What makes the EMG 89 different from the EMG 81 or 85?

The 89 is engineered as a hybrid, pairing single-coil articulation with humbucker body and medium output. Unlike the 81's hotter output or the 85's versatility, the 89 specifically targets bridge positions where you need clarity and note definition without sacrificing punch in high-gain contexts.

Does this pickup require soldering, or can I install it myself?

No soldering required. The EMG 89 uses solderless connectors and includes all cables (pickup, connecting, output, and battery) plus mounting hardware and tone pots, so you can complete installation without traditional wiring.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery provides approximately 3000 hours of battery life, which typically translates to several months of regular playing before replacement is needed.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The EMG 89 has a 78.5 mm mounting screw distance and dimensions of 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm, making it compatible with standard humbucker cavities on most electric guitars. Verify your guitar's cavity dimensions and screw spacing before purchase.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The EMG 89 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive contexts where aggressive midrange and note clarity are essential. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk styles, where different tonal characteristics are preferred.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 89 delivers a distinctive hybrid character that bridges single-coil articulation with humbucker body and output. This active pickup pairs aggressive midrange presence with controlled dynamics, making it ideal for players who need clarity within high-gain contexts without sacrificing note definition. The gold cover adds visual distinction while the solderless connection system simplifies installation and swaps.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an AlNiCo 5 magnet, the 89 produces medium output with the hybrid character that EMG engineered specifically for bridge positions seeking balance between punch and articulation. The active electronics require a 9V battery (approximately 3000 hours of battery life) and integrate seamlessly into most wiring schemes via the included solderless connectors and audio bus architecture.

Installation & Compatibility

The 78.5 mm mounting screw distance and 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm dimensions ensure compatibility with standard humbucker cavities across most electric guitars. Solderless design eliminates traditional wiring complexity, and the package includes everything needed for integration: pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, battery cable, mounting hardware, and a 25k tone pot plus push/pull pot for immediate functionality.

Key Features

Active hybrid humbucker and single-coil design
AlNiCo 5 magnet
Medium output level
Solderless connections for easy installation
Gold cover finish
Made in USA
78.5 mm mounting screw distance
Dimensions: 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm (width × height × installation depth)
Includes 25k Tone pot and 25k Push/Pull Pot
Complete cable and connectivity package (pickup, connecting, output, and battery cables)
Battery bus and stereo output socket included
Two Pickup In/Out Bus connectors

The EMG 89 combines precision engineering with user-friendly installation, delivering articulate active tone in a format that respects both performance and practicality.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, High-gain contexts
Tonal character	Aggressive midrange presence, articulate note definition, controlled dynamics, medium output, hybrid single-coil clarity with humbucker body
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional