EMG S/S/81 Pickup Set

Build & Features

The EMG S/S/81 set includes the EMG 81 bridge humbucker and two ceramic single-coil pickups for the neck and middle positions. The EMG 81 is renowned for its high output, tight low-end, and sharp high-end cut, making it ideal for lead tones. The ceramic single-coils provide clarity and articulation, complementing the humbucker’s aggressive character.

This set features EMG’s solderless installation system, including a 5-way selector switch, volume and tone controls, output jack, and all necessary cables and hardware, facilitating easy installation without soldering.

Installation

The S/S/81 set is going in to a mid-90s Korean Ibanez RBM Voyager. You remember it from THIS article. Mahogany body. Maple neck with rosewood board and 25-1/2″ scale. New Jescar 47104 fret wire. German Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo system with locking nut. The only issue is the size of the control cavity makes it all a snug fit.

EMG’s solderless system simplifies the installation process, allowing for quick and easy pickup swaps without soldering. The set includes all necessary components: a 25k volume pot, two 25k tone pots, a stereo output jack, a 5-way selector switch, mounting hardware, and all required cables. This design ensures compatibility with most Strat-style guitars, making it accessible for players looking to upgrade their instrument’s electronics.

Tone & Performance

EMG 81

The EMG 81 bridge humbucker delivers a focused midrange and high-end clarity, suitable for cutting through dense mixes. The ceramic single-coils in the neck and middle positions offer noise-free operation with articulate tones, enhancing versatility for various playing styles. This combination caters to players seeking a balance between aggressive lead tones and clear, expressive cleans.

The EMG 81 in the bridge is still the beast we all know and fear. Tight low end? Check. Glassy highs? Yep. And the mids? Forward enough to punch through a brick wall – or a full stack. Whether you’re chugging on the low E or squealing into a solo, the 81’s voice stays articulate and razor-sharp.

EMG S

Flip to the middle or neck, and things get cleaner – but not weaker. The ceramic S single coils are crisp and balanced. They won’t mush out under gain and remain surprisingly warm when played clean. There’s a glassy Strat-like sparkle, minus the 60-cycle hum. Which means: Yes, you can finally run a high-gain rig and hit position 4 without your amp sounding like it’s being haunted.

As A Set

The tonal range here covers a lot of ground. Need a snappy funk comp in the middle? Got it. Smooth neck leads? You bet. Want to drop into a high-gain solo and still cut through the band mix? That’s the EMG 81’s bread and butter. And with the 5-way switch, position jumping mid-song feels seamless.

Also worth noting: these pickups are responsive. Your pick attack matters. Roll off the volume and things clean up without turning into mud. Slam a boost pedal in front of your amp and the 81 barks like a rottweiler guarding a steak.

In short, the S/S/81 set doesn’t just play well—it plays smart. It’s a modern, musically-aware setup that knows when to scream and when to sing.

Specs

There are really no specs in the traditional sense of DCR and Henries and all that. But here are what EMG does publish about this set:

Demo

Although this set has been around for at least 40 years, there is no official video demo. It is, however one of the sets that Kirk Hammett (Metallica) uses. Here is an in-concert example:

Conclusion

The EMG S/S/81 set offers a versatile HSS configuration that combines high-output aggression with articulate clarity. Its solderless installation system and comprehensive components make it an appealing choice for players seeking to enhance their guitar’s tonal range and performance. Whether you’re aiming for searing leads or clean rhythms, this set provides the tools to achieve a dynamic and expressive sound.

The EMG S/S/81 set is versatile enough to get in to Rock, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Glam Metal, Arena Rock, Pop, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Fusion, and more. It’s very much a take on legendary Super Strat for a modern player.

This set is available in the 6-string configuration. As a complete set, it’s available in black, white and ivory (look at photos). If you piece the set together separately, there is also red. By itself, the 89 also comes in chrome, gold, black chrome, brushed chrome, brushed gold, and brushed black chrome.

For reference, this EMG S/S/81 pickup set evaluation was conducted with a Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ featuring Celestion Impluse Responses and Fractal MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller.  Real cabs in use are Marshall 1960B, Mojotone British, and Peavey 6505 cabs loaded with Celestion Classic Series Vintage 30s, Classic Series G12M Greenbacks, and Heritage Series G12-65s.

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