Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $121

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG 89X". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the full spectrum of your guitar's potential with the EMG 89X, a revolutionary pickup that merges the warmth of a humbucker with the clarity of a single coil. This hybrid marvel is designed to cater to the diverse tonal needs of modern guitarists, offering a seamless blend of rich and powerful sound with bright, airy notes. Featuring an Alnico V magnet, the 89X delivers a dynamic response that stays crisp and articulate, no matter the style of play.

Ideal for the neck position, this pickup includes separate preamps and coils, allowing you to easily switch between the bold humbucker and the chimey single coil sound. The X series ups the ante by providing more dynamic reserves, lending an organic and open quality to your music while preserving the legendary clarity EMG is renowned for. Whether you're shredding through solos or laying down intricate rhythm tracks, the EMG 89X rises to the occasion.

Installation is a breeze with EMG's exclusive solderless system, letting you spend less time tinkering and more time playing. Medium output ensures a balanced performance across genres, making this pickup a versatile addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Active hybrid pickup combining humbucker and single coil tones
  • Alnico V magnet for enhanced dynamic response
  • Separate preamps and coils for versatile sound options
  • Medium output for a balanced tonal range
  • Solderless connectors for easy installation
  • Includes 25k tone and push/pull potentiometers
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Available since May 2010
Active Yes
Wiring Completely Wired
Output High
Cap Yes
Colour Black
Position Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What modes does the EMG 89X pickup offer?

The EMG 89X pickup offers both dual-coil and single-coil modes, which can be easily switched via a push-pull pot. This versatility allows for a wide range of tonal options to suit different playing styles and genres.

How does the EMG 89X differ from traditional pickups in terms of output?

The EMG 89X is an active pickup with high output, providing more power and clarity than many passive pickups. This makes it ideal for players seeking a strong, consistent signal with enhanced headroom.

Can the EMG 89X be used in both the neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the EMG 89X is designed for use in both the neck and bridge positions, offering flexibility in setup and sound customization for your guitar.

What type of magnets does the EMG 89X use?

The EMG 89X utilizes Alnico V magnets, which contribute to its warm and dynamic sound, providing a balance of clarity and punch across its frequency range.

Does the EMG 89X require any special wiring or installation?

The EMG 89X comes completely wired, making installation straightforward. It includes separate preamps for each mode, ensuring optimal performance in both dual-coil and single-coil settings.

Oversure

Oversure

EMG 89x 89xr Demo/Test - Bridge & Neck Pickups - Archetype Nolly Amp Sim

Video thumbnail for EMG 89x 89xr Demo/Test - Bridge & Neck Pickups - Archetype Nolly Amp Sim by Oversure

EMG 89x 89xr Demo/Test - Bridge & Neck Pickups - Archetype Nolly Amp Sim

Oversure

Oversure

Video thumbnail for EMG P90 + 89X by Marino Mrcela

EMG P90 + 89X

Marino Mrcela

Marino Mrcela

Video thumbnail for EMG 58 vs. EMG 89X - Metal Tones Only by metal_moonlighter

EMG 58 vs. EMG 89X - Metal Tones Only

metal_moonlighter

metal_moonlighter

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth volume and tone controls with active variable low-pass control

  • Wide tonal range from chime-y to velvet-y

  • Polite output levels for active pickups, suitable beyond metal genres

  • Easy installation even in tight spaces

  • Solderless electronic kit enhances modularity and ease of use

  • Splittable pickups add versatility for multiple genres

  • Clear and well-defined sound with added personality

  • Long battery life, up to 1000 hours

  • Clean sound is overwhelming after adjustment

  • No interference or noise on stage with active pickups

CONS

  • Volume and tone controls could be softer in adjustment

  • Concerns about connectors during stage movement, though fixable with hot glue

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 89X.

Mods and upgrades

  • Running EMG pickups at 18v or even 27v increases headroom, requiring just additional 9v battery connectors for the mod.

    Source
  • EMG’s phase switch is a recommended accessory for additional tonal flexibility when using EMG pickups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EMG 89X offers no significant output difference between humbucker and single coil modes, unlike passive humbuckers.

    Source
  • The EMG 89X uses a separate coil for its split mode, offering a unique approach compared to Fishman Fluence's technology.

    Source
  • The EMG 89 offers a noiseless single coil mode with a noise-cancelling coil, providing a low output sound similar to Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Achieving auto-splitting in positions 2 and 4 on a 5-way switch with EMG 89X requires a 5-way mega switch.

    Source
  • Installation of the EMG 89 requires ample cavity space, especially in smaller guitars like Stratocasters and SGs, due to its wiring complexity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • EMG 89XR is preferred in both neck and bridge positions over the standard 89X for its versatility and sound quality.

    Source
  • EMG's coil-splitting design contrasts with Fishman Fluence's, which doesn't split in the traditional sense, affecting the tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The EMG 89 in humbucker mode sounds almost like an EMG 85, delivering about 90% of its tonal quality, but offers superior versatility with its single coil mode.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EMG 89X's separate coil design may appeal to players seeking distinct split sounds, potentially suiting those who prefer a crystalline tone.

    Source
  • The EMG 58 pickup provides a raw, vintage, punky sound, combining qualities of the 60, 85, and 81, making it versatile for various musical styles.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Koichi Fukuda uses EMG 89X

Koichi Fukuda

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Static?X

...
Verified via Emgpickups

Mentioned inside this article.

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 89X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

EMG 81X
EMG 81X Electric Guitar Pickups
1
EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup
EMG 60AX Active Humbucker Pickup Electric Guitar Pickups
1

More EMG Electric Guitar Pickups

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides