Is this pickup right for metal and drop tunings?

Yes. The EMG 85-7H is purpose-built for metal, djent, and progressive music, with a close aperture coil design that maintains clarity across all seven strings even in extreme drop tunings. Its tight low end and controlled high-mid presence cut through dense mixes without feedback or muddiness.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery provides approximately 3,000 hours of playing time, which translates to months of regular use before replacement is needed. The solderless quick-connect system makes battery swaps straightforward and tool-free.

Will this work with my standard guitar electronics and pedalboard?

Yes. The 10kΩ output impedance and 3.10V RMS output integrate seamlessly with standard guitar wiring and pedalboards. The solderless system includes all necessary cables and connectors for straightforward integration.

What comes in the box?

The pickup ships with 25k volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting hardware for immediate installation.

How does this compare to other 7-string active pickups?

The EMG 85-7H sits between the Seymour Duncan Blackouts and DiMarzio Fusion Edge in output and character, offering more articulation in the midrange than the Fishman Fluence Modern while maintaining the noise floor clarity needed for studio and live 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 Gold

The EMG 85-7H is built for gigging 7-string players who need aggressive articulation and controlled definition across all seven strings. The tight, focused low end cuts through dense stage mixes, while the controlled high-mid presence stays articulate without feedback—essential for high-gain environments and touring setups. The brushed gold finish pairs the proven EMG active design with a refined look. Close aperture coil design keeps each string clear and defined, even in the thickest alternate tunings.

Tone & Output Performance

An Alnico V magnet paired with close aperture coils produces a balanced output of 3.10V RMS (4.50V peak), delivering enough headroom for extreme gain without excessive noise. The 1870Hz resonant frequency centers the midrange bite where articulation stays tight, while the -101dBV noise floor keeps the signal clean even at extreme volumes or with heavy pedalboard processing.

Road Reliability & Setup

The solderless system runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3,000-hour lifespan, so battery changes happen rarely during a touring season. A 10kΩ output impedance and 80µA current draw ensure stable signal integrity and seamless compatibility with standard guitar rigs and pedalboards—plug it in and focus on your playing.

Key Features

Magnet type: Alnico V
Coil design: Close aperture coils
Finish: Brushed gold
Power source: 9V battery
Battery life: 3,000 hours
Output voltage: 3.10V RMS / 4.50V peak
Output impedance: 10kΩ
Noise floor: -101dBV
Resonant frequency: 1870Hz
Includes 25k volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting hardware
Solderless quick-connect system for streamlined installation
Designed for 7-string instruments

The EMG 85-7H combines road-tested active pickup engineering with the extended-range clarity modern 7-string players demand on stage and in the studio.