EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6215
Description
EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 89R is a versatile dual-mode active pickup engineered for recording flexibility and studio precision. Its push/pull control lets you toggle between articulate single-coil character and full humbucker warmth during tracking or overdubs, making it an intelligent solution for producers who need tonal range without instrument swaps. The reversed coil orientation—with the single-coil side closer to the neck—ensures balanced frequency response across both modes, critical for tight mix integration.
Dual-Mode Switching & Recording Tone Character
This pickup combines an Alnico-loaded stacked EMG-SA single-coil with a traditional dual-coil humbucker configuration featuring opposite Alnico-loaded coils similar to the EMG-85. Both modes deliver virtually noiseless operation: single-coil mode produces a peak output of 1.7V with a resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz for clarity and definition in dense arrangements, while humbucker mode generates 3.0V peak output at 2.55 kHz for a richer, warmer tone with increased headroom and controlled dynamics in the mix.
Active Electronics & Signal Specifications
The active circuit draws just 152 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3,290 hours of battery life—reliable performance across extended sessions between battery changes. Output impedance is rated at 10 kOhms, with humbucker mode producing 1.0V RMS output and single-coil mode at 0.6V RMS—both capable of feeding audio interfaces and preamps with clean, predictable gain structure for consistent recording levels.
Key Features
- Dual-mode design: single-coil (Alnico-loaded stacked EMG-SA) and humbucker (two opposite Alnico-loaded coils)
- Coils reversed with single-coil side positioned closer to neck
- Alnico V magnets for warm, powerful, clear and articulate humbucker sound
- Push/pull volume or tone control enables mode switching
- Virtually noiseless operation in both modes
- Single-coil mode: 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, 0.6V RMS output, 1.7V peak, -94 dBV noise floor
- Humbucker mode: 2.55 kHz resonant frequency, 1.0V RMS output, 3.0V peak, -99 dBV noise floor
- Output impedance: 10 kOhms
- Current draw: 152 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: approximately 3,290 hours
- Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws and springs
- Long shaft design for standard humbucker routing
The 89R combines professional active electronics with genuine dual-mode versatility, delivering the noise rejection of active technology and the tonal flexibility that captures compelling recordings across multiple session styles and mix contexts.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 89R dual-mode active pickup lets you toggle between bright, articulate single-coil character (3.75 kHz, 0.6V RMS) and warm, full humbucker presence (2.55 kHz, 1.0V RMS) within a single guitar, giving your session workflow maximum tonal flexibility without rewiring. Its Alnico magnets and virtually noiseless active circuit (–99 dBV noise floor in humbucker mode) sit cleanly in dense mixes, and the controlled output impedance (10 kOhms) plays well with any preamp or interface. Pick it for producers and engineers tracking modern and progressive material who need both edge and body in one take.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Gigging
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the dual-mode switching work?
A push/pull volume or tone control lets you toggle between single-coil and humbucker modes on the fly. Single-coil mode delivers bright, articulate tones at 1.7V peak output, while humbucker mode engages both coils for warmer, fuller response at 3.0V peak output.
Is this pickup truly noiseless?
Yes—both modes are virtually noiseless thanks to EMG's active circuitry. Humbucker mode achieves a noise floor of –99 dBV and single-coil mode reaches –94 dBV, making hum and buzz inaudible even in high-gain applications.
How long does the battery last?
The 9V battery draws only 152 microamps and provides approximately 3,290 hours of playing time before replacement—roughly 4–5 months of regular use.
What skills and styles is this pickup built for?
It suits intermediate, advanced, and professional players working in studio, live, and progressive contexts. Traditional jazz and folk players should consider other options, as the high-output active character and switching design lean toward modern and aggressive genres.
Will this fit my guitar?
The long shaft design is engineered for standard humbucker routing. The package includes a Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs for straightforward installation.
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. 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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