wood | | Body Material Type | Metal | | Brand Name | EMG | | Color | Black | | Connector Type | 3.5 mm stereo jack | | Country of Origin | USA | | Fretboard Material Type | Maple Wood | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00654330100161 | | Guitar Bridge System | Hard Tail | | Guitar Pickup Configuration | H | | Hand Orientation | Right | | Included Components | Seamless installation system, 1 x 25k volume pot, 1 x tone pot, 1 x battery bus, 1 x stereo output jack, 1 x in/out pickup bus, 1 x fixing screws and springs, 1 x pickup cable, 2 x connection cables, 1 x output cable, 1 x battery cable | | Instrument | Guitar | | Item Dimensions | 6.7 x 6 x 15.2 centimeters | | Item Dimensions L x W x H | 6.7L x 6W x 15.2H centimeters | | Item Type Name | EMG 85 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black | | Item Weight | 213 g | | Manufacturer | EMG | | Manufacturer Part Number | EMG85 | | Material Type | Other,Synthetic | | Model Name | EMG 85 | | Model Number | 85 | | Model Series | EMG 85 | | Neck Material Type | Maple | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Number of Strings | 6 | | Set Name | Single | | Sound Profile | muscular growl and smooth leads | | String Material Type | Metal | | Top Material Type | Metal | | UPC | 700987275988 700987275995 654330100161 759681012986 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Product Details - **Back material type:** Maple Wood - **Body material:** Metal - **Brand:** EMG - **Colour:** Black - **Top material type:** Metal ## Images ![EMG 85 Active Pickup - Black - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ugEi1j6wL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color** 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 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.be/products/266228806-emg-85-active-pickup-black](https://www.desertcart.be/products/266228806-emg-85-active-pickup-black) --- *Product available on Desertcart Belgium* *Store origin: BE* *Last updated: 2026-08-23*