EMG 89X-R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The 89X-R is medium-output with a reversed coil design that emphasizes clarity and balanced articulation, while the EMG 81 is higher-output and darker. The 89X-R works well for both rhythm and lead across modern rock and fusion, whereas the 81 leans more toward thick, aggressive metal tones.

No soldering required. The EMG 89X-R includes a solderless connector system, and the package comes with volume and tone controls, jack, battery clip, mounting screws, and springs—a complete active setup ready to wire in.

The 89X-R excels in modern rock, metal, and fusion, delivering tight lows and defined mids that cut through dense arrangements and live mixes. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or blues, where warmer, more dynamic passive pickups typically perform better.

The 89X-R is designed for standard 6-string electric guitar routes with mounting screw spacing of 78.5 mm. The long shaft design gives flexibility for both bridge and neck positions, though verify your guitar's route dimensions before purchasing.

The 89X-R delivers a warm, articulate tone with high clarity and balanced presence. Its tight low end and defined mids make it ideal for cutting through studio mixes without muddiness, while its Alnico V magnets add responsive musicality to rhythm and lead parts.

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