EMG 81-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Blac
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG7330
Description
EMG 81-7XH Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 81-7XH captures the punchy, articulate character that defined modern high-output active pickups, with refined voicing optimized for 7-string recording and production. The long-shaft design accommodates deeper pickup cavities, while brushed black chrome finish integrates seamlessly into contemporary guitar aesthetics. This is a workhorse pickup engineered for clarity and consistency across extended range tracking and mixing applications.
Tone & Recording Performance
Active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery provides consistent output voltage of 2.00V (string) and 4.50V (strum), delivering the tight low-end and defined midrange character the 81 platform is known for—critical for sitting cleanly in dense mix scenarios. The 2K ohm DC resistance with ceramic/steel magnet configuration produces a focused, controlled response ideal for capturing modern metal, progressive, and djent sources with minimal phase issues.
Installation & Specifications
Solderless wiring and a battery life rating of 3000 hours at standard 9V operation streamline session setup and maintenance between recording dates. The 10 kΩ output impedance and 80 microamp current draw ensure low-noise performance and minimal battery drain during long tracking sessions, while the 27V DC maximum supply rating supports high-voltage aftermarket configurations if desired.
Key Features
- EMG 81-7XH active humbucker platform for 7-string guitars
- Long-shaft construction for recessed pickup cavities
- Brushed black chrome finish
- DC Resistance: 2K ohms
- Output Voltage: 2.00V (string) / 4.50V (strum)
- Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current Draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery Life: 3000 hours on standard 9V battery
- Maximum Supply Rating: 27V DC
- Ceramic/Steel magnet system
- Solderless quick-connect wiring
- Dimensions: 38 x 89 mm
The 81-7XH combines EMG's proven active design with long-shaft geometry and modern aesthetics, making it a direct retrofit choice for extended-range instruments requiring articulate, high-output performance in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7XH is a 7-string active humbucker engineered for recording and producing articulate, punchy heavy music with a tight low-end and defined midrange. Its 2.00V string output and 4.50V strum output deliver consistent, predictable levels into your interface or mixing console, while the focused ceramic/steel magnet response cuts through dense mixes without blurring. Ideal for capturing clean, controlled takes in metal, progressive, and djent sessions where every note needs definition.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, defined midrange, high output, articulate, focused |
| 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's the difference between the 81-7XH and a passive 7-string pickup?
The 81-7XH is active, meaning it runs on a 9V battery and delivers fixed output voltage (2.00V string / 4.50V strum) with consistent tone regardless of playing dynamics. Passive pickups vary in output based on how hard you play. Active circuits also provide lower noise, tighter lows, and more headroom into your amp or interface.
Will this fit my 7-string guitar?
The long-shaft design is engineered for recessed 7-string pickup cavities, which are deeper than standard 6-string routes. Check your guitar's cavity depth before ordering; if your cavity is shallow, you may need to route deeper or consider a standard-shaft pickup instead.
How long does the battery last, and is it easy to replace?
The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours at normal use, and solderless quick-connect wiring makes battery swaps simple—no soldering required. Battery access depends on your guitar's electronics cavity design.
What genres and tones is this pickup best suited for?
The 81-7XH excels in metal, djent, and progressive music where tight low-end, defined midrange, and articulate attack are essential. It's not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk; those styles typically benefit from lower-output, warmer pickups.
How does the 81-7XH compare to Seymour Duncan Blackouts or Fishman Fluence 7-string models?
All three are high-output active 7-string pickups designed for modern extended-range instruments. The 81-7XH is known for classic EMG punch and tight clarity; Blackouts offer slightly softer voicing; Fluence provides switchable voicing options. Tone preference and feature set determine the best fit for your rig.
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.
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