EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG514
Description
EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 89 splits the difference between single-coil articulation and humbucker punch, delivering a dual-personality design that works across multiple tunings and playing styles. Its compact footprint and medium output make it exceptionally versatile for gigging musicians who need clarity without sacrificing aggression, and the integrated active electronics respond immediately to pick attack with minimal lag.
Design & Build Quality
Built with AlNiCo V magnets, stainless steel construction, and precision-wound coils that are matched both resistively and inductively, this pickup is engineered for consistency and road reliability. All internal preamplifiers use Surface Mount Technology (SMT), and the coils are vacuum sealed for long-term reliability and noise rejection in demanding stage environments.
Electronics & Output
The 89's unique architecture provides two separate outputs — allowing you to run single-coil and dual-coil modes from one pickup body, each with dedicated signal paths. Its medium output and active design preserve high-end detail while delivering powerful low-end response, drawing only about 160 microamps when two pickups are installed, making it dependable for full-gig battery life.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with two independent outputs (single and dual-coil)
- AlNiCo V magnet construction
- Stainless steel housing with black cap
- Precision wound, resistively and inductively matched coils
- Vacuum sealed design for noise rejection
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT) internal preamplifiers
- Medium output level
- 4-core wiring
- Dimensions: 69.9 x 38.1 x 22.9 mm with 78.5 mm screw spacing
- Includes 25k sound potentiometer, 25k push/pull potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and cables
- Made in USA
- Two pickups draw approximately 160 microamps of current
This is a professionally engineered active system designed to deliver both clarity and power on stage without the constraints of traditional humbucker voicing.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 89 is a dual-personality active humbucker that splits the difference between single-coil clarity and humbucker punch, making it ideal for metal, hard rock, and progressive players who need articulate highs without sacrificing low-end aggression. Its compact footprint, two independent outputs (single and dual-coil modes), and immediate response to pick attack give you studio-grade tonal flexibility on stage, with the durability and consistency that comes from AlNiCo V magnets and vacuum-sealed construction. Choose it when you need a pickup that stays tight and defined under high gain while keeping detail and dynamics intact.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EMG 89's dual-output design actually do?
The pickup has two separate outputs with dedicated signal paths — you can run single-coil mode for articulate, detailed tone or dual-coil mode for full humbucker punch from the same pickup body. This is achieved through the integrated active electronics and the included push/pull potentiometer wiring, allowing you to switch modes or run both simultaneously depending on your setup.
Is the EMG 89 too hot for styles outside metal and hard rock?
The 89 is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk, where its articulate highs and aggressive low-end voicing don't suit the tonal aesthetic. It shines in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio sessions where clarity and power in high-gain or punchy tones are priorities.
How much power does this pickup draw, and what's included?
Two EMG 89 pickups draw approximately 160 microamps of current, making them highly efficient. The package includes a 25k sound potentiometer, 25k push/pull potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, cables, and all wiring needed for installation.
How does the EMG 89 compare to other active humbuckers like the 81 or 85?
The 89 offers a unique hybrid voicing with two independent outputs and more single-coil-like articulation than the darker, thicker 81 or the balanced 85. Its compact footprint and medium output make it more versatile across different playing styles within heavier genres compared to the 81's dominance in extreme metal or the 85's all-purpose character.
What makes the EMG 89 durable for live use?
The pickup is built with AlNiCo V magnets, stainless steel construction, vacuum-sealed coils for noise rejection, and Surface Mount Technology (SMT) preamplifiers. This engineering ensures consistent tone across gigs, minimal noise, and long-term reliability on the road.
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.
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