EMG6384 vs EMG6517 — Compare

EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG 81-7H is a guitar humbucker for seven-string extended-range instruments; the EMG P5 is a bass pickup for five-string basses. Choose the 81-7H if you play metal or high-gain guitar, and the P5 if you play modern active bass.

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EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

$119.00
View EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

$119.00
View EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

Specs side by side

EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in BlackEMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red
Price$119.00$119.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Designed specifically for 7-string guitars with extended lower range
  • ✓ Aggressive upper-mid presence ideal for metal and djent tones
  • ✓ High articulation and tight definition across all seven strings

Why choose EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

  • ✓ Purpose-built for five-string bass with dual output modes (finger/thump)
  • ✓ Higher output voltage scaling (up to 4.50V in thump mode)
  • ✓ Superior battery life at 3000 hours versus 1500 hours
Bottom line: These are completely different instruments—the 81-7H is for seven-string guitar players seeking metal clarity, while the P5 is for five-string bass players needing modern active punch. Buy based on which instrument you play.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the 81-7H on a standard six-string guitar?

The 81-7H is engineered for seven-string guitars and their extended lower range. Using it on a six-string would not leverage its design, though mechanically it may fit depending on guitar specifications.

Can I use the P5 on a bass other than five-string?

The P5 is built specifically for five-string bass instruments. It is not designed for four-string or six-string bass configurations.

What is the key tone difference between these pickups?

The 81-7H emphasizes aggressive upper-mids (2.25 kHz) for guitar clarity and articulation in metal. The P5 peaks at 3.20 kHz in the upper-midrange for bass cut-through, with dynamic thump-mode scaling for low-end punch.

Which has better battery efficiency?

Both draw 80 microamps at 9V, but the P5 offers significantly longer battery life at 3000 hours compared to the 81-7H's 1500 hours when paired with another pickup.

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