EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4438
Description
EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 89 is a versatile active humbucker engineered to capture clarity and flexibility across a wide range of recording applications. Its dual-mode architecture lets you toggle between single-coil snap and full humbucker thickness, enabling you to dial in articulate, controlled takes for precision work or thicker, more saturated tones for high-impact rhythm and lead sessions. The brushed black chrome finish pairs refined aesthetics with a compact footprint that integrates smoothly into most standard humbucker cavities.
Recording Tone & Electronics
Powered by a single 9-volt battery, the EMG 89 delivers medium output through Surface Mount Technology (SMT) preamps, offering balanced gain structure that sits well in dense mixes without masking detail. The dual-coil and single-coil modes provide genuine tonal separation in the studio: engage single-coil mode to capture brighter, more defined transients and articulation, or switch to dual-coil for traditional humbucker warmth and thickness that anchors layered arrangements.
Session Integration & Setup
Measuring 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm with an installation depth of 22.9 mm and 78.5 mm screw spacing, the pickup fits standard humbucker routes without modification. The package includes a Quik-Connect cable, push/pull volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting hardware—everything needed for streamlined setup and reliable operation during tracking and production sessions.
Key Features
- Type: Active Humbucker
- Magnet: Alnico V
- Dual-mode operation (single-coil and dual-coil with separate preamps and coils)
- Power requirement: Single 9-volt battery
- Output level: Medium
- 4-core wiring configuration
- Width × Height × Depth: 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm
- Fixing screw spacing: 78.5 mm
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT) preamps
- Finish: Brushed black chrome
- Includes Quik-Connect cable and complete hardware set
- Manufactured in the United States
The EMG 89 combines studio-proven reliability with genuine tonal range, delivering the pickup flexibility needed to capture multiple character takes and adapt quickly to evolving track arrangements and mix requirements.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 89 is a versatile active humbucker with switchable single-coil and dual-coil modes, letting you dial in bright, defined tones for recording or full thickness for layering and mix presence. Its medium output and SMT preamp design balance articulation with controlled aggression, making it ideal for multi-genre session work and home-studio tracking in rock and metal productions. The complete hardware package and Quik-Connect system get you recording quickly with minimal fuss.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil mode on the EMG 89?
Single-coil mode delivers a brighter, more articulate response with snappy attack, while dual-coil mode engages traditional humbucker warmth and thickness. Each mode has its own separate preamp and coil, giving you genuine tonal separation rather than just an EQ tweak.
Will the EMG 89 fit my guitar without routing modifications?
Yes. The EMG 89 measures 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm with 78.5 mm screw spacing, fitting standard humbucker routes without modification. Installation depth is 22.9 mm.
What's included in the package?
The pickup ships with a Quik-Connect cable, push/pull volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and all mounting hardware needed for professional installation.
How much output does the EMG 89 produce?
The EMG 89 delivers medium output through its Surface Mount Technology preamps, balancing aggression and definition—positioned between lower-output clarity and high-gain saturation.
What genre styles is the EMG 89 best suited for?
The EMG 89 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music, with enough versatility for studio sessions. Jazz and folk players should look elsewhere, as the pickup is voiced for higher-gain contexts.
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.
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