What is included with the 81-7XH, and do I need a battery?

The pickup includes solderless connectors for fast installation. It requires a 9V battery to power the active circuit; expect approximately 3,000 hours of battery life with typical use and low current draw of 80 µA.

Is the 81-7XH suitable for tunings lower than standard 7-string tuning?

Yes. The tight, focused output and controlled sustain are designed specifically for extended-range instruments and drop tunings. The ceramic magnets and close-aperture coil design maintain clarity and articulation even in the lowest registers.

How does the brushed gold finish affect the tone?

The brushed gold is a cosmetic option that does not impact the pickup's sonic character. It provides visual distinction while preserving EMG's core aggressive midrange and articulate high-end response.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The 81-7XH excels in metal, hard rock, and any high-gain style that demands fast picking and precise note definition. It is not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk—those genres typically benefit from passive or lower-output designs.

How does the solderless wiring system work?

EMG's solderless connectors eliminate traditional solder joints, reducing installation time and potential wire fatigue. This makes it easier to install, remove, or swap the pickup in your 7-string instrument.

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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 81-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG 81-7XH is built for 7-string players who need aggressive midrange punch and articulate high-end clarity in a live or studio setting. This ceramic-magnet humbucker combines solderless wiring convenience with the tight, controlled response that extended-range instruments demand. The brushed gold finish stands out on stage without interfering with the pickup's core sonic character.

Design & Build

EMG's solderless wiring system cuts installation time and eliminates potential wire fatigue from repeated connection work. The 2K ohm DC resistance and close-aperture coil design deliver tight, focused output that stays responsive even through high-gain amp chains. On a 7-string, that means precision articulation across all seven strings without mud or compression.

Tone & Performance

The active design powered by a 9V battery maintains consistent output and minimal impedance interaction with your guitar's wiring, ensuring signal integrity whether you're playing a tight club or running a long cable run to a festival stage. Ceramic magnets and EMG's engineering provide defined note separation and controlled sustain—critical for modern tuning ranges and fast playing styles that demand clarity under pressure.

Key Features

7-string humbucker format
Active pickup powered by 9V battery
Ceramic magnets
Close-aperture coils
2K ohms DC resistance
Solderless wiring system
Brushed gold finish
Made in the USA
~3,000 hour battery life
80 µA current draw

The 81-7XH is a reliable choice for touring and session 7-string players, combining EMG's proven active circuit with the visual appeal of brushed gold for those who want both dependable tone and stage presence.