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Average Price: $99

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Description

Designed for the discerning 7-string guitarist, the EMG 85-7-B 7-String Active Neck Humbucker delivers a rich, powerful sound that excels in a variety of musical genres. This humbucker is specifically crafted to complement the extended range of 7-string guitars, offering a smooth response and increased low-end presence. The EMG 85-7-B is equipped with Alnico V magnets, providing a warm tonal character that enhances the dynamic range and sustains of your guitar. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or jazz, this pickup ensures that your sound remains clear and articulate.

The EMG 85-7-B features a sleek, compact design that's easy to install, making it an ideal upgrade for musicians looking to expand their tonal possibilities without the hassle of complex modifications. Its active design minimizes unwanted noise and interference, allowing you to focus on your performance. This pickup is renowned for its ability to maintain clarity even at high gain settings, making it a favorite among metal and hard rock players who require precision and power.

Key Features:

  • Designed for 7-string guitars
  • Active humbucker with Alnico V magnets
  • Smooth response with increased low-end presence
  • Minimal noise and interference
  • Maintains clarity at high gain
  • Easy installation for quick upgrades
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical genres

Product specs

Brand EMG
Model 85-7-B 7-String Active Neck Humbucker
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Pickups

FAQs

Is the EMG 85-7-B suitable for a 7-string guitar?

Yes, the EMG 85-7-B is specifically designed for 7-string guitars, providing enhanced low-end response and clarity for extended range instruments.

What type of sound can I expect from the EMG 85-7-B pickup?

The EMG 85-7-B offers a warm, smooth tone with pronounced mids and a strong bass response, making it ideal for both clean and distorted settings.

Does the EMG 85-7-B require a battery?

Yes, as an active pickup, the EMG 85-7-B requires a 9V battery to operate, which powers its preamp for high output and low noise performance.

Can the EMG 85-7-B be used in the bridge position?

While the EMG 85-7-B is primarily designed for the neck position, it can be used in the bridge position for a warmer, thicker tone compared to traditional bridge pickups.

How does the EMG 85-7-B compare to the EMG 81 for metal music?

The EMG 85-7-B provides a smoother, more rounded tone compared to the EMG 81, which is known for its aggressive and sharp attack, making the 85-7-B suitable for players seeking a fuller sound in metal genres.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 85-7-B 7-String Active Neck Humbucker.

Comparisons

  • The EMG 707, a repurposed bass pickup for 7-string guitars, has an Alnico 5 magnet, whereas the 81-7 uses a ceramic magnet with significantly higher gauss strength.

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  • Owners report that placing an EMG 85 in the bridge position can produce a thicker, more balanced tone, contrasting with the sharper highs of an 81 in the bridge.

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Mods and upgrades

  • To mimic an 81-7 sound using an EQ pedal, create a backward checkmark EQ curve: reduce bass to 0 and boost treble, as ceramic magnets offer a V-shaped tone.

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  • Some users recommend running the EMG 85 in the bridge at 18 volts to improve tuning versatility and achieve more resonant pinch harmonics.

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Software and compatibility

  • Using EQ VSTs at the beginning of a signal chain in neural DSP amp sims can help shape an EMG 707 into an 81-7 sound, but gain levels remain fixed due to pickup design.

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Value and pricing

  • EMG's B stock pickups are available at discounted prices on Reverb, offering budget-conscious buyers an economical alternative to new pickups without compromising quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • The EMG 85 in the bridge position is praised for its ability to enhance melodic death metal tones, delivering both clarity and weight for rhythm and lead playing.

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User experience

  • Swapping the 81 and 85 pickups can transform a guitar's tonal profile, with multiple users noting enhanced tonal satisfaction after the switch.

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