How does the push/pull switching work, and what's the tonal difference between modes?

The onboard push/pull volume/tone control toggles between single-coil mode (0.6V output, 3.75 kHz resonance, articulate treble) and humbucker mode (1.0V output, 2.55 kHz resonance, tight lows and mids). Single-coil mode suits lead work and clean passages; humbucker mode delivers crunch and high-gain thickness.

What's included, and will I need external electronics?

The package includes a prewired push/pull volume/tone control, output jack, battery clip, 4-core Quik-Connect cable, mounting screws, springs, and all hardware needed for installation. You'll need a standard 9V battery and a humbucker-routed cavity; no additional preamp or wiring is required.

How long does the battery last, and is this suitable for touring?

Battery life is rated at 3,290 hours (roughly 137 days of continuous playback), and current draw is minimal at 152 microamps. The low noise floor (-99 dBV in humbucker mode) and stable output impedance (10 kOhms) make it reliable for live performance and studio sessions.

What are the output specs, and will it work with my amp?

Single-coil mode outputs 0.6V RMS with peak 1.7V; humbucker mode outputs 1.0V RMS with peak 3.0V. Both provide substantial headroom into tube and solid-state amplifiers, and the 10 kOhm output impedance ensures stable performance across cable runs and pedalboards.

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

The 89 excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music, and is equally at home in studio sessions and live performance. Its dual-mode design makes it versatile for both high-gain aggression and articulate lead clarity, though it is not optimized for folk or jazz applications.

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.

EMG 89 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Red

The EMG 89 is a workhorse active humbucker built for players who need real tonal range without swapping pickups mid-gig. Its dual-function design flips between focused single-coil articulation via a stacked Alnico configuration and full humbucker punch with opposite-wound coils—all controlled by an onboard push/pull mechanism. The red finish stands out in the cavity and matches the visual attitude of serious rigs.

Tone & Output Performance

Single-coil mode produces a 0.6V RMS output at 3.75 kHz, delivering articulate treble and definition that cuts through live mix and works clean to slightly driven. Humbucker mode jumps to 1.0V RMS at 2.55 kHz with -99 dBV output noise, locking in tight, hum-free low end and mids that sit heavy in crunch and high-gain territory. Peak output reaches 3.0V in humbucker mode, giving tube and solid-state amps plenty of signal to work with on stage.

Electronics & Integration

The 10 kOhm output impedance and 152 microamp draw at 9V keep performance stable across long cable runs and pedalboards, while 3,290-hour battery life means you're not changing 9V cells every other tour date. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) preamps with precision vacuum-sealed coil windings stay quiet and consistent through countless performances, backed by a prewired push/pull volume/tone control, Quik-Connect cable, output jack, battery clip, and all mounting hardware for straightforward installation.

Key Features

Dual-function active humbucker: single-coil mode (Alnico stacked design) and humbucker mode (opposite-wound Alnico coils)
Output impedance: 10 kOhms
Current draw: 152 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3,290 hours
Single-coil resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz; RMS output: 0.6V; peak output: 1.7V; output noise: -94 dBV
Humbucker-mode resonant frequency: 2.55 kHz; RMS output: 1.0V; peak output: 3.0V; output noise: -99 dBV
Dimensions: 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm (width × height × installation depth); fixing-screw distance: 78.5 mm
4-core wiring with Quik-Connect cable included
Prewired push/pull volume/tone control, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs included
Precision vacuum-sealed coil windings with Surface Mount Technology (SMT) preamps
Made in USA
Red finish

This active pickup combines switching flexibility, low noise, and proven EMG reliability in a single footprint—a direct swap for players who want real options without the headache.