What does the long shaft configuration mean, and do I need to modify my guitar?

The long shaft potentiometer mount (10mm) fits standard pot assemblies without requiring modifications to your instrument. It's designed as a direct replacement for 7-string guitars with conventional wiring.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The pickup draws only 80 µA and delivers approximately 3,000 hours of battery life per single 9V battery. A battery clip and cable are included.

Is this pickup suitable for bridge and neck positions?

Yes, the 81-7H is bridge and neck position compatible, delivering tight low-end articulation and responsive midrange in either location.

What genres and tunings work best with this pickup?

The 81-7H is purpose-built for metal, progressive, and drop-tuning styles where punchy attack and defined high-gain character are essential. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk applications.

What comes in the box?

Included are the pickup, 25k volume and 25k tone potentiometers, battery clip, stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable.

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 Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG 81-7H delivers the aggressive, defined attack that cuts through a live mix on extended-range rigs. This ceramic-magnet active humbucker works equally well in bridge or neck positions, offering tight low-end articulation and responsive midrange clarity across all seven strings. The brushed gold finish adds visual sophistication while the long shaft configuration accommodates standard pot assemblies without modification.

Tone & Output Character

Output runs at 3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak with a 1,630 Hz resonant frequency, ensuring punchy defined notes that slice through dense stage mixes. The 10 kΩ output impedance and ceramic magnet design produce the compressed, high-gain response that EMG's active platform is known for—essential for downtuned playing and palm-muted passages that demand clarity and punch.

Active Electronics & Power

Running from a single 9V battery, this pickup draws only 80 µA, yielding approximately 3,000 hours of battery life between changes. The self-powered design eliminates passive tone-stack loading and ensures consistent output regardless of cable length or connected gear impedance—a reliable asset for touring and regular venue work.

Key Features

7-string configuration with ceramic magnet
Active humbucker design powered by 9V battery
Long shaft potentiometer mount (10mm)
3,000-hour battery life at 80 µA draw
3.00V RMS / 4.50V peak output voltage
10 kΩ output impedance
1,630 Hz resonant frequency
Bridge and neck position compatible
Includes 25k volume and 25k tone potentiometers
Supplied with battery clip, stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable
Brushed gold finish
Passive mount housing

The 81-7H combines proven active circuitry with extended-range voicing, making it the choice for players seeking tighter low-end control and articulation in 7-string instruments meant for the stage.