What's the difference between the EMG 89 and the EMG 81?

The EMG 89 is more compact and offers dual-coil and single-coil output switching for tonal flexibility, making it suited for bridge-position tight spaces. The EMG 81 is a straight dual-coil design with a fixed voicing. Both are high-output active pickups; the 89 wins on versatility and fit, while the 81 is better if you want one locked-in tone.

Does this pickup require soldering to install?

No. The EMG 89 comes with EMG's Quik-Connect system, a prewired control set, output jack, and battery clip—all ready to mount and plug in. You do the soldering at the guitar harness end, but the pickup itself connects without a soldering iron.

How long does the battery last?

Approximately 3,290 hours of continuous use at 9V, drawing only 152 microamps. In typical gigging or studio use, expect battery life measured in months between changes, depending on how much you play.

Can I use the 89 in both bridge and neck positions?

Yes. Its compact 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm footprint fits tight bridge spaces, and dual-coil and single-coil switching gives you tonal options at either position. Screw spacing is 78.5 mm, standard for most modern guitars.

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

Metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio sessions. The articulate attack and controlled sustain shine in high-gain contexts. It's not a good fit for traditional jazz, folk, or country where warmer, lower-output tones are preferred.

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 Chrome

The EMG 89 is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who need versatility without compromise. Its compact footprint and low-noise electronics fit tight bridge positions or serve as a direct replacement, delivering articulate attack and controlled sustain that stays clear and punchy at volume—essential for live work and studio tracking alike.

Electronics & Output Characteristics

Powered by Alnico V magnets and surface-mount preamplifiers, this pickup generates a 1.0V RMS humbucker output with 3.0V peak voltage and –99 dBV noise floor—giving you punchy, low-noise signal transmission that cuts through a dense mix. Current draw is minimal at 152 microamps @ 9V, meaning you'll get approximately 3,290 hours of stage time between battery changes.

Dual-Coil Architecture & Connectivity

The 89 features both single-coil and dual-coil outputs with independent signal paths, letting you shape your tone and adapt to different rigs on the fly. Setup is fast with EMG's Quik-Connect system—no soldering required on the pickup side. Everything ships prewired: control set, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware ready to drop in.

Key Features

Dual single-coil and dual-coil outputs with independent signal routing
Alnico V magnet construction
Humbucker resonant frequency: 2.55 kHz
Single-coil resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
Output impedance: 10 kOhms
Dimensions: 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm (screw spacing 78.5 mm)
Current draw: 152 microamps at 9V
Battery life: approximately 3,290 hours
All internal preamplifiers use Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
Includes EMG Quik-Connect cable, prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, and battery clip assembly

The EMG 89 delivers road-tested, high-output performance with minimal fuss and maximum tonal flexibility—the kind of reliability gigging musicians depend on night after night.