EMG Kerry King Set Black Humbucker

EMG Kerry King Set Black — Active Humbucker Signature Pickup Set

EMG Kerry King Set Black delivers the active humbucker configuration that has powered Slayer's rhythm tone for decades. Built around an EMG 81 at the bridge and an EMG 85 at the neck, this signature set targets aggressive, high-output metal tones. The package includes a PA-2 preamp booster, Quik-Connect cable harness, volume and tone controls, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware.

Standout Features — PA-2 Booster and Solderless Wiring

What separates this set from a standard 81/85 combination is the included PA-2 mini-booster. The PA-2 adds a 20 dB clean gain stage for solos or aggressive passages, switchable on demand. EMG's solderless Quik-Connect wiring means no soldering for the pickup leads — only a small hole drilled for the PA-2 switch.

Pickup Configuration — the 81/85 Pairing

The 81/85 pairing forms the heart of the Kerry King tone. At the bridge, the 81 delivers razor-sharp attack and tight low end for palm-muted thrash riffs. The neck-position 85 offers a thicker, warmer character with stronger low end and a heavier top end than most humbuckers.

• Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 — razor-sharp attack, tight low end for palm-muted riffs
• Neck Pickup: EMG 85 — thicker, warmer character with stronger low end
• The circuit design relies on an active preamp powered by a standard 9V battery.

Active Electronics & Output — Built for High-Gain Stages

Active humbuckers run on a 9V battery powering the onboard preamp in each pickup, producing a high-output, low-noise signal that holds its character across long cable runs and through high-gain amp stages. The PA-2 adds another 20 dB of clean gain for pushing solos above a dense mix.

• Output: High — designed for high-gain amp stages
• Wiring: 2-core Quik-Connect — solderless pickup leads
• PA-2 Boost: +20 dB clean gain — switchable mini-booster for solos

Installation & Compatibility — Drop-In Humbucker Upgrade

EMG's Quik-Connect cable system lets players install the pickups without soldering the pickup leads — the included harnesses plug directly into the volume and tone pots. The set fits standard humbucker routings in solid-body and semi-hollow electric guitars, with both bridge and neck positions covered.

• Included Hardware: Volume/tone pots, output jack, battery clip, screws & springs
• Positions Covered: Bridge and Neck — full humbucker set
• These units are finished with matte black covers.