What's the difference between the 89X's dual-coil and single-coil modes?

The 89X houses separate preamps for each mode: dual-coil mode delivers full humbucker punch with controlled sustain, while single-coil mode offers an articulate, punchy response. Both modes maintain their own character and dynamic range, and you switch between them seamlessly using the included push-pull pot.

Do I need to solder this pickup?

No. The EMG 89X includes a complete Solderless Install System with split shaft volume/tone controls, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs—everything you need for professional installation without soldering.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The 89X excels in high-gain metal, progressive rock, and versatile gigging contexts where you need both output clarity and tonal flexibility. It is not well-suited for traditional jazz or acoustic-focused genres.

What does the long shaft design do?

The long shaft accommodates deeper body cavities and allows extended pickup height adjustment, giving you precise voicing control to dial in your tone exactly as you want it.

What magnet and pickup technology does it use?

The 89X features an Alnico V magnet paired with EMG's active X-Series design and dual preamps, delivering focused midrange, controlled sustain, and high output with articulate clarity.

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 89X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White

The EMG 89X is a versatile active humbucker built for players who need real tonal flexibility without sacrificing output or clarity on stage. Its dual-mode architecture lets you toggle between full humbucker punch and articulate single-coil response, making it equally capable in high-gain rigs and moderate-gain setups. The long shaft design accommodates deeper body cavities and extended pickup heights for precise voicing control.

Electronics & Tone

This pickup houses separate preamps for each operating mode, ensuring that single-coil and dual-coil voices maintain their own character and dynamic range. The Alnico V magnet and active X-Series design deliver the focused midrange and controlled sustain EMG is known for, with the push-pull pot switching mechanism providing seamless mode transitions without cutting power or signal integrity—critical for gigging musicians who need reliability night after night.

Installation & Integration

The included Solderless Install System eliminates the need for soldering, making setup fast and reducing risk of thermal damage to the pickup. You get a complete package with split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs—everything required for a clean, professional installation on most pickup cavities.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet for focused, controlled tone
Dual-coil and single-coil operating modes via push-pull pot
Separate preamp for each mode
Active X-Series Pickup with Dual Preamps
Synthetic cover in White finish
Long shaft design for deeper cavities and height adjustment
Solderless Install System for fast, solder-free setup
Split shaft volume/tone control set included
Output jack and battery clip set included
Mounting screws and springs included
Two Year Warranty

The EMG 89X combines genuine tonal range with straightforward installation and solid warranty coverage, making it a dependable choice for touring musicians and players upgrading their pickup electronics.

Best suited for	High-Gain Metal, Progressive Rock, Studio Sessions, Versatile Gigging
Tonal character	Focused midrange, controlled sustain, high output, articulate single-coil voice, punchy dual-coil character
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Acoustic-focused genres (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional