EMG6086 vs EMG6383 — Compare

EMG 40P5-RC 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 40P5-RC is a 5-string bass pickup with low-noise active electronics and articulate midrange, while the EMG 85-7H is a 7-string guitar humbucker designed for tight low end and aggressive metal tones. Choose the 40P5-RC if you play bass; choose the 85-7H if you play extended-range guitar.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG 40P5-RC 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

$119.00
View EMG 40P5-RC 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

$119.00
View EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

Specs side by side

EMG 40P5-RC 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in BlackEMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
Price$119.00$119.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 40P5-RC 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Engineered specifically for 5-string bass with standard string spacing compatibility
  • ✓ Ultra-low noise floor (-104 dB at 60 Hz) ideal for studio recording
  • ✓ Includes complete solderless control system with volume and tone pots
  • ✓ Punchy, articulate midrange tone perfect for funk and progressive bass

Why choose EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Purpose-built for 7-string guitar with Alnico V magnets and tight low end
  • ✓ High-output active design optimized for metal, djent, and drop tunings
  • ✓ 100% solderless quick-connect system with 9.5mm dual potentiometers
  • ✓ Aggressive articulation and controlled sustain across extended range
Bottom line: Buy the EMG 40P5-RC if you play 5-string bass and need clean, focused tone for studio or live work. Buy the EMG 85-7H if you play 7-string guitar and want a high-output pickup for heavy music and extended tunings.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use either pickup on my instrument?

No. The 40P5-RC is designed exclusively for 5-string bass with a soapbar cavity and standard bass string spacing. The 85-7H is built for 7-string guitar with a standard humbucker cavity. They are not compatible with each other's instruments.

Which pickup has lower noise?

The EMG 40P5-RC specifies an extremely low noise floor of -104 dB at 60 Hz. The EMG 85-7H does not publish a noise floor specification, but is designed for high-output performance rather than noise minimization, making the 40P5-RC the clear choice for quiet, studio-grade signal integrity.

Are both pickups easy to install?

Yes. Both feature 100% solderless quick-connect systems. The 40P5-RC includes a complete control kit with volume and tone pots ready to integrate. The 85-7H uses 9.5mm shaft potentiometers and comes with a full wiring harness, requiring no traditional soldering on either model.

How long do the 9V batteries last?

The EMG 40P5-RC specifies approximately 3000 hours of playing time on a single 9V battery. The EMG 85-7H does not publish a specific battery life specification.

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