EMG6226 vs EMG6227 — Compare
EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold vs EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The 81-7H uses a ceramic magnet for a tighter, more compressed tone with extreme articulation in high-gain contexts, while the 85-7H employs an Alnico 5 magnet for a warmer, more resonant midrange with greater sustain. Choose the 81-7H for maximum clarity and palm-muted definition; choose the 85-7H for balanced aggression with smoother sustain.
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EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Ceramic magnet delivers maximum compression and articulation for tight, defined attack
- ✓ 1,630 Hz resonant peak optimized for extreme clarity in dense mixes
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency produces punchier, more aggressive character
Why choose EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet offers warmer tone with greater harmonic complexity and sustain
- ✓ 1.87 kHz resonant peak provides focused midrange presence without harshness
- ✓ Exceptionally low noise at −101 dBV ensures clean signal across pedalboards and live rigs
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for drop tunings and palm muting?
The 81-7H is optimized for this application. Its ceramic magnet and lower 1,630 Hz resonant frequency produce the compressed, punchy response that makes palm-muted notes cut through dense mixes in extreme tunings.
What is the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The 81-7H prioritizes aggressive articulation and clarity with a ceramic magnet design, while the 85-7H balances that clarity with warmer sustain through its Alnico 5 magnet. The 85-7H has a slightly higher output (3.10 V single-string vs. 3.00 V RMS on the 81-7H).
Are both pickups suitable for both bridge and neck positions?
Yes, both pickups are bridge and neck position compatible. The choice depends on whether you want maximum definition throughout (81-7H) or more balanced tone with sustain (85-7H).
Do these pickups have different installation requirements?
Both feature long shaft configurations, 9V active circuitry, 3,000-hour battery life, and include 25k volume and tone potentiometers. The 85-7H explicitly includes EMG's solderless system with complete retrofit components, though installation difficulty is comparable.