How does the push/pull switching work, and do I need a new control set?

The pickup's push/pull mechanism integrates directly into the volume or tone pot for instant mode switching during play. The EMG 89 includes a prewired push/pull volume/tone control set, so you get the switching ready to install without sourcing additional parts.

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

Single-coil mode delivers a 3.75 kHz resonant peak with 0.6V output for articulate, defined tones ideal for leads. Humbucker mode shifts to 2.55 kHz with 1.0V output for thicker body and increased headroom, perfect for heavy and blues playing.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The low-draw preamp circuit consumes only 152 microamps, yielding approximately 3,290 hours of battery life—over four months of continuous operation on a single 9V cell.

Is this pickup too noisy for studio recording or high-gain live work?

No—the EMG 89 maintains a -94 dBV noise floor in single-coil mode and -99 dBV in humbucker mode, making it virtually silent in both high-gain and clean studio environments where noise rejection is critical.

What does the Brushed Chrome finish look like, and what's included in the box?

Brushed Chrome is a matte metallic silver finish on the pickup cover. The package includes the pickup, Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs—everything needed for 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. 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 Brushed Chrome

The EMG 89 is a versatile dual-mode active pickup that delivers both articulate single-coil clarity and full humbucker punch from a single unit. Its push/pull switching mechanism engages seamlessly during play, offering instant access to two distinct tonal characters without requiring any external modifications. Built with Surface Mount Technology preamps and Alnico magnets, this pickup maintains virtually noiseless operation across both modes—a critical advantage in high-gain live rigs and studio environments.

Dual-Mode Design & Switching Architecture

The EMG 89 houses both a stacked single-coil design and a dual-coil configuration with opposite Alnico loads, each with its own output. Single-coil mode delivers a 3.75 kHz resonant frequency with 0.6V RMS output and -94 dBV noise floor, ideal for cutting through the mix on leads and defining rhythm tones during performances. Engaging humbucker mode shifts the character to 2.55 kHz with 1.0V RMS output and -99 dBV noise floor, providing increased headroom and thicker body for heavy material and blues-based playing.

Power & Battery Performance

The integrated preamps draw only 152 microamps at 9V, translating to approximately 3,290 hours of battery life—over four months of continuous operation on a single cell. This low current draw ensures the pickup remains responsive and transparent throughout a tour or extended gigging schedule, minimizing any lag or signal degradation even as battery voltage naturally declines over extended use.

Key Features

Dual-mode design with stacked single-coil and dual-coil configurations
Single-coil mode: 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, 0.6V RMS output, 1.7V peak output, -94 dBV noise floor
Humbucker mode: 2.55 kHz resonant frequency, 1.0V RMS output, 3.0V peak output, -99 dBV noise floor
Virtually noiseless operation in both modes
10 kOhms output impedance
Surface Mount Technology internal preamps
Alnico magnet construction
Current draw: 152 microamps at 9V
Battery life: 3,290 hours on 9V cell
Brushed chrome finish
Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs

The EMG 89 bridges the gap between single-coil definition and humbucker thickness, making it an exceptionally flexible choice for gigging players who demand tonal range without installing multiple pickups or compromising stage reliability.