EMG 81 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup High Output Installation Information

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

EMG Models: EMG-H, HA, 58, 60, 60A, 81, 85

H 58 60A 81 85

Logo Color

Magnet Type

Resonant Frequency (KHz)

White Gold Gold Grey

C A A/S C

4.95 4.45 1.90

1.0 1.

8 9

Gold Silver Gold

A C/S A

2.20

1.25

3.75

2.0 2.1

4.5 4.5

91

Output Impedance (Kohm) 10 10 10 10 10

Current@ 9V (Microamps)

Battery Life (Hours)

Maximum Supply (Volts DC)

80 80 80 80 80

3000 3000 3000

27 27 27 27 27

-

10 10

80 80

3000

27 27

Notes: Magnet Type: A (Alnico) A/S (Alnico/Steel)

C (Ceramic) C/S (Ceramic/Steel)

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES:

1) Only one battery is required for the pickups,

and any active accessories such as the SPC,

RPC, EXG, AB, PA-2, and Pi-2.

2) Use an Alkaline or Lithium battery for longest life.

3) The controls included with EMG Systems are 25K

Ohm, Audio Taper. This value of control is required for the system to work correctly.

4) When installing EMG Active Pickups, DO NOT connect

the bridge ground wire. This wire is usually soldered

to a volume or tone control casing and goes to the bridge. This wire grounds the strings and uses them and your body as a shield against hum and buzz. It also creates a shock hazard. EMG Pickups are

shielded internally and DO NOT require string

grounding. This greatly reduces the possibility of

reverse polarity shock from microphones and other

equipment

5) EMG Active Pickups have very little magnetism

compared to passive pickups. We recommend

you adjust the pickups as close to the strings as

possible. Sustain and string movement will not be

inhibited by close adjustment.

6) If your installation is different from the diagrams in

these instructions or you need additional diagrams

visit our website: emgpickups.com for a complete

listing of available diagrams.

0230-0014A

Warranty:

All EMG Pickups and accessories are warranted for a period of two years. This warranty does not cover failure due to improper installation, abuse or damage. If upon examination the pickup is determined to be defective, a replacement will be made at no charge. Warranty replacement products are covered by this same warranty. This warranty covers only those pickups and accessories sold by authorized EMG Dealers. This warranty is not transferable.

© Copyright EMG Inc. 2007

Updated 1/10/07

Installation Procedures for Models:

EMG Models: EMG-H, HA, 58, 60, 60A, 81, 85

Refer to the following diagrams for the volume, tone configuration foryour guitar and follow that diagram.

It’s recommended that if you plan to install EMG

Products that you do the installation per the diagrams included here and get your guitar working before adding accessories.

We recommend you make a simple diagram of your current wiring scheme and follow it when rewiring with the EMG 25K Controls.

Gibson Les Paul Guitars manufactured after April of 1975 have a shield can installed in the control compartment and use long shaft pots. Long shaft

25K pots are available from your dealer or EMG.

Refer to diagram 7 for this wiring.

SPECIAL NOTE:

The diagrams shown are for EMG Active Pickups only.

All diagrams show the Red Wire coming from the pickups connected to the battery. If you are installing EMG-HZ

Passive Pickups refer to those diagrams. The Red Wire of the HZ Pickup is NOT for battery power, it is a coil wire.

1) Disconnect the existing pickup from its volume and

tone control.

2) Disconnect any existing selection switch wire(s) from

its volume and tone control.

3) Remove the pickup and the volume and tone control.

Place the EMG volume and tone control in the

instrument. Mount the pickup in the mounting ring and

install the quick connect cable as shown in the

diagram and route the cable to the control cavity.

4) Solder the braid of the pickup cable to the case of

the volume control as shown in the diagram and

connect the switch wires as shown.

5) For two-pickup guitars, follow steps 1-4 before

continuing.

6) Remove the existing output jack and replace it with

the EMG output jack. Solder the output wire to the

jack as shown in the diagram.

7) Solder the RED wire(s) of the pickup(s) to the RED

wire of the battery clip and cover the connection with

the heat shrink tubing provided.

8) Use some of the packaging foam that comes with the

pickup and surround the battery to insulate it. Place

the battery on the clip and place it securely in the

control cavity.

9) We suggest you test the guitar before closing up the

control cavity to make sure everything is working.

Be sure to unplug your guitar when not in use to avoid current drain on the battery!

2 Volume (Independent)

2 Tone w/ Gibson Style Toggle Switch

Red wires from Pickups

Red

Pickup Output Cable

Volume

.1uf

104

Tone

White

.1uf

104

Pickup Output Cable

Volume

Solder Pickup Braids to pot casings

Solder Bridge Pickup "Hot" lead to this lug

Solder Fingerboard Pickup "Hot" lead to this lug

Tone

Black

Black

Bottom View

2 Volume (Either volume will act as master) w/ selection switch in middle position)

2 Tone w/ Gibson Style Toggle Switch

Red wires from Pickups

Red

Pickup Output Cable

Volume

.1uf

104

Tone

White

.1uf

104

Pickup Output Cable

Volume

Solder Pickup Braids to pot casings

Solder Bridge Pickup "Hot" lead to this lug

Solder Fingerboard Pickup "Hot" lead to this lug

Tone

(Gibson Les Paul

April 1975 and later)

RED FROM PICKUPS

Finger Board pickup cable Volume

Cable from

3 way switch

Bridge pickup cable

RED

BLACK

WHITE

Volume

BLACK

RED

.1

Tone

Black wire/ Green wire shrink tubing.

GREEN

.1

Tone

BLACK

Black

Black

Bottom View

Bottom View