Do I need to solder this pickup into my guitar?

No. The EMG 81-7H uses EMG's solderless system with quick-disconnect terminals, so installation requires no soldering iron. All cables, potentiometers, and connectors are included and plug together directly.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The 81-7H is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning contexts where tight low end, high output, and noise rejection are priorities. It is not well-suited to jazz, blues, or folk applications.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery supplies 3,000 hours of operation, which typically spans several months of regular playing before replacement is needed.

What output level does this pickup provide?

The 81-7H delivers 2.0V per string in normal playing and 4.5V on aggressive strums, with a noise floor of -91 dBu at 60 Hz, ensuring clarity even in high-gain signal chains.

What is included in the package?

The package includes the pickup, a matched 25k volume potentiometer, 25k tone potentiometer, battery clip, stereo output jack, dual in/out bus connectors, battery and output leads, and all necessary cables for complete wiring.

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.

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

The EMG 81-7H is a compact, high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for extended-range 7-string instruments. Built around ceramic magnets and the company's solderless installation system, this pickup delivers articulate, tight response with minimal noise—ideal for players working in tight, heavily compressed tones or modern metal contexts. The 10 kohm output impedance and low noise floor (-91 dBu @ 60Hz) ensure clarity even when stacked into dense signal chains or pushed through high-gain amplification.

Tone & Electronics

Output reaches 2.0V per string and 4.5V on aggressive strums, providing substantial level into any preamp or interface. The 9V battery supply sustains up to 3,000 hours of operation, and the design supports input voltages up to 27V DC for flexible power configurations. Resonant frequency sits at 2.00 Hz, establishing a controlled, predictable frequency response that avoids the coloration common in passive designs.

On Stage & Onstudio

EMG's solderless system eliminates the need for a soldering iron; everything connects via quick-disconnect terminals. Swap the 81-7H between rigs without downtime—the package includes a matched 25k volume potentiometer and 25k tone potentiometer, plus all necessary cables—battery clip, stereo output jack, dual pickup in/out bus connectors, and dedicated battery and output leads—so you're road-ready out of the box.

Key Features

Active humbucker design, 7-string configuration, ceramic magnet
9V battery operation with 3,000-hour battery life
10 kohm output impedance
Output voltage: 2.0V per string, 4.5V on strum
Output noise floor: -91 dBu @ 60Hz
Resonant frequency: 2.00 Hz
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
25k volume potentiometer included
25k tone potentiometer included
EMG solderless install system—no soldering required
Complete cable and connector set: battery clip, stereo output jack, dual in/out bus, battery and output leads
Bridge-position mount, passive housing, black finish

The 81-7H combines aggressive output, transparent noise performance, and tool-free installation into a workhorse pickup for serious 7-string gigging and touring.