How does the dual-mode switching work?

A push/pull volume or tone control lets you toggle between single-coil and humbucker modes on the fly. Single-coil mode delivers bright, articulate tones at 1.7V peak output, while humbucker mode engages both coils for warmer, fuller response at 3.0V peak output.

Is this pickup truly noiseless?

Yes—both modes are virtually noiseless thanks to EMG's active circuitry. Humbucker mode achieves a noise floor of –99 dBV and single-coil mode reaches –94 dBV, making hum and buzz inaudible even in high-gain applications.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery draws only 152 microamps and provides approximately 3,290 hours of playing time before replacement—roughly 4–5 months of regular use.

What skills and styles is this pickup built for?

It suits intermediate, advanced, and professional players working in studio, live, and progressive contexts. Traditional jazz and folk players should consider other options, as the high-output active character and switching design lean toward modern and aggressive genres.

Will this fit my guitar?

The long shaft design is engineered for standard humbucker routing. The package includes a Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs for straightforward installation.

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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 89R Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG 89R is a versatile dual-mode active pickup built for players who need tonal flexibility without sacrificing reliability. Its push/pull control lets you toggle between articulate single-coil character and full humbucker warmth on the fly, giving you immediate access to both brightness and power through a single instrument. The reversed coil orientation—with the single-coil side closer to the neck—ensures balanced response across both modes, making the switch feel natural and usable in live performance.

Dual-Mode Switching & Tone Character

This pickup combines an Alnico-loaded stacked EMG-SA single-coil with a traditional dual-coil humbucker configuration featuring opposite Alnico-loaded coils similar to the EMG-85. Both modes deliver virtually noiseless operation: single-coil mode produces a peak output of 1.7V with a resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz for clarity and snap that cuts through a mix, while humbucker mode generates 3.0V peak output at 2.55 kHz for a richer, warmer tone with increased power—ideal for sustain and punch on stage.

Electronics & Power Specifications

The active circuit draws just 152 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3,290 hours of battery life—practical longevity between battery changes for gigging musicians. Output impedance is rated at 10 kOhms, with humbucker mode producing 1.0V RMS output and single-coil mode at 0.6V RMS—both capable of driving amplifiers with clean, controlled gain structure and predictable response across venues.

Key Features

Dual-mode design: single-coil (Alnico-loaded stacked EMG-SA) and humbucker (two opposite Alnico-loaded coils)
Coils reversed with single-coil side positioned closer to neck
Alnico V magnets for warm, powerful, clear and articulate humbucker sound
Push/pull volume or tone control enables mode switching
Virtually noiseless operation in both modes
Single-coil mode: 3.75 kHz resonant frequency, 0.6V RMS output, 1.7V peak, -94 dBV noise floor
Humbucker mode: 2.55 kHz resonant frequency, 1.0V RMS output, 3.0V peak, -99 dBV noise floor
Output impedance: 10 kOhms
Current draw: 152 microamps at 9V
Battery life: approximately 3,290 hours
Includes Quik-Connect cable, prewired push/pull volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws and springs
Long shaft design for standard humbucker routing

The 89R combines professional active electronics with genuine dual-mode versatility, delivering the noise rejection and road reliability that working musicians demand—ready to hold up through countless gigs and studio sessions.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Live Performance, Gigging, Progressive
Tonal character	Articulate cleans, warm humbuckers, high output, virtually noiseless, versatile switching
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional