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

Humbucker mode delivers thick, controlled tones at 1.0V RMS output with a 2.55 kHz resonant peak for body and sustain. Single-coil mode shifts to 0.6V RMS with a 3.75 kHz resonant peak, producing brighter, more articulate response ideal for detail work and cut. Both modes maintain low noise and are accessed via a simple switch.

How long will a 9V battery last in this pickup?

The active circuit draws only 152 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3,290 hours of battery life per cell—roughly four months of regular playing before replacement is needed.

Will this pickup fit my guitar without modification?

The long shaft design and compact footprint (69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm with 78.5 mm screw spacing) fit standard neck positions without modification. The 4-core wiring with 2-wire connections also simplifies installation.

How does the EMG 89R compare to other active humbuckers like the EMG 81 or 85?

The 89R is designed specifically for neck position with dual-mode switching, whereas the 81 and 85 are fixed single-voicing designs for bridge or mixed positions. The 89R's switching flexibility and lower output give it more clarity and tonal range, making it ideal for players who want both focused articulation and full-bodied tones without swapping pickups.

Is this pickup suitable for extended-range guitars?

Yes—the EMG 89R is voiced and specified for extended-range applications and will handle lower tunings and high-output demands while maintaining clarity and low noise across both modes.

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 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 89R delivers the versatility of switchable single-coil and humbucker voicings from a single neck-position installation, giving you access to both focused articulation and full-bodied output without swapping pickups. Built with USA manufacturing precision and powered by Alnico V magnets, this active design maintains exceptional clarity across both modes while keeping power consumption minimal for extended gigs off a single battery.

Tone & Electronics

Separate preamps drive custom outputs for dual coil and single coil operation, each tuned to exploit the Alnico V magnet's characteristics. In humbucker mode, the 1.0V RMS output with 3.0V peak and 2.55 kHz resonant frequency produces thick, controlled tones that cut through a live mix; single coil mode shifts the resonant peak to 3.75 kHz for brighter, more articulate response with 0.6V RMS and 1.7V peak output. Output noise measures -99 dBV in humbucker mode and -94 dBV in single coil, ensuring clean signal transmission in either configuration and reliable performance on any stage.

Design & Build

The long shaft design accommodates a range of guitar configurations, while the compact footprint—69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm with 78.5 mm screw spacing—fits standard neck positions without modification. Active circuitry draws only 152 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3,290 hours of battery life per 9V cell for worry-free touring, and the 4-core wiring with 2-wire connections simplifies installation and reduces potential failure points on the road.

Key Features

Switchable single-coil and humbucker modes from one pickup
Alnico V magnet with separate preamps for each mode
Medium output across both configurations
10 kOhms output impedance
1.0V RMS / 3.0V peak output in humbucker mode
0.6V RMS / 1.7V peak output in single coil mode
2.55 kHz resonant frequency (humbucker); 3.75 kHz (single coil)
152 microamps current draw at 9V with 3,290-hour battery life
4-core wiring with 2-wire connections
10.5 mm long shaft for flexible installation
Designed for neck position
Made in USA

The EMG 89R combines the switching flexibility of a dual-mode design with the reliability of active USA manufacturing, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians seeking tonal range and live performance stability without compromise.