EMG KFK Kerry King 81/85 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup Set, Black

The EMG KFK Kerry King 81/85 Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup Set in Black is a powerful, high-output pickup set designed to capture the aggressive and searing tones of Slayer's legendary guitarist Kerry King. This signature pickup set combines EMG’s iconic 81 and 85 humbuckers with a prewired 20dB Gain Boost, also known as the PA2 switch, to deliver massive, crushing tones with exceptional clarity and tight response. Whether you're playing fast thrash riffs or melodic leads, this set is engineered to provide the power and precision needed for metal and hard rock.

The EMG 81/85 combo has long been one of the most revered pickup pairings for metal and hard rock, and this Kerry King signature set takes it to the next level. The set includes the EMG 81 in the bridge position for a razor-sharp, high-output sound that cuts through any mix with ease, and the EMG 85 in the neck position for a warmer, more rounded tone with a rich midrange and fat low end. Together, these pickups offer a versatile tonal palette that can handle anything from tight, percussive palm-muting to smooth, fluid solos.

The EMG 81 uses ceramic magnets and close-aperture coils to deliver a high-output sound that is perfect for aggressive playing. It excels in the bridge position, where it offers precise attack, intense sustain, and incredible detail, making it ideal for fast, intricate riffing and leads. The EMG 85, featuring Alnico V magnets, offers a slightly warmer tone with rich harmonic content and a more natural feel, making it perfect for solos and rhythm playing in the neck position. This combination provides the player with a wide range of tones, from blistering metal to smooth, articulate lead tones.

In addition to the pickups themselves, the EMG KFK set comes with a PA2 preamp booster switch. This switch provides an adjustable 20dB gain boost, allowing you to dial in even more output and drive for solos or when you want to push your amp into overdrive. The PA2 is easily mounted on your guitar for on-the-fly gain control and adds to the flexibility and power of the set.

The pickups are active, meaning they are powered by a 9V battery, which allows for enhanced clarity, greater dynamic range, and reduced noise compared to passive pickups. With EMG’s solderless installation system, this pickup set is incredibly easy to install, and it comes prewired with everything you need, including volume and tone controls, a battery clip, output jack, and the PA2 switch.

Features

• High-Output Active Pickups: EMG 81 (Bridge) for sharp, aggressive tones, and EMG 85 (Neck) for warm, rich sound.
  
• PA2 Gain Boost Switch: Built-in 20dB adjustable gain boost for instant volume increase.
  
• Signature Kerry King Tone: Designed to capture Kerry King's iconic metal sound.
  
• Noise-Free Performance: Active humbuckers minimize hum and interference, ideal for high-gain settings.
  
• Solderless Installation: Quick and easy setup with EMG’s plug-and-play wiring system.
  
• Durable Construction: Rugged design for long-lasting performance, perfect for live or studio use.

Specifications

• Model: EMG KFK (Kerry King Signature Set)
  
• Pickup Type: Active humbucker pickups
  
• Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 (ceramic magnets, high output, tight attack)
  
• Neck Pickup: EMG 85 (Alnico V magnets, warm tone, smooth midrange)
  
• EMG 81: Ceramic magnets
  
• EMG 85: Alnico V magnets
  
• Output Type: Active
  
• Frequency Response:
  
• EMG 81: Aggressive highs, defined mids, tight bass
  
• EMG 85: Warm highs, pronounced mids, full low end
  
• Battery Life: Up to 3,000 hours with 9V battery
  
• Boost Preamp: PA2 20dB adjustable gain boost switch
  
• Color: Black