Is the EMG 85-7H suitable for jazz or blues playing?

No, the EMG 85-7H is voiced specifically for metal, djent, and progressive playing and is not recommended for jazz or blues styles. Its tight low end, high output, and aggressive character are optimized for modern extended-range techniques rather than traditional blues or jazz tonality.

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

The EMG 85-7H includes the pickup, split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs. EMG's Solderless Install System eliminates traditional soldering, so installation is faster and requires no additional tools or modifications on compatible instruments.

How long will the battery last?

The 9 V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of active use before replacement. With moderate to regular playing, this typically translates to 6+ months of typical use.

How does the EMG 85-7H compare to other 7-string pickups like the Seymour Duncan Nazgul-7 or Fishman Fluence Modern?

The EMG 85-7H delivers high output with tight, punchy response and minimal hum through active electronics and Alnico 5 construction. Direct comparison depends on your specific amp, guitar, and playing style; the EMG's aggressive voicing suits modern metal and djent, while alternatives like the Nazgul-7 and Fluence Modern offer different tonal characteristics suited to other extended-range applications.

Will this pickup fit my 7-string guitar?

The EMG 85-7H is engineered for standard 7-string humbucker cavities and includes all necessary components for installation. Verify that your instrument has a compatible humbucker routing and uses the EMG Solderless Install System or standard wiring before purchasing.

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 Chrome

The EMG 85-7H is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 7-string instruments, delivering the aggressive, articulate tone that defines modern extended-range playing. Built for the stage and the studio, its compact form factor and brushed chrome finish integrate seamlessly into professional-grade instruments while maintaining the clarity and definition required for complex chord voicings and single-note work across seven strings.

Tone & Electronics

This active pickup produces a 3.10 V RMS output with 4.50 V peak output, providing substantial gain and headroom without sacrificing note definition. The Alnico 5 magnet and 1870 Hz resonant frequency are voiced for tight, punchy response across the extended frequency range demanded by 7-string instruments, while the -101 dBV output noise specification ensures clean signal transmission with minimal hum—critical for live rigs where every detail matters.

Reliability & Installation

The EMG 85-7H operates from a standard 9 V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life, keeping you on stage without unexpected power drops. Setup is streamlined through EMG's exclusive Solderless Install System, which eliminates traditional soldering requirements and accelerates installation in compatible instruments, reducing downtime.

Key Features

Active humbucker design optimized for 7-string instruments
Alnico 5 magnet construction
3.10 V RMS / 4.50 V peak output voltage
-101 dBV output noise specification
10 kΩ output impedance
1870 Hz resonant frequency
9 V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
80 µA current draw
Brushed Chrome finish
EMG Solderless Install System included
Includes split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs

The EMG 85-7H combines extended-range versatility with proven active-pickup engineering, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians demanding consistent performance across modern tunings and playing styles.