Description
The HSS format took off in the early 80s once players realized a humbucker in the bridge could coexist with classic single-coil quack, and EMG has spent decades refining exactly that combination. This set pairs two SA active single coils with the 85 humbucker in the bridge, giving you the glassy, articulate top-end EMG single coils are known for alongside a bridge pickup with serious low-end muscle.
The 85 is the rounder, warmer sibling to EMG’s legendary 81, built with close-aperture coils and Alnico V magnets. Where the 81 bites, the 85 growls — it’s a favorite in the rhythm slot for players who need smooth, thick lead tone and a chunky low-mid punch that stays articulate through gain, but it holds up just as well in the bridge if you want extra smoothness and less ice-pick edge. Paired here with the SA single coils, you get quack and clarity in positions 1, 2, and 4, then a serious tonal shift into humbucker territory when you flip to the bridge.
Like all EMG active pickups, this set uses the Quik-Connect system, so wiring changes down the road don’t mean breaking out the soldering iron. Comes with white covers to match a clean pickguard build.
Specifications (85 humbucker):
- Magnet Type: Alnico
- Resonant Frequency: 3.70 KHz
- Output Voltage (String): 1.00
- Output Voltage (Strum): 3.00
- Output Noise (60 Hz): -101
- Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
- Current @ 9V: 240 microamps
- Battery Life: 1000 hours
- Maximum Supply: 27V DC
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.