What makes the 85-7XH different from the 81-7XH?

The 85-7XH features a close-aperture coil design and defined midrange character that emphasizes articulation and clarity, while the 81-7XH is voiced for more aggressive high-end presence. Both are active designs; the 85 is better for players who prioritize punch and definition across dense tunings.

Does this pickup work with any 7-string guitar?

The 85-7XH uses standard humbucker spacing and a soapbar housing that fits most 7-string pickup cavities. It has 2-conductor wiring and 2K ohm DC resistance, making it compatible with standard 7-string wiring schemes, though you should verify your guitar's cavity dimensions before purchase.

What does the solderless install system include?

The solderless system is included with the pickup and reduces setup time and thermal damage risk compared to traditional soldering. This makes installation faster and safer for both experienced builders and first-time installers.

How long does a 9V battery last in this pickup?

The description confirms the pickup operates on a single 9V battery and delivers consistent output, though specific battery life depends on use and is not detailed in the product specs provided.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

This pickup is optimized for metal, djent, and progressive music where tight lows and articulate mids are essential; it is not recommended for jazz or blues applications where warmer, less aggressive tones are typically preferred.

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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.

EMG 85-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 85-7XH delivers the tight, articulate response that defines the 85 platform, engineered specifically for seven-string instruments where clarity and controlled output are essential in the studio. This active humbucker's brushed chrome finish complements modern instrument aesthetics while its compact soapbar housing integrates seamlessly into virtually any 7-string configuration. The pickup's close-aperture coil design cuts through dense tunings without sacrificing musicality or dynamic range, making it ideal for tracking and layering in dense mixes.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an Alnico 5 bar-shaped magnet and close-aperture coils, this pickup produces the signature EMG 85 character: defined midrange presence, controlled highs, and punchy lows that anchor extended-range recordings without muddying the mix. The active circuit operates on a single 9V battery, delivering consistent output and impedance characteristics across the entire frequency spectrum, eliminating the noise floor issues common to passive designs—critical for clean recording chains and post-production processing.

Installation & Compatibility

The solderless install system included with this pickup accelerates setup and reduces the risk of thermal damage to internal components, keeping your studio sessions on schedule. Standard 2-conductor configuration and 2K ohm DC resistance ensure drop-in compatibility with most 7-string wiring schemes, while the humbucker housing format fits standard pickup cavities. USA manufacturing guarantees consistent quality control and support.

Key Features

Active humbucker design optimized for 7-string instruments
Alnico 5 bar-shaped magnet for focused, defined tone
Close-aperture coils reduce string crosstalk and enhance clarity
9V battery-powered active circuit
DC Resistance: 2K ohms
2-conductor configuration for standard wiring
Solderless install system included
Brushed chrome finish
Soapbar/humbucker housing format
Made in the USA

The 85-7XH combines EMG's proven active architecture with the aesthetic refinement of brushed chrome, delivering both sonic precision and visual integration for recording sessions with extended-range instruments.