Is this pickup suitable for beginners, or do I need intermediate-level experience?

This pickup is designed for intermediate to professional players. It excels in progressive metal and extended-range applications, so familiarity with 7-string setup and active electronics will help you get the most from it.

What's the difference between this neck pickup and a bridge model?

The Crossroads Neck is tuned for neck position clarity with responsive midrange; a bridge model would emphasize tighter highs and punch. This neck version pairs well with matching EMG bridge pickups or other brands in a split configuration.

How long will the battery last, and is it easy to access for replacement?

Battery life reaches 830 hours at 9V operation with low system draw of 630 microamps. The Quick Connect cable system makes battery access straightforward for most modern 7-string instrument cavities.

Will this work with my existing effects chain and amp setup?

Yes. The active circuit outputs 1.00V on single strings and 3.00V on full strums with -103 dB noise performance, ensuring clean signal integrity through long cable runs and multi-effects units. It supports up to 27V DC for stacked active systems.

What's included in the box?

The pickup includes mounting hardware, Quick Connect cables, a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and pickup bus — everything needed for installation into a 7-string instrument with active electronics.

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 Crossroads Neck 7-String Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Crossroads 7-String Neck pickup delivers articulate, controlled single-coil character with the reliability of active electronics. Built for extended-range instruments, this neck position pickup pairs tight low-end definition with responsive midrange clarity—essential for drop tunings and modern progressive playing that demands note separation and clean articulation. The active circuit ensures consistent output and low noise floor across extended live sets and studio sessions.

Tone & Electronics

The Alnico 2 magnet with flat pole pieces focuses frequency response at 4.30 kHz for articulate upper midrange presence that cuts through a mix without feedback. Active buffering delivers 1.00V output on single strings and 3.00V on full strums, with noise performance at -103 dB (60 Hz), ensuring your signal stays clean through long cable runs to venues' FOH rigs and pedalboards stacked with effects.

System Design & Integration

The Quick Connect cable system integrates seamlessly with EMG's modular electronics platform for fast swaps and roadworthy reliability. Battery life reaches 830 hours at 9V operation with system draw of just 630 microamps, and the circuit supports up to 27V DC maximum supply for users running multiple active pickups or preamps in series—keeping your rig stable through demanding gigs and recordings.

Key Features

Active Single Coil configuration for 7-string instruments
Neck position with Alnico 2 magnet
Flat pole piece design
Resonant frequency: 4.30 kHz
Quick Connect cable interface
Output voltage: 1.00V (single string) / 3.00V (strum)
Output noise: -103 dB (60 Hz)
Output impedance: 3 kΩ
System current @ 9V: 630 microamps
Battery life: 830 hours
Maximum supply: 27V DC
Includes 25K Volume and Tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables

This pickup brings EMG's signature active efficiency and low-noise performance to 7-string neck applications, backed by a full complement of control and integration electronics for stage-ready dependability.