EMG 81-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4346
Description
EMG 81-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 81-7XH is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 7-string instruments, delivering tight, aggressive articulation with minimal noise across the extended frequency range. Its brushed chrome finish combines functional aesthetics with professional appearance, while the solderless wiring system simplifies installation into your session setup. This pickup captures crystalline clarity on recording—ideal for studio work and high-gain tracking where definition cuts through the mix.
Active Design & Power Specifications
Powered by a single 9V battery with exceptional longevity—3,000 operating hours per charge—this pickup maintains consistent output throughout your recording sessions without battery-life concerns. The active circuit draws only 80 µA at 9V and supports up to 27V DC maximum supply, giving you flexibility in your studio's powering configurations. Active topology eliminates passive impedance coloration, ensuring the pickup's inherent character translates directly into your recordings and translates cleanly through your signal chain.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
Ceramic magnets with close-aperture coils generate the 81's signature tight, focused response—upper-midrange emphasis and controlled low-end that cuts through dense mixes without muddiness. A 2K ohm DC resistance paired with 10 kohm output impedance produces high output suitable for modern gain structures and sits naturally in a produced track, while the short 10mm (Strat-profile) potentiometer shaft ensures compatibility with standard control layouts on your instruments.
Key Features
- 7-string active humbucker design with ceramic magnets
- Ceramic/Steel magnet material with close-aperture coil configuration
- DC Resistance: 2K ohms
- Output Impedance: 10 kohms
- Active circuit powered by 9V battery
- Battery life: 3,000 hours per charge
- Current draw: 80 µA at 9V
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Short (Strat) potentiometer shaft, 10mm length
- Includes solderless wiring system for fast installation
- Brushed chrome cosmetic finish
The 81-7XH combines EMG's proven high-output design with extended-range voicing, delivering the articulation and noise rejection your 7-string recordings require.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7XH is a high-output active humbucker that brings controlled low end and upper-midrange emphasis to 7-string recording sessions, capturing articulate, noise-free tone ideal for modern metal and progressive production. Its active design eliminates impedance coloration, translating raw pickup character directly into your mix with minimal effort, while the solderless wiring system and 3,000-hour battery life eliminate installation hassle and mid-session surprises. Choose it for studio tracking and mixing work where extended-range definition, fast transients, and consistent output matter.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, High-Gain |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, upper-midrange emphasis, high output, crystalline clarity, noise rejection |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this pickup suitable for 7-string guitars?
The 81-7XH is purpose-built with extended voicing and magnet configuration tuned for the lower frequencies and wider string spacing of 7-string instruments. Its tight low end and upper-midrange emphasis maintain clarity and articulation across the extended frequency range without muddiness, even in drop tunings.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery delivers 3,000 operating hours per charge, which translates to approximately 125 days of continuous use or roughly a year of typical gigging and practice schedules. The active circuit draws only 80 microamps at 9V, contributing to this extended battery life.
Is this pickup easy to install?
Yes—it includes a solderless wiring system that eliminates the need for soldering, speeding up installation. The short 10mm Strat-profile potentiometer shaft ensures compatibility with standard 7-string control layouts.
What genres and tones is this pickup designed for?
The 81-7XH excels in metal, djent, progressive, and high-gain contexts where tight articulation and noise rejection are priorities. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk playing styles.
How does the active design affect the tone?
The active circuit eliminates passive impedance coloration, ensuring the pickup's ceramic magnet character and close-aperture coil voicing translate directly into your signal chain without tone loss. This results in consistent, high output suitable for modern gain structures.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.