What makes this pickup different from a standard 85?

The 85-7XH is engineered specifically for seven-string instruments with close aperture coils, Alnico V magnets, and an X series preamp that delivers increased headroom. This design maintains the signature midrange punch and clarity of the 85 while handling the extended range and tuning demands of seven-string guitars without saturation.

What's included in the box?

The complete package includes the pickup, 25k volume potentiometer, active tone control with VLPF, stereo output jack configuration, 9V battery system with cable, mounting hardware, and all necessary wiring cables. No additional components are needed for installation.

How does the active circuit work and how often do I need to replace the battery?

A single 9V battery powers the active electronics, which amplify the signal and provide the increased headroom that prevents saturation on aggressive playing. Battery life depends on how often the guitar is played and whether the output cable is disconnected when not in use; most players get several months to a year of typical use per battery.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or clean tones?

No, the 85-7XH is purpose-built for metal, progressive, and extended-range styles where thick midrange punch and aggressive dynamics are priorities. Its design and voicing are optimized for heavy music and may not deliver the warmth and subtlety needed for jazz or country applications.

Does the solderless system really make installation faster?

Yes, EMG's solderless wiring system eliminates the need for soldering and reduces setup time significantly while making troubleshooting easier. Combined with the complete hardware package included, installation is straightforward for intermediate and advanced players.

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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 85-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome

The EMG 85-7XH delivers the thick, articulate response that defined the 85 design while engineered specifically for the extended range and tonal demands of seven-string instruments. This is a workhorse active humbucker built for precision and headroom, capable of cutting through dense mixes without loss of definition. The chrome finish pairs classic aesthetics with the engineering that's powered countless professional rigs across metal, progressive, and extended-range styles.

Tone & Electronics

Close aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets produce the 85's signature midrange punch and clarity—essential for seven-string tunings where every note needs to sit clearly in a live mix. The X series preamp design provides increased headroom, letting you dig in hard without saturation or loss of articulation, even through cranked amps and complex signal chains.

Installation & System

The solderless wiring system cuts setup time dramatically and makes troubleshooting on the road straightforward—no soldering iron needed. A single 9V battery powers the active circuit, and all necessary components—volume pot, active tone control (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup in/out bus, cables, and hardware—ship included for a complete, road-ready installation.

Key Features

Humbucker configuration optimized for seven-string guitars
Close aperture coils with Alnico V magnets
X series preamp with increased headroom
Active electronics powered by 9V battery
EMG solderless wiring system for fast installation
Chrome finish
Includes 25k volume potentiometer
Active tone control with VLPF (very low pass filter)
Stereo output jack configuration
Complete hardware package: mounting screws, springs, battery cable, pickup cables, and output cable included

The 85-7XH combines proven tonal character with the technical refinements needed for extended-range playing, delivering definition and sustain across the full seven-string spectrum for gigging and studio work alike.