Will this pickup fit my 7-string guitar without modification?

The long shaft configuration is engineered for modern deep-cavity 7-string bridge posts and does not require shimming or cavity modification. Confirm your guitar's bridge cavity depth and post configuration match standard modern 7-string specifications before purchase.

How does the 85-7XH compare to the EMG 81-7XH?

The 85-7XH delivers a warmer, more compressed midrange compared to the darker 81-7XH, while maintaining controlled treble and extended low-end clarity. The 85-7XH bridges the tonal gap between the 81 and brighter alternatives, making it more versatile for both high-gain rhythm and lead definition.

Is this pickup suitable for styles outside metal and progressive?

The 85-7XH is optimized for metal, progressive, and drop-tuning applications and is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from different tonal characteristics and dynamic response.

What do I need to know about the active electronics?

This pickup uses 9-volt active electronics that deliver consistent output and impedance matching across all frequencies and playing dynamics. It includes solder and 4-conductor wiring compatible with standard pickup harnesses; you will need a 9V battery in your guitar's electronics cavity to power it.

How does the brushed gold finish affect tone or durability?

The brushed gold finish is a cosmetic choice that does not alter the pickup's electrical performance or durability. EMG's factory potting and shielding provide noise rejection and reliable operation in high-gain settings regardless of finish color.

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 Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG 85-7XH is a bridge-position active humbucker engineered for 7-string instruments, delivering the company's signature compressed midrange punch with controlled high-end articulation for tracking and mixing extended-range sessions. The brushed gold finish offers distinctive visual character while maintaining EMG's proven active electronics architecture. This pickup bridges the tonal gap between the darker 81 and brighter 85, making it ideal for capturing modern progressive and extended-range guitar work across rhythm and lead applications.

Design & Construction

The long shaft configuration accommodates modern 7-string bridge posts and deeper pickup cavities without requiring modification or shims—essential for hassle-free installation and consistent performance in your studio. Traditional humbucker housing delivers classic character while the active preamp ensures consistent output and impedance matching across all frequencies and playing dynamics, translating reliably to tape or DAW.

Tone & Performance

The 85-7XH combines the warm, compressed character of EMG's 85 platform with the extended low-end clarity needed for low B-string articulation on 7-string instruments, sitting precisely in dense mixes without muddiness. Articulate midrange and controlled treble make this pickup effective for capturing both high-gain rhythm definition and lead separation, cutting through without excessive harshness or feedback artifacts in the recording chain.

Key Features

Active humbucker design optimized for 7-string extended-range instruments
Long shaft configuration for modern deep-cavity 7-string bridge posts
Traditional humbucker housing with brushed gold finish
Compressed midrange response characteristic of EMG 85 platform
Controlled treble and extended low-end clarity for low B-string definition
9-volt active electronics with consistent output and impedance
Bridge-position pickup specification
EMG factory potting and shielding for noise rejection
Solder and 4-conductor wiring compatible with standard pickup harnesses

The EMG 85-7XH captures articulate, focused tone on extended-range instruments with the consistency and precision that modern studio tracking and mixing demands.