The 81 is the most famous model; the one that started a revolution. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone is endowed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain. Traditionally used in the bridge position, this pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix like a hot knife. When used in both positions the sound can only be described as blistering. Other recommended pairings include the classic 81/85 setup and the versatile 81/60 combo.

During their search for sourcing the best available "chrome" finish cover cap, EMG found that the available products could not be ordered with any consistency. Most importantly, since the manufacturing process would not be controlled by EMG, there was no way of knowing how the sound and tonal performance characteristics of their pickups would be affected. This characteristic was something that also could vary from batch to batch. Finally, EMG could not find any US manufacturers. They knew at that point, that the "buy" solution would not work for them.

Since putting a nickel or chrome plating on a common base metal is just a low cost way to simulate polished stainless steel, they decided to look at the feasibility of doing the real thing. This was the "build" solution. EMG engineers worked out a way to produce a one piece, high quality, mirror polished, stainless steel cover cap while maintaining comparable pricing to the plated versions. In addition, the sound and tonal properties were virtually identical to their molded cover caps, and controlling the process guarantees the consistency and high quality level of the products. They are pleased to now offer humbuckers in the real deal, mirror polished stainless steel, known as "Chrome EMG's".

The "gold" version is the same polished stainless steel cover cap with a gold colored finish that is commonly used to harden machine tools. It is a finish that both hardens the cover cap surface and penetrates the stainless steel substrate, rather than surface coating it as a plating would. This assures a durable, longer lasting surface finish that will stand up to your pounding riffs and all the abuse the road can dish out.

See the pull down menu for a finish that best fits your style and guitar.