EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2547
Description
EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-7 is a high-output active soapbar designed for seven-string instruments, delivering articulate attack and controlled midrange punch. This ceramic humbucker operates on a single 9V battery and integrates seamlessly into modern extended-range setups with its compact soapbar form factor and solderless quick-connect system.
Tone & Electronics
Tuned to a 2.25 kHz resonant frequency, this pickup produces a 1.25V RMS output and peaks at 1.75V, giving you defined articulation and enough headroom to drive tube or solid-state amplifiers without breakup. The 10 Kohm output impedance and -91 dBV output noise floor ensure clean signal transmission with minimal hum, even in electrically noisy venues and touring situations.
Design & Build
The ceramic magnet construction and black soapbar cover fit standard seven-string cavities, while the included EMG Quik-connect solderless wiring eliminates the need for soldering and makes installation straightforward. Powered by a single 9V battery rated for 3000 hours of runtime, this active pickup draws only 80 microamps at 9V, keeping battery changes predictable between tours and regular gigging sessions.
Key Features
- 7-string soapbar humbucker with ceramic magnet
- Active circuitry powered by 9V battery
- Resonant frequency: 2.25 kHz
- RMS output voltage: 1.25V
- Peak output voltage: 1.75V
- Output noise: -91 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 Kohm
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- EMG Quik-connect solderless wiring included
- Black finish soapbar cover
- Includes cable and mounting hardware
This EMG 81-7 stands up to the demands of touring and live performance, offering consistent output, stage-ready noise rejection, and quick installation when you need to swap pickups between gigs.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7 is a high-output active soapbar humbucker built for seven-string guitars, delivering articulate attack and controlled midrange punch that cuts through dense, tuned-down riffs without losing definition. Designed for metal, djent, and extended-range players, it's powered by a single 9V battery that lasts 3000 hours and wires up without soldering thanks to EMG's Quik-connect system, making it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for gigging musicians pushing drop tunings and heavy tones. Choose it if you need fast, focused articulation and predictable output that stands up night after night on stage.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cavity does the EMG 81-7 fit?
The 81-7 is a compact soapbar humbucker designed to fit standard seven-string soapbar cavities. It comes with mounting hardware for straightforward installation.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery is rated for 3000 hours of runtime, drawing only 80 microamps, which means infrequent battery changes and practical uptime for touring and regular gigging.
Do I need to solder this pickup to install it?
No — the EMG 81-7 includes an EMG Quik-connect solderless wiring system, eliminating soldering and making installation straightforward for any skill level.
Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?
The EMG 81-7 is optimized for metal, djent, and extended-range applications. Its high-output, articulate-attack character is best suited for heavy and aggressive tones rather than jazz, blues, or folk styles.
What output level does it deliver?
The pickup produces 1.25V RMS output, peaking at 1.75V, with enough headroom to drive tube or solid-state amplifiers and a -91 dBV noise floor for clean signal transmission in electrically noisy environments.
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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