Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$119.00
Guitar Center
4.0 (4)
$119.00
Amazon
4.9 (15)
$119.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$115.64 New
$50.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$119.00
Thomann
4.8 (53)
$92.00

Average Price: $105

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

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

Is the EMG 81-7 suitable for metal music?

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.

Can the EMG 81-7 be used in both bridge and neck positions?

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.

What type of battery does the EMG 81-7 require?

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.

How does the EMG 81-7 differ from passive pickups?

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.

Is the EMG 81-7 easy to install?

Yes, the EMG 81-7 comes with a solderless wiring system, making installation straightforward and accessible even for those with limited technical experience.

danielmucs

danielmucs

EMG Pickups 81-7 vs 707 comparison - Ibanez Iron Label RGIR27FE

Video thumbnail for EMG Pickups 81-7 vs 707 comparison - Ibanez Iron Label RGIR27FE by danielmucs

EMG Pickups 81-7 vs 707 comparison - Ibanez Iron Label RGIR27FE

danielmucs

danielmucs

Video thumbnail for 7 string Blackouts AHB-1 vs EMG 81-7 (comparison in metal mix) by Thevon

7 string Blackouts AHB-1 vs EMG 81-7 (comparison in metal mix)

Thevon

Thevon

Video thumbnail for EMG 81-7 vs. Fishman Fluence SRC - High Gain Metal - ESP/LTD BUZ-7 by Harry Gandler [Grindlab Studio]

EMG 81-7 vs. Fishman Fluence SRC - High Gain Metal - ESP/LTD BUZ-7

Harry Gandler [Grindlab Studio]

Harry Gandler [Grindlab Studio]

Video thumbnail for EMG 707 vs EMG 81-7 by Lenias7

EMG 707 vs EMG 81-7

Lenias7

Lenias7

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

  • Some users find EMG toggle switches less durable, suggesting the blade-style switch for longer-lasting performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest considering hipshot tuners and a Graph Tech nut for a noticeable improvement in playability and tone stability on a Jackson JS22-7.

    Source
  • Owners recommend adding a battery compartment to the cavity cover to avoid frequently opening the back for battery changes.

    Source
  • To utilize active pickups fully, consider upgrading amps to models like the 5150/6505 with 6L6 or EL-34 tubes for better sound compatibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • EMG 81-7 pickups are noted for their tight and aggressive sound, similar to Duncan Blackouts, but with less bass.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that switching from stock pickups to EMG 81-7 significantly reduces noise floor, enhancing clarity and definition in the sound output.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find that EMG 81-7 pickups excel in genres like modern metal and djent, offering precision and clarity for complex, low-tuned riffs.

    Source
  • EMG 81-7 pickups are favored for modern metal genres, offering clarity and aggressiveness, suitable for bands like Meshuggah and Kadinja.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Installing active pickups like EMG 81-7 on a Jackson JS22-7 requires rewiring for active electronics, involving additional work compared to passive pickups.

    Source
  • Pickup cavities on Jackson Dinky models might need slight sanding for EMG pickups, especially around rounded corners under pickup rings.

    Source
  • Switching to Fishman pickups may require rewiring, including soldering, to utilize all features; easier swaps exist with EMG's quick-connect system.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • EMG's solderless system now includes a solderless output jack, simplifying the installation process even further.

    Source
  • Fishman Tosin Abasi pickups offer a splittable bridge, enabling a single-coil sound, which is unique compared to other active pickups.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matt Heafy uses EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup

Matt Heafy

Podcasters & Streamers, Guitarist

Trivium

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Matt has emg 707 and 81-7 pickups in almost all of his 7 strings. His signature epiphone comes stock with emg pickups

See how Andy James uses EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup

Andy James

Guitarist

Five Finger Death Punch

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Muhammed Suiçmez uses EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup

Muhammed Suiçmez

Singer, Guitarist

Necrophagist

...
Verified via Equipboard

Muhammed's Ibanez LACS Xiphos 7 string guitar is equipped with a pair of EMG 81-7 pickups.

See how Alex Wade uses EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup

Alex Wade

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via Guitar

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Wade uses the 7-string version of EMG 81 guitar pickup.

See how Adam Darski uses EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup

Adam Darski

Singer, Guitarist

Behemoth

...
Verified via Muzyczny

His signature model which he uses on stage has Emg 707 and 81-7.

See how Ben Savage uses EMG 81-7 7 String Active Humbucking Pickup

Ben Savage

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via Emgpickups

The EMG website states that Savage uses 81-7s and 808s.

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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    Gear IQ 120856