EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5028
Description
EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 85-7H is a purposefully engineered active humbucker designed for extended-range 7-string instruments, capturing the aggression and articulation essential for modern metal and hard rock production. Its brushed black chrome finish integrates seamlessly with contemporary hardware while the long-shaft construction accommodates deeper body cavities common in specialized 7-string platforms. This is a pickup engineered for precision—high output, tight low-end response, and articulate harmonic definition across a wider frequency spectrum.
Recording & Mix Presence
Active EMG designs operate at higher output levels than passive alternatives, translating to aggressive attack and sustained note clarity across the extended 7-string range in the mix. The 85-7H's configuration emphasizes midrange presence and controlled bass response, making it particularly effective for rhythm tracking, drop-tuned sessions, and heavily processed signal chains common in metal production. The focused output translates well through amp modeling, saturation plugins, and studio compression workflows.
Installation & Studio Setup
The long-shaft design accommodates deeper pickup cavities found on many 7-string instruments and aftermarket bodies. Like all active EMG pickups, this unit requires a 9V battery source wired into the guitar's electronics cavity, along with appropriate shielding and output wiring for optimal noise rejection during tracking and overdubs.
Key Features
- Active humbucker configuration for 7-string instruments
- Long shaft design for deep-cavity body mounting
- Brushed black chrome finish
- High-output active electronics requiring 9V battery power
- Articulate midrange response optimized for modern tunings
- Controlled low-end output for tight bass definition
- Humbucking design reduces noise and 60-cycle hum
- Direct drop-in replacement for compatible 7-string platform cavities
This pickup delivers the focused aggression and harmonic clarity that extended-range sessions demand from a professional-grade active system.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-7H is an active 7-string humbucker that captures tight, articulate tones across extended frequency ranges, making it ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and drop-tuned productions in the studio. Its high output and midrange presence cut through dense mixes and heavily processed chains, while controlled bass keeps low-end definition intact even with aggressive compression and EQ. Install it for consistent, noise-free tracking that translates well to final mixes.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight low end, articulate midrange, controlled bass, aggressive attack |
| 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
Does this pickup require any special wiring or power?
Yes—like all active EMG pickups, the 85-7H requires a 9V battery wired into your guitar's electronics cavity, along with appropriate output wiring and shielding for optimal noise rejection. This is a standard active system setup, but passive pickups do not have this requirement.
Will this fit my 7-string guitar?
The long-shaft design accommodates deeper pickup cavities found on most modern 7-string instruments and aftermarket bodies. It is a direct drop-in replacement for compatible 7-string platform cavities, but confirm your guitar's cavity depth and humbucker spacing before ordering.
How does the 85-7H compare to other 7-string active pickups?
The 85-7H emphasizes midrange presence and controlled bass response, making it effective for rhythm work and drop tunings—similar in purpose to the Seymour Duncan Blackouts 7-String and DiMarzio Crunch Lab 7, all designed for modern metal and hard rock applications.
Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?
No—the 85-7H is optimized for metal, hard rock, and extended-range aggression; its high output, articulate midrange, and tight low-end character are not voiced for blues or jazz styles, which typically benefit from warmer, more nuanced passive designs.
What does the brushed black chrome finish offer?
The brushed black chrome finish provides a contemporary aesthetic that integrates seamlessly with modern hardware and matches the look of contemporary 7-string builds; it is a cosmetic choice that does not affect tone.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.