EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrom
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5262
Description
EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 81-7H is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 7-string instruments, delivering the tight, focused aggression that defines modern metal and extended-range playing. Its long shaft design accommodates deeper body cavities, while the brushed black chrome hum cap resists fingerprints and cosmetic wear. This pickup combines ceramic magnets with EMG's proven solderless wiring system for fast, reliable installation—no downtime troubleshooting wiring on the road.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Built around a ceramic magnet and tuned to a 2.25 kHz resonant frequency, the 81-7H produces tight, articulate highs and controlled lows ideal for palm-muted rhythms and precision lead work. Peak output reaches 1.75V with an RMS of 1.25V, providing substantial gain without excessive noise—the –91 dBV output noise floor ensures clean signal transmission even at high gain settings through FOH rigs and amp chains.
Electronics & Installation
This active design runs on a standard 9V battery with exceptional efficiency, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life. The EMG solderless install system eliminates traditional soldering; the package includes a 25k volume potentiometer, 25k tone potentiometer, battery clip, stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for immediate integration into your instrument.
Key Features
- Active humbucker design for 7-string instruments with long shaft configuration
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Brushed black chrome hum cap finish
- 2.25 kHz resonant frequency for tight, controlled tone
- 1.75V peak output voltage / 1.25V RMS output
- –91 dBV output noise specification
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- 9V battery operation with 3000-hour battery life at 80 µA draw
- Includes 25k volume and tone potentiometers
- EMG solderless wiring system for tool-free installation
- Complete cable and connector package included
The 81-7H stands as the industry standard for high-output 7-string bridge and neck applications, purpose-built for gigging and session work where reliability, consistent tone, and straightforward serviceability matter most.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7H is a high-output active humbucker built specifically for 7-string guitars, delivering the tight low end and articulate highs that define modern metal and extended-range playing. Its long shaft design fits deeper body cavities, ceramic magnets cut through palm-muted rhythms with precision, and the solderless wiring system means no soldering required—just plug and play. Choose it for aggressive, controlled tone at high gain with a clean noise floor that won't muddy your signal, even on drop-tuned rigs.
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 does long shaft mean, and will it fit my 7-string?
Long shaft refers to the extended magnet assembly that accommodates deeper body cavities found on many 7-string instruments. If your guitar has a deeper pickup cavity than standard single-coil or shallow humbucker routes, this design ensures proper installation and magnetic alignment.
Do I need to solder this pickup?
No. The EMG solderless wiring system uses quick-connect plugs and cables; the package includes all potentiometers, jacks, battery clip, and connectors, so you can install it with no soldering tools.
How long does the battery last?
A standard 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of use at normal playing levels. You'll get months of heavy gigging or studio work per battery.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 81-7H excels in metal, djent, and drop-tuning applications where tight low end and controlled aggression are essential. Its high output and clean noise floor make it less ideal for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does the output noise compare to other high-output pickups?
At –91 dBV, the 81-7H offers a very low noise floor for an active high-output design, ensuring clean signal transmission even at high gain or through long cable runs.
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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