United States · Est. 1974
EMG
The absolute standard in active pickups. The EMG 81 has defined the sound of modern metal since the 1980s.
About the brand
EMG was founded in 1974 in Santa Rosa, California, by Rob Turner. The company specialised from day one in active pickups — those containing an internal preamplifier powered by a 9V battery. The key advantage of actives is extremely low noise and very consistent output, ideal for high gain without unwanted feedback.
The EMG 81, launched in the 1980s, quickly became the heavy metal standard. Metallica, Zakk Wylde, and countless metal guitarists adopted it as their definitive working tool. The 85, with a warmer character, is typically used in the neck position. The combination 81/85 or 81/60 is the most popular dual-active setup in metal.
The Fluence series, launched in 2015, uses printed circuit coil technology instead of wound copper, eliminating 60-cycle hum entirely while allowing two distinct voices per pickup, switchable with a push-pull pot.
Key facts
- EMG 81: the most influential metal pickup of the last 40 years
- The standard in metal from Metallica to modern djent
- Extremely low noise floor thanks to the active preamp
- Fluence: printed coil technology that eliminates hum entirely
Iconic pickups
EMG 81
The most influential active pickup in history. Ceramic, high output, virtually silent. The metal standard from the 1980s to today.
EMG 85
The alnico variant of the 81. Warmer with more body in the low end. Typically used in the neck position alongside the 81 at the bridge.
EMG SA
The reference active single-coil. Captures the clean Stratocaster sound with the silence and consistency of active pickups. Used by David Gilmour.
EMG 60
A warmer active humbucker than the 81. Better suited for the neck in high-gain configurations. James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett use it in the neck position.
Fluence Modern
Printed coil humbucker with two voices: voice 1 is modern high gain, voice 2 is vintage PAF character. Zero hum guaranteed between units.
Notable musicians
- James Hetfield · EMG 81 (puente), 60 (mástil)
- Zakk Wylde · EMG 81/85
- Kirk Hammett · EMG 81/60
- David Gilmour · EMG SA (single-coil activa)