What's the difference between humbucker and single-coil mode on the EMG 89?

Humbucker mode peaks at 2.55 kHz with 1.0 V RMS output and delivers full, articulate aggression with a -99 dBV noise floor. Single-coil mode shifts the peak to 3.75 kHz at 0.6 V RMS, adding brightness and definition at lower output. Both are noiseless active designs; the switch lets you choose between warm, thick aggression and bright, punchy clarity on the fly.

How long does the 9-volt battery last?

The EMG 89 draws only 160 microamps and delivers approximately 1500 hours of battery life on a single 9-volt battery, which translates to roughly 2 months of regular daily use. This long life makes it practical for touring and frequent studio sessions.

Will this pickup fit my guitar, and what hardware do I need?

The EMG 89 uses 78.5 mm screw spacing and 22.9 mm installation depth; confirm your guitar's bridge humbucker cavity matches these specs. The package includes 25k potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and connecting cable, so you have everything needed for installation.

What genres and playing styles is the EMG 89 best suited for?

The EMG 89 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where clarity, definition, and aggressive high output are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications, where the articulate active character and high noise floor may not align with traditional tonal expectations.

How does the EMG 89 compare to the EMG 81 or 85?

The EMG 89 adds switchable single-coil mode for tonal versatility, whereas the 81 and 85 are fixed-voicing designs. All three are active, low-noise, and road-ready; choose the 89 if you want two distinct voices in one pickup and the flexibility to brighten or warm your tone without swapping hardware.

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 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 89 delivers the articulate, controlled aggression that defines modern active pickup performance. This dual-mode humbucker switches between full humbucker and single-coil voicings, giving you tonal flexibility without leaving the guitar. Built tough and road-ready, the EMG 89 is the workhorse choice for players demanding clarity, definition, and zero noise floor.

Tone & Electronics

The AlNiCo V magnet and dual-mode design produce distinct frequency responses: humbucker mode peaks at 2.55 kHz with 1.0 V RMS output, while single-coil mode shifts to 3.75 kHz at 0.6 V RMS. Output noise floors of -99 dBV (humbucker) and -94 dBV (single-coil) ensure noise-free operation across all settings. On stage, this translates to pristine tracking through high-gain drives, clean articulation in note definition, and immunity to hum—critical for live performance and studio recording alike.

Power & Integration

Powered by a single 9-volt battery drawing only 160 microamps, this pickup delivers exceptional battery life of approximately 1500 hours—roughly two years of regular gigging before a swap. Installation is straightforward with 78.5 mm screw spacing and included mounting hardware; the package supplies control pots, battery bus, output jack, and connecting cable for complete integration into your instrument setup.

Key Features

AlNiCo V magnet construction
Dual-mode operation: humbucker and single-coil voicings
Humbucker mode resonant frequency: 2.55 kHz
Single-coil mode resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
Humbucker mode RMS output: 1.0 V; peak output: 1.75 V
Single-coil mode RMS output: 0.6 V; peak output: 0.85 V
Output impedance: 10 kOhm
Single 9-volt battery; 160 microamps current draw
Battery life: approximately 1500 hours
Screw spacing: 78.5 mm; installation depth: 22.9 mm
Includes 25k potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
Made in USA

The EMG 89 combines versatile tonal options, ultra-low noise performance, and long battery life in a format that integrates seamlessly into modern instrument designs. For touring musicians and session players, the combination of switchable voicings and legendary EMG reliability makes it a pickup that earns its place in demanding rigs.