The EMG-81 is a high output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist. It was actually developed in 1979 along with the EMG-58. Like most EMG's, it wasn't heavily advertised until 1981. The EMG-81 has the familiar U-shaped humbucking structure but replaces the pole pieces with steel bars and a smaller ceramic magnet. The EMG-81 is at its best for high volume overdrive. It has become the choice for metal and extreme players alike.

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

MPN: EMG-81
UPC: 654330100130

Distortion during lead passages is consistent, sustain is long and the breakup fades smoothly. The ceramic magnet in combination with wide aperture steel poles lend a quick attack but the tone stays nice and fat at the same time. Perfect if you're the only guitarist in the band, and need to switch from rhythm to lead and still keep the band moving. Another great thing about the EMG-81 is it's quiet. If you're playing at really high gain the last thing you need is noise.

If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a high output pickup, the EMG-81 is the one.
You might also want to consider a combination featuring the EMG-81 as your bridge pickup with the EMG-85 as your rhythm pickup.