EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4441
Description
EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 89 is a versatile active humbucker engineered for studio tracking and multi-session use. Its compact footprint and dual-mode output deliver articulate, controlled tone across bridge and neck positions, capturing punchy attack and focused sustain with minimal noise—critical for clean recording chains and layered production work.
Electronics & Output Characteristics
Powered by Alnico V magnets and surface-mount preamplifiers, this pickup generates a 1.0V RMS humbucker output with 3.0V peak voltage and –99 dBV noise floor—ensuring transparent signal transmission with no compromises for mic'd or direct-in sessions. Current draw is minimal at 152 microamps @ 9V, translating to extended battery life of approximately 3,290 hours between changes, making it practical for long studio days.
Dual-Coil Architecture & Connectivity
The 89 features both single-coil and dual-coil outputs with independent signal paths, enabling tonal flexibility across different recording contexts and mix applications. Setup is streamlined with EMG's Quik-Connect system, eliminating soldering on the pickup end; the complete prewired control set, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware ship ready for immediate installation and tracking.
Key Features
- Dual single-coil and dual-coil outputs with independent signal routing
- Alnico V magnet construction
- Humbucker resonant frequency: 2.55 kHz
- Single-coil resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
- Output impedance: 10 kOhms
- Dimensions: 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm (screw spacing 78.5 mm)
- Current draw: 152 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: approximately 3,290 hours
- All internal preamplifiers use Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
- Includes EMG Quik-Connect cable, prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, and battery clip assembly
The EMG 89 delivers reliable, high-output performance with minimal maintenance and maximum sonic flexibility for engineers and producers demanding professional-grade tone without complications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 89 is a switchable active humbucker designed to sit tight and articulate in dense mixes, delivering 1.0V RMS output with a –99 dBV noise floor that stays clean even when tracking hot or layering multiple takes. Perfect for home-studio engineers and producers tracking metal, hard rock, or progressive music who want a pickup that captures controlled sustain and punchy midrange definition without noise artifacts. The dual-coil and single-coil output flexibility lets you shape tone on the fly during tracking, and minimal current draw keeps session setups simple and battery-efficient.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, articulate attack, controlled sustain, low noise, punchy |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 89 and the EMG 81?
The EMG 89 is more compact and offers dual-coil and single-coil output switching for tonal flexibility, making it suited for bridge-position tight spaces. The EMG 81 is a straight dual-coil design with a fixed voicing. Both are high-output active pickups; the 89 wins on versatility and fit, while the 81 is better if you want one locked-in tone.
Does this pickup require soldering to install?
No. The EMG 89 comes with EMG's Quik-Connect system, a prewired control set, output jack, and battery clip—all ready to mount and plug in. You do the soldering at the guitar harness end, but the pickup itself connects without a soldering iron.
How long does the battery last?
Approximately 3,290 hours of continuous use at 9V, drawing only 152 microamps. In typical gigging or studio use, expect battery life measured in months between changes, depending on how much you play.
Can I use the 89 in both bridge and neck positions?
Yes. Its compact 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm footprint fits tight bridge spaces, and dual-coil and single-coil switching gives you tonal options at either position. Screw spacing is 78.5 mm, standard for most modern guitars.
What genres and styles is the EMG 89 best suited for?
Metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio sessions. The articulate attack and controlled sustain shine in high-gain contexts. It's not a good fit for traditional jazz, folk, or country where warmer, lower-output tones are preferred.
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.
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