Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $105
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Transform your 7-string guitar into a powerhouse of tone with the EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup, a tailor-made marvel for the guitarist who refuses to compromise on sound quality. Renowned for its high output, the EMG 81-7 brings the legendary prowess of its 6-string counterpart into the realm of 7-string guitars, ensuring your riffs are rich, your solos soar, and your tone cuts through the mix with precision. Whether you're shredding over high-volume overdrive or pushing your amp to its limits, this pickup delivers a razor-sharp attack and sustain that's simply unmatched. It's not just about power though; the nuanced articulation and dynamic response make it versatile for a variety of genres, from rock and metal to any form of aggressive playing that demands clarity and intensity.
Included with the pickup is EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable, along with a prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and all necessary screws & springs, making installation a breeze. So, if you're looking to elevate your 7-string guitar with a pickup that offers both brute force and musical finesse, the EMG 81-7 is your ticket to sonic excellence.
Key Features:
- Active humbucking pickup designed for 7-string guitars
- Legendary EMG 81 sound tailored for extended range instruments
- High output, perfect for genres requiring clarity and intensity
- Includes EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable and installation hardware
- Razor-sharp attack with incredible sustain for expressive soloing
- Versatile tone, suitable for rock, metal, and other aggressive styles
Product specs
| Available since | March 2006 |
| Type of pickup | Humbucker |
| Active Pickup System | Yes |
| Passive Pickup System | No |
| Wiring | Completely Wired |
| Colour | Black |
| Position | Bridge |
FAQs
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Is the EMG 81-7 suitable for metal music?
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Yes, the EMG 81-7 is highly suitable for metal music due to its powerful, aggressive tone and high output, making it ideal for heavy riffs and solos.
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Can the EMG 81-7 be used in both bridge and neck positions?
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The EMG 81-7 is primarily designed for the bridge position, offering a crisp and cutting tone, but it can be used in the neck position if desired for a unique sound.
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What type of battery does the EMG 81-7 require?
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The EMG 81-7 requires a 9-volt battery to power its active electronics, providing around 1500 hours of battery life when used with another pickup.
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How does the EMG 81-7 differ from passive pickups?
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Unlike passive pickups, the EMG 81-7 has an onboard preamp that boosts output and reduces noise, delivering a clear and powerful sound suitable for high-gain applications.
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Is the EMG 81-7 easy to install?
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Yes, the EMG 81-7 comes with a solderless wiring system, making installation straightforward and accessible even for those with limited technical experience.
Videos
danielmucs
EMG Pickups 81-7 vs 707 comparison - Ibanez Iron Label RGIR27FE
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup.
Build quality
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Some users find EMG toggle switches less durable, suggesting the blade-style switch for longer-lasting performance.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users suggest considering hipshot tuners and a Graph Tech nut for a noticeable improvement in playability and tone stability on a Jackson JS22-7.
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Owners recommend adding a battery compartment to the cavity cover to avoid frequently opening the back for battery changes.
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To utilize active pickups fully, consider upgrading amps to models like the 5150/6505 with 6L6 or EL-34 tubes for better sound compatibility.
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Comparisons
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The DiMarzio D Activator is noted for its high output and active-sounding characteristics, providing an alternative for those hesitant about the active EMG 81-7.
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The Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups are praised for heavy tones, offering an alternative to EMGs for those seeking a passive setup with clarity and aggression.
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EMG 81-7 pickups are noted for their tight and aggressive sound, similar to Duncan Blackouts, but with less bass.
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User experience
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Owners report that switching from stock pickups to EMG 81-7 significantly reduces noise floor, enhancing clarity and definition in the sound output.
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Installing EMG pickups can be a snug fit, with excess wire slack making cavity closure challenging. Trimming wires could improve fit but sacrifices plug-and-play convenience.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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Installing active pickups like EMG 81-7 on a Jackson JS22-7 requires rewiring for active electronics, involving additional work compared to passive pickups.
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Pickup cavities on Jackson Dinky models might need slight sanding for EMG pickups, especially around rounded corners under pickup rings.
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Switching to Fishman pickups may require rewiring, including soldering, to utilize all features; easier swaps exist with EMG's quick-connect system.
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Installing EMG 81-7 in Jackson Dinky may require drilling holes for the wider potentiometers; careful not to cut existing pickup selector wires during installation.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Matt has emg 707 and 81-7 pickups in almost all of his 7 strings. His signature epiphone comes stock with emg pickups
In the YouTube video titled "Andy James 'Burn it Down' at JTCGuitar.com," Andy James uses a guitar equipped with the EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup during his playthrough of the track "Burn It Down."
Muhammed's Ibanez LACS Xiphos 7 string guitar is equipped with a pair of EMG 81-7 pickups.
According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Wade uses the 7-string version of EMG 81 guitar pickup.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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