What's included in the box?

The 81-7H comes complete with pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, stereo output jack, and 25k volume and tone potentiometers. EMG's solderless quick-connect system eliminates the need for soldering, so all wiring uses rapid plug-and-play connections.

How long does the battery last?

A single 9V battery delivers up to 3,000 hours of playable time. At typical usage levels, expect several months of active play per battery before replacement is needed.

Is this pickup suitable for genres outside metal and djent?

The 81-7H is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning styles where high output and tight low-end definition are essential. Its character and noise profile are not ideally suited to jazz, blues, or country applications.

How does the 81-7H compare to passive pickups in terms of output and noise?

Active electronics provide significantly higher and more consistent output across all seven strings, with a professional-grade noise floor of -91dBu that rejects interference far better than passive designs. This makes it more suitable for tracking and live sound reinforcement without requiring additional gain staging.

Will this fit any 7-string guitar?

The 81-7H is designed for standard passive mount bridge positions on 7-string instruments with compact dimensions that accommodate tight bridge cavities without modification. Verify your guitar's bridge cavity dimensions and mount type before ordering.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG 81-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 81-7H is a high-output active bridge humbucker engineered specifically for extended-range instruments. Its ceramic magnet construction captures articulate, punchy response across all seven strings, delivering tight low-end definition and controlled treble presence that sits clearly in dense mixes without harshness. The brushed black chrome finish integrates seamlessly into modern instrument aesthetics while maintaining EMG's signature industrial character.

Active Electronics & Recording Clarity

This pickup operates on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—delivering up to 3,000 hours of battery life per cell. Output measurements of 2.0V per string and 4.5V on strum provide controlled gain staging for preamps and audio interfaces, while the -91dBu noise floor and 10 kohm output impedance ensure clean signal transmission through your entire signal chain. The included 25k volume and 25k tone potentiometers offer straightforward gain and voicing control for session adjustments.

Setup & Studio Integration

EMG's solderless install system eliminates traditional wiring—all connections use quick-connect cables for rapid setup, tear-down, and service between sessions. The passive mount housing accommodates standard bridge positions on seven-string instruments, and the included stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection cables, and output cable provide everything needed for immediate tracking. Compact dimensions ensure reliable fitment in tight bridge cavities without modification.

Key Features

Active humbucker design optimized for 7-string bridge position
Ceramic magnet construction for articulate, controlled output
2.0V per-string and 4.5V strum output voltage
9V battery operation with 3,000-hour battery life
-91dBu output noise specification
10 kohm output impedance
80 µA current draw at 9V
Maximum supply rating 27V DC
Brushed black chrome humbucking cap finish
EMG solderless install system with quick-connect cables
Included 25k volume and 25k tone potentiometers
Passive mount bridge configuration

The 81-7H combines high-gain responsiveness with professional-grade noise rejection, making it a reliable workhorse for capturing powerful extended-range tones in the studio or tracking live performances.