EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4439
Description
EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 89 is a versatile dual-mode active pickup that captures both articulate single-coil clarity and full humbucker punch from a single unit. Its push/pull switching mechanism enables instant tonal character selection during recording or live tracking, offering two distinct voices without requiring any external modifications. Built with Surface Mount Technology preamps and Alnico magnets, this pickup maintains virtually noiseless operation across both modes—essential for clean tracking, layered arrangements, and transparent signal chains in the studio.
Dual-Mode Design & Recording Versatility
The EMG 89 houses both a stacked single-coil design and a dual-coil configuration with opposite Alnico loads, each with its own output. Single-coil mode delivers a 3.75 kHz resonant frequency with 0.6V RMS output and -94 dBV noise floor, capturing articulate leads and defined rhythm tones with clarity that cuts through dense mixes. Engaging humbucker mode shifts the character to 2.55 kHz with 1.0V RMS output and -99 dBV noise floor, providing increased headroom and thicker body for heavy tracking and blues-based material.
Power & Battery Performance
The integrated preamps draw only 152 microamps at 9V, translating to approximately 3,290 hours of battery life—over four months of continuous operation on a single cell. The low current draw keeps the pickup responsive and transparent, minimizing any lag or signal degradation even as battery voltage naturally declines over extended recording sessions.
Key Features
- Dual-mode design with stacked single-coil and dual-coil configurations
- Single-coil mode: 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, 0.6V RMS output, 1.7V peak output, -94 dBV noise floor
- Humbucker mode: 2.55 kHz resonant frequency, 1.0V RMS output, 3.0V peak output, -99 dBV noise floor
- Virtually noiseless operation in both modes
- 10 kOhms output impedance
- Surface Mount Technology internal preamps
- Alnico magnet construction
- Current draw: 152 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3,290 hours on 9V cell
- Brushed chrome finish
- Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs
The EMG 89 bridges the gap between single-coil definition and humbucker thickness, making it an exceptionally flexible choice for producers and engineers who demand tonal range across multiple sessions and styles without installing multiple pickups.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 89 gives recording engineers and producers a single, noiseless active pickup capable of delivering both tight single-coil definition and full humbucker thickness in the mix. Its dual-mode character (3.75 kHz single-coil vs. 2.55 kHz humbucker) tracks cleanly across high-gain and clean sessions, while the -94 to -99 dBV noise floor keeps recordings pristine during overdubs and reamping. Install it when session versatility and studio-grade signal integrity matter more than chasing tone from multiple gear swaps.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate high-end clarity, thick humbucker punch, noiseless operation, high headroom, versatile dual-mode character |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the push/pull switching work, and do I need a new control set?
The pickup's push/pull mechanism integrates directly into the volume or tone pot for instant mode switching during play. The EMG 89 includes a prewired push/pull volume/tone control set, so you get the switching ready to install without sourcing additional parts.
What's the difference between single-coil and humbucker mode?
Single-coil mode delivers a 3.75 kHz resonant peak with 0.6V output for articulate, defined tones ideal for leads. Humbucker mode shifts to 2.55 kHz with 1.0V output for thicker body and increased headroom, perfect for heavy and blues playing.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The low-draw preamp circuit consumes only 152 microamps, yielding approximately 3,290 hours of battery life—over four months of continuous operation on a single 9V cell.
Is this pickup too noisy for studio recording or high-gain live work?
No—the EMG 89 maintains a -94 dBV noise floor in single-coil mode and -99 dBV in humbucker mode, making it virtually silent in both high-gain and clean studio environments where noise rejection is critical.
What does the Brushed Chrome finish look like, and what's included in the box?
Brushed Chrome is a matte metallic silver finish on the pickup cover. The package includes the pickup, Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs—everything needed for installation.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. 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.