What is the long-shaft potentiometer configuration, and why does it matter?

The long-shaft design (9.5 mm) accommodates guitars with deeper electronics cavities or custom control layouts, ensuring smooth operation and proper fitment without modification to your cavity. This makes installation cleaner in non-standard or heavily routed guitar designs.

How long does the 9V battery last, and how often will I need to replace it?

The battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time per charge cycle. In typical gigging or recording use, that translates to several months of regular playing before replacement becomes necessary.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz, blues, or other clean/vintage styles?

No. This pickup is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and modern high-gain applications; its aggressive midrange and focused compression are designed for heavy riffs and extended-range clarity, not the smooth, open voicing those styles require.

How does the solderless connection system work, and is professional installation required?

The solderless connectors allow you to plug the pickup into existing wiring schemes without soldering or permanent circuit modifications. Many guitarists can handle the installation themselves, though professional setup is recommended if you are unfamiliar with electronics work.

What comparable pickups should I consider for a 7-string guitar?

Direct alternatives include the Seymour Duncan Blackouts 7-String, DiMarzio D-Activator 7, and Fishman Fluence Modern 7, each offering different approaches to active 7-string voicing; the EMG 85-7H prioritizes aggressive midrange punch and harmonic clarity for tight rhythm and lead definition.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 85-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 85-7H delivers the aggressive, articulate midrange punch that defines modern high-gain 7-string playing. This active humbucker balances clarity and sustain across extended range tunings, making it equally effective for lead work and tight rhythm definition. The long-shaft potentiometer configuration accommodates guitars with deeper electronics cavities or custom control layouts.

Tone & Electronics

Alnico V magnets paired with active EMG circuitry produce a focused, compressed output with enhanced harmonic definition—ideal for cutting through dense mixes on stage. The 9V battery system delivers consistent response across the entire frequency spectrum with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life, minimizing maintenance interruptions during extended touring or recording sessions.

Design & Specifications

The solderless connection system simplifies installation and allows straightforward integration into existing wiring schemes without permanent circuit board modifications. Included 25k potentiometers (both volume and tone) with long shaft configuration ensure proper fitment and smooth operation in custom or deep-cavity guitar designs.

Key Features

Active humbucker design optimized for 7-string electric guitar
Alnico V magnet construction
Gold finish
Solderless connection system for simplified installation
25k volume potentiometer with long shaft (9.5 mm)
25k tone potentiometer with long shaft (9.5 mm)
9V battery power requirement
3000-hour battery life per charge cycle

This pickup combines proven EMG active technology with 7-string voicing, making it the go-to choice for touring musicians and studio players demanding consistent, reliable tone across extended range applications.

Best suited for	Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Extended Range
Tonal character	Aggressive midrange punch, focused and compressed, articulate clarity, enhanced harmonic definition, tight rhythm definition
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional