Re: EMG 81/85 wiring, bad noise
Hmmm... You might try touching up the grounds (nice, shiny solder), starting from the jack and going pot case to pot case. Sometimes a cold solder joint (grey, dull solder) will give you grounding issues.
One other thing, you might try plugging your amp/setup in to another outlet? I've heard of people chasing ground noise and it turns out to be a ground issue in their outlet or power strip, etc.
Strange... usually EMG's are quieter and have less ground issues than passive pickups.