EMG 85-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4333
Description
EMG 85-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 85-7H is a focused, articulate active humbucker engineered specifically for extended-range 7-string guitars. This pickup delivers tight low-end definition and controlled midrange presence without the bloom or sag typical of passive designs, making it essential for tracking and mixing sessions where clarity in down-tuned, riff-heavy material is non-negotiable. The brushed black chrome finish pairs durability with a professional appearance across neck and bridge positions.
Tone & Output Character
Built around an Alnico 5 bar-shaped magnet, the 85-7H generates medium output with punchy attack and fast transient response. The active circuit runs on a single 9V battery drawing only 80 µA, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life — practical endurance for extended recording sessions and multiday overdub blocks without frequent power changes.
Installation & Components
This pickup uses EMG's solderless wiring system, eliminating the need for soldering during installation. The package includes a 25k volume potentiometer and 25k tone potentiometer (both with 9.5 mm shafts), battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup and connecting cables, and mounting hardware, providing everything needed for a complete retrofit into your recording instrument.
Key Features
- 7-string configuration with dual-coil humbucker design
- Alnico 5 bar-shaped magnet for defined frequency response
- Active electronics powered by standard 9V battery
- 3000-hour battery life with minimal 80 µA current draw
- Medium output level for balanced articulation and gain
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- Solderless EMG installation system — no soldering required
- Suitable for neck and bridge positions
- Includes volume and tone potentiometers (25k, 9.5 mm shaft)
- Complete wiring harness and mounting hardware supplied
- Brushed black chrome finish
The EMG 85-7H combines proven active circuit design with extended-range voicing, delivering the tonal precision and studio-ready reliability modern production demands.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-7H is a focused active humbucker for 7-string guitars that sits tight and articulate in heavy mix contexts, ideal for capturing defined riffs and controlled low-end in metal and djent recordings. Its Alnico 5 magnet and active circuit eliminate passive sag, ensuring your down-tuned takes stay punchy and clear during layering and editing. The solderless installation and included volume/tone pots speed up session prep, and the 3000-hour battery life means no mid-session power surprises during long recording days.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate mids, punchy attack, fast transient response, high output clarity |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Traditional Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need soldering experience to install this pickup?
No. The EMG 85-7H uses EMG's solderless wiring system, so installation requires no soldering. The package includes all necessary cables, potentiometers, battery bus, and mounting hardware.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The active circuit draws only 80 µA of current, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life per standard 9V battery. That translates to months of normal playing before needing a replacement.
Can I use this pickup in both neck and bridge positions?
Yes, the 85-7H is suitable for both neck and bridge positions on 7-string guitars. Its medium output and Alnico 5 voicing work well across either location.
What makes this pickup different from the EMG 81-7H?
The 85-7H delivers more articulate mids and a slightly warmer character compared to the tighter 81-7H, while maintaining the same active clarity and extended-range design. The 85-7H is preferred for punchy, riff-driven styles.
Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?
No. The 85-7H is engineered for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning contexts. Its tight, articulate voicing is optimized for heavy genres and may sound too controlled for traditional jazz or blues applications.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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