EMG 89 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6203
Description
EMG 89 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 89 is a versatile active humbucker that captures single-coil articulation and dual-coil power through its unique dual-mode design. This long shaft variant accommodates guitars with deeper pickup cavities while delivering the tight, controlled character and clarity that active EMG electronics are known for in studio recordings. The black chrome finish provides a sleek, professional aesthetic that photographs well and complements both modern and classic guitar designs.
Dual-Mode Performance for Session Versatility
Switch between Alnico-loaded single-coil mode for crisp, articulate highs and dual-coil mode for thick, compressed output—all without rewiring your instrument. Single-coil mode yields 0.6V RMS output with a 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, tracking well in dense mixes, while dual-coil mode pushes 1.0V RMS at 2.55 kHz, providing the aggressive sustain and body needed for lead work and power chords. The output impedance of 10kOhms ensures clean integration with standard recording chain interfaces and minimal signal loss through cable runs.
Active Electronics & Reliability
Powered by a single 9-volt battery drawing only 160 microamps at 9V, this pickup delivers up to a year of battery life under typical daily use. The solderless connection system simplifies installation and reduces wiring errors, while the included 25k sound potentiometer and 25k push/pull potentiometer provide intuitive tone shaping and mode switching without modification to your guitar's electronics.
Key Features
- Dual-mode design: Alnico-loaded stacked single-coil and dual-coil configurations in one pickup
- Alnico V magnet for warm, focused tone
- Long shaft design (installation depth 22.9 mm) for deep-cavity guitar compatibility
- Single-coil mode: 0.6V RMS output, 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, -94 dBV noise floor
- Dual-coil mode: 1.0V RMS output, 2.55 kHz resonant frequency, -99 dBV noise floor
- Peak output voltage: 1.75V (dual-coil mode), 0.85V (single-coil mode)
- Output impedance: 10kOhms
- 9-volt battery operation at 160 microamps; up to one year typical battery life
- Dimensions: 69.9 x 38.1 mm mounting footprint, 78.5 mm screw spacing
- Solderless connection system with included 25k sound and push/pull potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
- Black chrome finish
The EMG 89 delivers serious tonal range and rock-solid active electronics in a format that fits deep-cavity builds, making it ideal for studio tracking across multiple genres.
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 capture bright, articulate tones or thick, compressed aggression in the same recording session without repatching. Its tight low end, articulate highs, and warm focused character sit well in dense mixes, while the long shaft accommodates deeper pickup cavities in modern studio guitars. Choose it for session work that spans multiple genres and tones, backed by EMG's industry-standard active electronics and solderless installation that minimizes setup time.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
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 crisp, articulate highs at 0.6V RMS output with a 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, while dual-coil mode produces thick, compressed output at 1.0V RMS with a 2.55 kHz resonant frequency. You switch between modes using the included push/pull potentiometer without any rewiring.
Will this pickup fit my guitar?
The EMG 89 is a long shaft variant (22.9 mm installation depth) designed for guitars with deeper pickup cavities. It has a 69.9 x 38.1 mm mounting footprint and 78.5 mm screw spacing; verify your guitar's cavity depth and screw spacing before purchasing.
How long does the battery last?
The 9-volt battery draws only 160 microamps, providing up to one year of typical battery life under normal daily use. Battery life depends on how frequently you engage the active circuit.
What's included, and how hard is installation?
The pickup includes a 25k sound potentiometer, 25k push/pull potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and a solderless connection system that simplifies wiring and reduces installation errors. No soldering is required.
How does the EMG 89 compare to other active pickups like Seymour Duncan Blackouts or Fishman Fluence?
The EMG 89 distinguishes itself with true dual-mode switching in a single pickup, letting you access both articulate single-coil clarity and compressed dual-coil power without rewiring. Its Alnico V magnets deliver warm, focused tone with tight lows and articulate highs, sitting between the Blackouts' aggression and the Fluence's modern versatility.
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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