Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No. The EMG 85-7H is engineered specifically for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning styles. Its aggressive articulation, tight low end, and high output character are optimized for heavy and modern tonal textures, not jazz or blues playing.

What's included in the box?

The 85-7H comes with a complete wiring harness including pickup cables, output cable, battery cable, connectors, an output jack, battery bus components, fixing screws, and springs. Everything needed for installation is included.

Do I need to solder this pickup?

No. The EMG 85-7H features a 100% solderless quick-connect system, so traditional wiring is not required. Installation is simplified with the included connectors.

What skill level is needed to install this?

The pickup is suitable for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The solderless quick-connect design makes installation straightforward, though basic electronics knowledge is helpful.

How does this compare to the Seymour Duncan Blackout 7-String?

Both are high-output active humbuckers for 7-strings designed for heavy music. The EMG 85-7H emphasizes focused midrange and controlled dynamics with Alnico V magnets, while offering the convenience of solderless installation.

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 Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 85-7H is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 7-string instruments, delivering focused midrange presence and aggressive articulation. This pickup slots into standard humbucker cavities with its traditional sharp-cornered metal housing and cuts through the densest stage mixes with the clarity gigging musicians need in extended-range guitars.

Tone & Output Character

Built around Alnico V magnets, the 85-7H produces a tight, focused frequency response optimized for heavy playing and modern tonal textures. The active 9V-powered circuitry boosts output and sustain while maintaining controlled dynamics across the full 7-string range, delivering reliability for both lead work and crushing rhythm tones night after night.

Installation & Electronics

The 100% solderless quick-connect system simplifies installation—no traditional wiring required. Dual 25k potentiometers with 9.5mm shaft length provide precise volume and tone control, and the complete 9V battery bus architecture integrates cleanly into any 7-string guitar wiring scheme.

Key Features

Active humbucker for 7-string electric guitar
Alnico V magnet construction
Humbucker housing with premium black metallic finish
9V battery powered operation
100% solderless quick-connect installation
25k volume potentiometer (9.5mm shaft)
25k tone potentiometer (9.5mm shaft)
Includes complete wiring harness: pickup cables, output cable, battery cable, and connectors
Fixed output jack and battery bus components
Standard fixing screws and springs included

The 85-7H combines EMG's proven active circuit reliability with extended-range voicing, making it a direct drop-in solution for touring and session players running 7-strings and demanding road-ready performance and ease of installation.