Do I need soldering experience to install this pickup?

No. The EMG 85-7H uses EMG's solderless wiring system, so installation requires no soldering. The package includes all necessary cables, potentiometers, battery bus, and mounting hardware.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The active circuit draws only 80 µA of current, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life per standard 9V battery. That translates to months of normal playing before needing a replacement.

Can I use this pickup in both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the 85-7H is suitable for both neck and bridge positions on 7-string guitars. Its medium output and Alnico 5 voicing work well across either location.

What makes this pickup different from the EMG 81-7H?

The 85-7H delivers more articulate mids and a slightly warmer character compared to the tighter 81-7H, while maintaining the same active clarity and extended-range design. The 85-7H is preferred for punchy, riff-driven styles.

Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?

No. The 85-7H is engineered for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning contexts. Its tight, articulate voicing is optimized for heavy genres and may sound too controlled for traditional jazz or blues applications.

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 Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 85-7H is a focused, articulate active humbucker engineered specifically for extended-range 7-string guitars. This pickup delivers tight low-end definition and controlled midrange presence without the bloom or sag typical of passive designs, making it ideal for players who demand clarity in down-tuned, riff-heavy contexts. The brushed black chrome finish pairs durability with a professional appearance across neck and bridge positions.

Tone & Output Character

Built around an Alnico 5 bar-shaped magnet, the 85-7H generates medium output with punchy attack and fast transient response. The active circuit runs on a single 9V battery drawing only 80 µA, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life — practical endurance for touring and studio work without frequent power changes.

Installation & Components

This pickup uses EMG's solderless wiring system, eliminating the need for soldering during installation. The package includes a 25k volume potentiometer and 25k tone potentiometer (both with 9.5 mm shafts), battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup and connecting cables, and mounting hardware, providing everything needed for a complete retrofit.

Key Features

7-string configuration with dual-coil humbucker design
Alnico 5 bar-shaped magnet for defined frequency response
Active electronics powered by standard 9V battery
3000-hour battery life with minimal 80 µA current draw
Medium output level for balanced articulation and gain
10 kΩ output impedance
Solderless EMG installation system — no soldering required
Suitable for neck and bridge positions
Includes volume and tone potentiometers (25k, 9.5 mm shaft)
Complete wiring harness and mounting hardware supplied
Brushed black chrome finish

The EMG 85-7H combines proven active circuit design with extended-range voicing, delivering the tonal precision and reliability modern extended-range players expect.