EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5029
Description
EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 81-7H is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for extended-range 7-string instruments, capturing aggressive articulation and tight low-end response on every take. This pickup maintains the aggressive character EMG is known for while accommodating the wider string spacing and increased tension of seven-string tunings. The brushed black chrome finish provides both aesthetic refinement and corrosion resistance through years of studio and live tracking.
Recording & Tone Shaping
As an active design, the 81-7H operates via onboard 9V battery power, delivering consistent output and controlled frequency response independent of cable length or capacitance—essential for reliable tracking and re-amping sessions. The high-output character emphasizes upper-midrange punch and articulate transient attack, translating to clear definition in dense mixes, punchy rhythm takes, and crystalline single-note passages that cut through production without muddiness on extended-range instruments.
Studio Integration & Wiring
The long shaft potentiometer configuration accommodates custom control panel layouts and integrates seamlessly into 7-string builds with unconventional electronics routing. This pickup installs into standard humbucker cavities and connects directly into EMG's modular wiring ecosystem, enabling flexible signal pathing, optional stacking configurations, and quick instrument swaps during tracking sessions.
Key Features
- Active humbucker design for 7-string instruments
- Long shaft potentiometer specification
- High-output characteristic frequency response
- 9V battery-powered operation
- Brushed black chrome finish
- Standard humbucker cavity mounting
- Aggressive upper-midrange presence
- Tight, controlled low-frequency response
- EMG modular wiring compatibility
- Extended-range string spacing accommodation
The EMG 81-7H delivers the proven aggression and clarity that made EMG active pickups the standard for tracking high-gain material, scaled and voiced specifically for capturing the articulation and punch of modern seven-string instruments in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7H is a 7-string active humbucker that captures aggressive, high-definition tone with controlled low end and punchy mids—ideal for recording heavy rhythms and fast single-note passages in drop-tuned sessions. Active circuitry ensures stable, consistent output and frequency response throughout tracking and mixing, eliminating cable-dependent tone coloration. Its tight transient attack and articulate character make it a go-to for capturing clarity and definition in metal, progressive, and extended-range studio work.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 81-7H and standard 6-string EMG pickups?
The 81-7H is voiced and spaced specifically for 7-string instruments, with wider string spacing accommodation and frequency response tailored to the increased tension and lower tunings of extended-range guitars. It maintains EMG's signature high-output character while delivering tight, controlled low-end response suited to seven-string tunings.
Does this pickup require a battery?
Yes, the 81-7H is an active design powered by a 9V battery. Active operation provides consistent output and stable frequency response independent of cable length or capacitance, which is particularly valuable in live and studio environments.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 81-7H is engineered for metal, progressive, and modern heavy music played on extended-range instruments. Its aggressive upper-midrange presence and tight low end excel at heavy rhythm work and fast single-note passages; it is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
Will this pickup fit in my 7-string guitar?
The 81-7H installs into standard humbucker cavities found on most 7-string guitars and features a long shaft potentiometer specification to accommodate thicker or custom control panel layouts common in premium builds. It integrates with EMG's modular wiring ecosystem for flexible signal routing.
What does 'high-output' mean for my tone and playing?
High-output pickups deliver louder signal to your amplifier with emphasized upper-midrange punch and fast, articulate transient attack. This results in greater definition during heavy riffing and lead passages, and increased sustain and aggression when pushed into overdrive or distortion.
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.
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