EMG 85X (Chrome)

The 85 is one of our first pickups and is the slightly more sophisticated and well rounded half of its famous twin, the 81. Featuring close aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets, the 85 is a powerful pickup with exceptional organic tone and versatility. Most often used in the rhythm position, the alnico magnets of this model provide a muscular growl and smooth lead tones to enable you to play the muddiest of blues to the most extreme metal. Try it in the bridge position for exceptional smoothness and soul. This pickup pairs well with just about every other humbucker in our line. The X series provide increased headroom giving the voicing an organic and open tone while still maintaining the clarity and response that EMG's are renowned for. X's are best described as bridging the gap between passive and active tone.