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Average Price: $108
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$99
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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
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Is the EMG 85-7 Black suitable for both bridge and neck positions on a seven-string guitar?
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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.
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What type of sound can I expect from the EMG 85-7 Black pickup?
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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.
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Is the EMG 85-7 Black an active or passive pickup?
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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.
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Does the EMG 85-7 Black come with solderless wiring?
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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.
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Can the EMG 85-7 Black be used for aggressive music styles?
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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
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EMG 707 uses an Alnico 5 magnet, unlike the EMG 81-7 which uses a ceramic magnet, resulting in differing tonal profiles.
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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EMG 707 is known for its unique sound signature due to its origins as a repurposed bass pickup, affecting its tonal characteristics.
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Software and compatibility
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Users utilizing Neural DSP can place an EQ VST before their amp sim to adjust the EMG 707's tone to mimic other pickups.
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Mods and upgrades
Value and pricing
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EMG's B stock pickups are available at a discount on Reverb, providing a budget-friendly option for quality pickups.
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Use cases and applications
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Lace Alumitone pickups are recommended for their unique design and sound when wired correctly, appealing to those seeking a hot, distinctive tone.
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3.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
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