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

Yes, the 89X is engineered to operate in both bridge and neck positions, making it versatile for players who want matched tone across the instrument or who prefer to use a single model throughout their guitar.

What does dual-mode operation mean?

The 89X features separate preamps and coils that let you switch between full humbucker punch and focused single-coil clarity from one pickup, eliminating the need to choose between aggressive output and articulate definition.

What's included with the EMG 89X?

The pickup includes volume and tone controls, a jack, a battery clip for 9V power, and complete mounting hardware (screws and springs) to integrate directly into your wiring configuration.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or folk music?

The 89X is engineered specifically for metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning applications; its aggressive output, tight low-end, and cutting midrange are not optimized for the tonal character jazz and folk players typically require.

How does the EMG 89X handle noise in high-gain settings?

The active circuit is designed for noise rejection across any amp setting, delivering consistent output and clean response even in high-gain, drop-tuning, and heavily processed rigs.

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 89X Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory

The EMG 89X delivers aggressive, articulate output with the versatility of dual-mode operation—switching seamlessly between full humbucker punch and focused single-coil clarity. Built with Alnico V magnets and engineered for both bridge and neck positions, this X-Series active pickup combines the responsiveness serious players expect with the tonal range that accommodates multiple playing styles on a single instrument.

Tone & Electronics

The dual-preamp architecture gives you genuine humbucker aggression and articulate single-coil definition from one pickup, eliminating compromise between tonal extremes. Alnico V magnets ensure tight low-end definition and cutting midrange presence, while the active circuit delivers consistent output and noise rejection across any amp setting—crucial for gigging reliability and studio tracking alike.

Design & Build

The compact footprint and synthetic cover in ivory fit modern and classic builds without fuss. Included volume and tone controls, jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware provide a complete system ready to drop into your wiring, minimizing downtime between gigs.

Key Features

Dual-mode active pickup with separate preamps and coils
Alnico V magnets for defined low-end and cutting midrange
X-Series design for enhanced responsiveness
Operates in both bridge and neck positions
6-string humbucker configuration
Synthetic cover in ivory finish
Includes volume/tone controls and jack
Battery clip for 9V power (battery included/standard)
Complete mounting hardware: screws and springs
Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches

The EMG 89X covers the ground between traditional high-output aggression and modern tonal flexibility, making it a proven choice for touring musicians and session players who need power and range without switching pickups.