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EMG

collapse expand iconDescription

The EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 humbucker set is the signature pickup configuration used by the legendary Zakk Wylde in his bullseye Les Paul. Whether shredding through power chords or unleashing face-melting solos, the EMG ZW Set delivers the tone and performance that has made Zakk an icon. Now you can achieve the thick, saturated distortion and endless sustain that have become Zakk's trademark.

EMG 85: Full-bodied Rhythm Tone With Articulate Mids

The EMG 85 humbucker uses two Alnico magnet-loaded coils to produce high output with a beefy low end and pronounced top end. Its wide frequency response provides full, thick rhythm chords with a focused midrange that cuts through the mix. The EMG 85 handles high gain without getting muddy, making it ideal for chunky rhythm work.

EMG 81: High-output Lead Tone With Screaming Sustain

The EMG 81 is a high-output humbucker designed for face-melting lead work. Its ceramic magnets and hot coils deliver a powerful, well-defined tone with loads of sustain for endless soloing. The EMG 81 exhibits a quick attack, fat midrange and smooth highs that sing on high-gain amps. Its noiseless operation also provides a quiet background for crystal-clear note definition at high volumes.

Solderless Installation and Premium Components

The EMG ZW Set includes two humbuckers, two volume pots, two tone pots, output jack, battery clip, screws, springs and Wylde's signature bullseye guitar pick. Everything installs easily without soldering using the included Quick-Connect cables and components. The premium pots, jack and other parts are built to withstand the rigors of the road and provide years of flawless performance.

EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Set Black
EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Set Black
EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Set Black

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Package includes:
  • 2 Pickup Quik-connect cables
  • 1 Output Jack Quik-connect cable
  • 1 Output Jack
  • 4 interconnect Quik-connect cables
  • 1 Battery Quik-connect cable
  • 1 B152 Input/Output Buss
  • 2 ea. Long Shaft Volume & Tone controls
  • 1 ea. Shrink tubing (1 red / 1 black)
  • 2 sets of screws and springs
  • 1 collectable Zakk Wylde pick

collapse expand iconSpecs

EMG-85
  • Resonant Frequency: 2.45
  • Magnet Type: Alnico
  • Output Voltage (String): 2.1
  • Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5
  • Output Noise @ 60Hz: -89 dBV
  • Output Impedance: 10 kOhms
EMG-81
  • Resonant Frequency (kHz): 2.00
  • Magnet Type: Ceramic/steel
  • Output Voltage (String): 2.0
  • Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5
  • Output Noise @ 60Hz: -91 dBV
  • Output Impedance: 10 kOhms
System
  • Current @ 9V: 160 microamps
  • Battery Life: 1,500 hours
  • Maximum Supply: 27V DC

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.73

44 Reviews

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Lives up to all the hype.
I love this product
Awesome!! I'm going to put another one in my SG
Made all the difference in the world in my les paul
These Are Awesome!!!
I buy them for every guitar I use.
Major difference
Must have for metal
Must have for metal
Not just for metal!

Most Liked Positive Review

4

What you NEED to know when you buy this set...

Hi. My name is J and I am addicted to EMG active pickups. I put EMG's in every guitar I own. My regular setup is the 81/60 but for a new Flying V I decided to switch it up a bit. All EMG boxes come with the promise that all you need it what is in the box and you will be rocking in minutes. While EMG's are the easiest pickups to install, this statement is just not true. What is NOT included is a pickup selector switch. You get the EMG 81, 85, connecting wires, stereo cable jack, two volume and two tone pots, a circuit-board and battery connection. So, you need a pickup selector switch and you need to be able to solder your connections to it. I recommend a nice Gibson 3-way toggle switch. They are inexpensive and they last forever. OK, so you have your selector switch. One other thing about this set that they do not tell you which you need to know is about the volume and tone pots. They are extra long. They are easily adjusted via two sets of hex-bolts. This is a good thing if you are installing this into a Les Paul on account of the arched top. You will be needing the extra length. HOWEVER, on a guitar like a Flying V this is a bad thing. You have a choice of sinking the pots into the body and end up with them not fitting OR you can have them sticking out so far that they will poke out the eyes of your most adoring fans in the front row. The solution was easy for me. Since I use EMG pickups in everything I happened to have extras of the standard sized pots around. If you do not you will need to pick up some new ones from a parts supplier. They are cheap, but it can be frustrating if you do not know these things. All things considered, this is a monster set. You just need to know the whole truth going into it.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Pros and Cons

I was fooled into thinking EMG thought of everything as far as installing these in any kind of guitar. But I guess that only means they gave more then one wire diagram. My poor Dean Dime Shadow ML paid the price for lack of length in wire. But if you have a les paul or guitar similar you will be in luck. If all your knobs and switches are close to each other then you will be fine but like in the dean you maybe SOL like I was (assuming you are not a master at splicing wires). I did end up installing them in a Kerry King warlock and they sound great, the best I have ever heard by naked ear. I am almost on the verge of buying another set. But beware of where you want to install these.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing15
  2. Concerts13
  3. Back-Up5
  4. Any use1
  5. Studio1
Cons
  1. Needs short shaft pot option2
  2. Sounds good on solid state amp1
  3. Doesn't have the short pots1
  4. A little confusing in a small space.1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced14
  2. Novice6
  3. Professional Musician2
Pros
  1. Improves Sound21
  2. Good Quality18
  3. Easy To Use17
  4. Functional16
  5. Attractive solderless "plug n play" setup1

Reviewed by 44 customers

  • I would buy again

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byMichae

    fromAmador County Ca

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great sounding pickups sound alot better with tube amps

  • First active set

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byTerry

    fromSanta Maria Ca

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Rippas dropped right into my leo jaymes 140 guitar Put on Grovers Locking tuners,faber bridge post upgrade. Removed bushings these went right into wood. Abr1 Faber bridge no retainer spring, c clips No rattle. US FLAG model. Its named the beast from sandlot

  • This is great for new builders

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byJacob

    fromForth Worth. TX

    This product is and was great. It all works great and came with different configurations (two tone two volume, two volume one tone, two tone one volume and one volume one tone). All parts are quick connect. If you have a switch that requires soldering, it doesn't require it here; simply strip the wire, put the end of the wire into the corresponding outlet, and screw it in with a tiny flathead. If your cavity is small may require ordering shorter knobs from EMG (make sure they're quick connect). P.S. the collectible pick isn't very special or neat, it's black and says EMG on one and has Zakk Wylde's signature on the other.

  • Lives up to all the hype.

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byJoel

    fromSaint Louis, MO

    Not much to add to all the positive reviews left here. The only thing I would add is that I upgraded my Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT and needed to order the short shaft pots from EMG. Other than that, wiring was easy and we're ready to rock!

  • I love this product

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byAlfredo

    fromGainesville FL

    I have this set on my 2 Gibson guitars SG and LP

  • Looks and sound perfect!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byJohn

    fromChula Vista

    Looks and sound great and is a nice upgrade over stock pickups. Installed on Jackson Dinky so meed to buy short shafts, pickups only come with long shafts.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted2 months ago

    asked byEmma

    fromohio

    does this work in the jackson js 22

    does this work in the jackson js 22

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Set from EMG is an active pickup set, and yes, it can work in the Jackson JS22 — with some important considerations: Compatibility Overview JS22 Pickup Cavities: The Jackson JS22 (especially the Dinky model) comes stock with passive humbuckers in standard-sized humbucker cavities. The EMG ZW set uses the same size format, so physically they will fit. Active Pickup Power Requirements: The EMG ZW set requires a 9V battery to power the active electronics. You’ll need to: Ensure space in the control cavity or create space (some users carve or route room). Wire the battery with the included EMG quick-connect system or do manual soldering if preferred. Electronics: The EMG ZW set typically comes with its own pots (usually 25k) and output jack. You’ll need to: Replace the JS22’s stock 500k pots with the included EMG pots. Possibly enlarge the hole slightly for the EMG stereo output jack.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byDan

    fromLos Angeles, Ca

    Does Guitar Center install pickups?

    Does Guitar Center install pickups?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it can be done at the store.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byMatthew

    fromMississippi

    Will these pickups fit any guitar i have a dean

    Will these pickups fit any guitar i have a dean

    Open Reply - Beau
    These pickups would be compatible with any Dean electric guitar.