EMG 85-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5753
Description
EMG 85-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85-7H is a medium-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 7-string guitars, delivering articulate midrange and controlled dynamics in the neck position. Its Alnico V magnet and close-aperture coil design produce balanced response across extended string ranges without muddiness. This pickup tracks cleanly through drop-tuned and extended-range sessions, maintaining note separation where conventional designs muddy up.
Recording & Mix Performance
The 1.87 kHz resonant frequency and medium output level yield a pickup that sits well in a mix—aggressive enough for lead and rhythm tracking yet controlled enough to let articulation and transients cut through. The active electronics ensure impedance stability across long cable runs and complex studio configurations, while the Alnico V magnet structure preserves note definition even on lower strings, critical for layered productions and dense arrangements.
Studio Setup & Workflow
The 100% solderless Quick-Connect wiring system eliminates solder joints and speeds installation, making pickup swaps and session reconfiguration straightforward for home-studio techs and producers. A full complement of potentiometers, jacks, cables, and connectors ships with the pickup, so cavity prep is the primary consideration before tracking begins.
Key Features
- Active humbucker designed for 7-string electric guitars
- Alnico V magnet material for defined midrange and harmonic content
- Resonant frequency 1.87 kHz
- Medium output level
- Recommended for neck position installation
- 100% solderless Quick-Connect wiring system
- Traditional humbucker housing ("H") with sharp-cornered metal cover
- Close aperture coils for extended-range string control
- Black metallic finish
- Includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, two pickup in/out buses, and all necessary cables and hardware
The EMG 85-7H combines solderless convenience with the tonal maturity of a properly voiced active design, making it a reliable choice for 7-string tracking that prioritizes articulation, electronic stability, and fast session turnover.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-7H is a medium-output active humbucker designed for 7-string guitars, engineered to sit cleanly in a mix with articulate midrange and zero impedance coloration across your signal chain. Record and mix extended-range material with confidence—its Alnico V magnet and close-aperture coils deliver defined harmonic content and consistent note separation on lower strings without loss of detail. Its solderless Quick-Connect system and included electronics make retrofitting or integrating into your recording guitar straightforward.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Traditional Blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EMG 85-7H include, and what wiring do I need to know?
The pickup ships with 25K volume and tone potentiometers, a battery bus, stereo output jack, two pickup in/out buses, and all necessary cables and hardware. It uses a 100% solderless Quick-Connect wiring system, so no soldering is required—only routing and cavity prep before installation.
Is this pickup suitable for standard tunings, or is it really only for drop-tuned guitars?
The EMG 85-7H is engineered specifically for extended-range applications and drop tunings, where its close-aperture coil design and Alnico V magnet prevent muddiness and preserve clarity on lower strings. It will work in any 7-string setup, but it is optimized for heavy and progressive styles that rely on articulation in lower registers.
How does the active electronics affect my rig and cable runs?
Active electronics provide impedance stability, meaning the pickup's tone and response remain consistent regardless of cable length or pedalboard complexity. This makes it reliable for touring and venues where signal integrity matters.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The EMG 85-7H excels in metal, djent, and progressive music—styles that demand controlled dynamics and defined note clarity. It is not recommended for jazz, folk, or traditional blues, where a warmer, more open response is typically preferred.
Why choose the EMG 85-7H over competitors like the Seymour Duncan Blackouts or Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String?
The EMG 85-7H combines solderless installation with a proven active design and Alnico V construction that prioritizes articulation and electronic stability. Your choice depends on whether you prefer EMG's midrange-forward character, Seymour Duncan's versatility, or Fishman's tonal flexibility—all are professional-grade options.
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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