EMG 85-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4445
Description
EMG 85-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 85-7 is a medium-output active soapbar pickup engineered for seven-string instruments, delivering articulate midrange punch and controlled sustain without excessive noise. Its smooth-top rounded plastic shell sits flush in soapbar cavities, while the solderless connectivity streamlines installation and future modifications. Built for players who demand clarity in extended-range tunings without sacrificing the aggressive character active pickups are known for.
Active Electronics & Power
This active pickup system operates on a single 9V battery, providing consistent output and lower impedance than passive designs. The included battery bus, output cable, and battery cable integrate directly into your wiring harness—no external power supply required.
Installation & Connectivity
The solderless connection system eliminates the need for soldering, making swaps and repairs straightforward for both technicians and experienced players. Installation includes Alnico 5 magnet construction, 25k volume and 25k tone potentiometers (both with 9.5 mm shaft length), stereo output jack, two pickup in/out bus connectors, mounting screws, springs, and a pickup cable for a complete drop-in solution.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet material
- Medium output level
- Active pickup system powered by single 9V battery
- Soapbar format with black cap
- Solderless connectivity
- 25k volume potentiometer with 9.5 mm shaft
- 25k tone potentiometer with 9.5 mm shaft
- Stereo output jack
- Dual pickup in/out bus configuration
- Includes mounting hardware, springs, cables, and battery bus
- Metal body construction
- Bridge and neck position compatible
The EMG 85-7 delivers articulate midrange definition and stage-ready reliability for seven-string players who need consistent output night after night, with minimal maintenance overhead.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-7 is a medium-output active soapbar pickup built specifically for seven-string guitars, delivering articulate midrange punch and controlled sustain with the aggressive character metal and djent players rely on. Its solderless connectivity makes installation and future swaps fast and painless, while the 9V battery system keeps noise low and output consistent across extended tunings. Choose it for tight, defined tone in drop-tuned rigs where clarity matters as much as attitude.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup easy to install if I've never done it before?
The solderless connectivity system eliminates soldering entirely, making installation straightforward for both technicians and experienced players. All necessary hardware, cables, and mounting components are included for a complete drop-in solution.
What tunings and genres does this pickup work best for?
The EMG 85-7 is engineered for metal, djent, progressive, and other extended-range tunings where articulate midrange and controlled sustain are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How does the 9V battery system work, and how often do I need to replace it?
The active system runs on a single 9V battery connected through the included battery bus and cable, providing consistent output and lower noise than passive pickups. Battery life depends on playing time and can typically last several months with regular use.
Can I use this pickup in both bridge and neck positions?
Yes, the EMG 85-7 is compatible with both bridge and neck positions, offering versatility across your seven-string setup.
How does this compare to other seven-string active pickups like the Seymour Duncan Distortion 7?
The EMG 85-7 delivers articulate midrange punch with medium output and low noise, positioning it as a tightly defined alternative to higher-output models. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize clarity and control or maximum aggression and sustain.
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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