Is this pickup suitable for both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the EMG 85-7H is designed to work comfortably in either position. The medium output and articulate response maintain clarity and definition regardless of placement, making it versatile for dual-pickup or single-pickup configurations.

What's included in the package, and do I need to solder?

The pickup comes with a complete wiring harness, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware. EMG's solderless wiring system eliminates the need for soldering, making installation quick and accessible without special tools.

What power and battery setup does this require?

The 85-7H runs on a single 9V battery, which installs via the included battery bus. Battery life is typical for active pickups under normal playing conditions, and replacement is straightforward.

How does the 85-7H compare to passive extended-range pickups?

The active system delivers more controlled output, tighter low end, and faster response to pick dynamics than most passive designs. This makes it especially effective for 7-string tunings where clarity and articulation prevent note muddiness in dense arrangements.

Will this pickup fit my 7-string guitar?

The 85-7H measures 88.9 x 38.1 mm and is engineered for accurate 7-string spacing across mainstream extended-range platforms. Verify your guitar's pickup cavity dimensions before purchase to confirm fit, as some custom instruments may differ.

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 85-7H 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 85-7H delivers a muscular, articulate voice engineered specifically for extended-range instruments. This active humbucker sits comfortably in both neck and bridge positions, translating pick attack into defined, punchy midrange without sacrificing the low-end clarity crucial to 7-string tunings. The brushed black chrome finish integrates seamlessly into modern instrument aesthetics.

Design & Build Quality

Constructed with Alnico 5 magnets, the 85-7H produces a medium output character that balances responsiveness to playing dynamics with enough gain to cut through dense mixes. The compact footprint measures 88.9 x 38.1 mm, engineered for accurate 7-string spacing and reliable fitment across mainstream extended-range platforms.

Electronics & Installation

The active system runs on a single 9V battery and installs via EMG's solderless wiring system, eliminating traditional soldering headaches. The included 25k volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and complete wiring harness simplify both initial installation and future maintenance without compromising signal integrity.

Key Features

Active humbucker pickup optimized for 7-string instruments
Alnico 5 magnet construction for articulate, defined response
Medium output suitable for neck and bridge positions
Brushed black chrome finish
Dimensions: 88.9 x 38.1 mm
Requires 1 × 9V battery
EMG solderless wiring system for tool-free installation
Includes 25k volume and tone potentiometers
Complete wiring harness: battery bus, stereo output jack, and pickup bus
Mounting hardware included: screws and springs

The EMG 85-7H combines proven active electronics with 7-string engineering to deliver the articulation and reliability that modern extended-range players demand.