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EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory vs EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Red
The EMG 89R is a guitar humbucker with dual-mode versatility for studio and stage work across multiple genres, while the PCSX is a bass bridge pickup designed for aggressive clarity and dynamic response in funk, rock, and metal. Choose the 89R if you play guitar and want articulate highs with coil-switching flexibility; choose the PCSX if you play bass and need punchy output with controlled low end.
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EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory | EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Dual-mode coil switching (humbucker and single-coil) for tonal versatility
- ✓ Long shaft design accommodates deeper guitar cavities
- ✓ Resonant frequency tuning (2.00 kHz humbucker, 3.80 kHz single-coil) balances clarity across both modes
- ✓ Solderless 5-wire connectivity simplifies installation
Why choose EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Red
- ✓ High dynamic output (6.50V on thump strikes) cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Variable low-pass filter (VLPF) for surgical high-frequency control
- ✓ Exceptional battery efficiency: 3000-hour lifespan (roughly 18 months)
- ✓ Ceramic/steel magnet with tight low-end control and defined midrange presence
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these pickups interchangeably on guitar and bass?
No. The 89R is engineered as a guitar humbucker with specific resonant frequencies and coil configuration for guitar applications. The PCSX is a bass-specific bridge pickup with different electrical performance, magnet construction, and output characteristics designed for bass frequencies and playing techniques.
Which pickup is better for metal?
Both suit metal, but differently. The 89R excels in guitar-based metal with its high output and noise rejection across humbucker and single-coil modes. The PCSX is tailored for bass metal players who need punchy articulation and aggressive clarity to cut through dense mixes.
How do the battery lifespans compare?
The PCSX is significantly more efficient, drawing only 80 microamps and lasting approximately 3000 hours (18 months) of regular use. The 89R spec sheet does not specify its battery draw or expected lifespan, so direct comparison is not available.
What is the main tonal difference between these pickups?
The 89R emphasizes articulate highs and controlled lows with balanced clarity across two coil modes. The PCSX focuses on aggressive clarity with tight, controlled low end and defined midrange presence optimized for cutting through dense bass mixes.