Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
3.0 (1)
Used
Reverb
$99.34 6 available New
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$106.00 $105.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $108

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG 85-7 Black". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your 7-string guitar's tone with the EMG 85-7 Black active humbucker pickup, designed to deliver a robust and versatile sound that satisfies even the most discerning musicians. Known for its classic EMG 85 sound, this pickup is housed in a sleek soapbar casing, making it a staple choice for both neck and bridge positions. With medium output, it offers a powerful yet controlled tone, perfect for both rhythm and lead parts. The Alnico 5 magnet ensures a warm, rich sound that resonates beautifully through your instrument.

The EMG 85-7 Black is equipped with EMG's exclusive solderless installation system, simplifying the process of getting your guitar stage-ready. Whether you're jamming in a garage band or performing on a grand stage, this pickup guarantees reliability and exceptional performance. The solderless connections mean you'll spend less time on setup and more time on crafting your sound.

Key Features:

  • Designed for 7-string electric guitars
  • Suitable for both neck and bridge positions
  • Medium output for a balanced tone
  • Classic EMG 85 sound in a 7-string soapbar casing
  • Alnico 5 magnet for warm, rich sound
  • Solderless connections for easy installation
  • Includes 25k volume and tone potentiometers
  • Battery bus and stereo output jack included
  • Comes with mounting hardware and all necessary cables

Product specs

Available since March 2019
Type of pickup Humbucker
Active Pickup System Yes
Passive Pickup System No
Wiring Completely Wired
Colour Black
Position Bridge, Neck

FAQs

Is the EMG 85-7 Black suitable for both bridge and neck positions on a seven-string guitar?

Yes, the EMG 85-7 Black is designed for use in both bridge and neck positions, offering versatility in tone and application for seven-string guitars.

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

The EMG 85-7 Black provides a smooth, rich tone with excellent sustain, making it ideal for genres that require both clarity and power, such as metal and hard rock.

Is the EMG 85-7 Black an active or passive pickup?

The EMG 85-7 Black is an active pickup, which means it requires a battery to operate and provides a higher output compared to passive pickups.

Does the EMG 85-7 Black come with solderless wiring?

Yes, the EMG 85-7 Black features a completely wired, solderless installation system, making it easy to install or swap out without the need for soldering.

Can the EMG 85-7 Black be used for aggressive music styles?

Absolutely, the EMG 85-7 Black is well-suited for aggressive music styles like metal, offering powerful output and clarity that can handle high-gain settings effectively.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 85-7 Black.

Comparisons

  • EMG 707 uses an Alnico 5 magnet, unlike the EMG 81-7 which uses a ceramic magnet, resulting in differing tonal profiles.

    Source
  • Seymour Duncan Distortion pickups are favored for their hot sound without excessive mids, offering a less shrill tone compared to Nazgûl, especially in low tunings.

    Source
  • Fishman Fluence Moderns provide clarity and tonal variety with push/pull voicing changes, offering scooped and mid-forward tones, which some users find more appealing than EMG 85-7s.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • EMG 707 is known for its unique sound signature due to its origins as a repurposed bass pickup, affecting its tonal characteristics.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users utilizing Neural DSP can place an EQ VST before their amp sim to adjust the EMG 707's tone to mimic other pickups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A check-mark EQ configuration is suggested to mimic the EMG 81-7's tone: bass at 0, treble boosted.

    Source
  • Some users suggest trying Dimarzio Occult Classic pickups for a significant tonal improvement over stock options, noted for their impressive sound quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • EMG's B stock pickups are available at a discount on Reverb, providing a budget-friendly option for quality pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Lace Alumitone pickups are recommended for their unique design and sound when wired correctly, appealing to those seeking a hot, distinctive tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners moving from EMG 85-7s to Fishman Fluence Moderns report a reduction in artificial or sterile sound, offering a more dynamic and clearer tone.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

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