EMG2651 vs EMG2736 — Compare
EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black vs EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 808 is purpose-built for 8-string guitars with a compact soapbar footprint and tuning-specific voiced response, while the EMG 81TW is a standard-guitar humbucker with dual-voice switching for tonal versatility. Choose the 808 if you play 8-string extended-range instruments; choose the 81TW if you need switching flexibility on a standard 6-string or 7-string guitar.
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EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black | EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Designed specifically for 8-string instruments with optimized pole spacing and string balance
- ✓ Compact soapbar footprint integrates into modern extended-range guitar designs
- ✓ Exceptional 3000-hour battery life with minimal 80-microamp current draw
- ✓ 2.00 kHz resonant frequency tailored for tight low end and midrange clarity on drop tunings
Why choose EMG 81TW Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Dual internal preamps enable push/pull switching between humbucker and single-coil voices without external wiring
- ✓ Standard humbucker size fits any guitar with a humbucker cavity—no modification needed
- ✓ Versatility across high-gain metal, progressive, and clean studio applications
- ✓ Solderless connections and complete hardware package simplify installation
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the EMG 81TW in an 8-string guitar?
The 81TW is designed for standard humbucker cavities on 6, 7, and occasionally 8-string guitars with traditional pickup routing. The EMG 808 is purpose-built with pole spacing and output optimized for all eight strings, making it the better choice for dedicated 8-string instruments.
What's the main tone difference between these two pickups?
The 808 emphasizes midrange clarity at 2.00 kHz with a tight low end, voiced for articulate picking on extended-range drop tunings. The 81TW offers dual resonant frequencies (3.6 kHz in single-coil mode, 2.225 kHz in humbucker mode) for greater tonal range across genres.
Which is better for metal and progressive music?
Both excel in high-gain metal and progressive applications. The 808 delivers more focused articulation and string definition on 8-string instruments, while the 81TW provides dual-voice flexibility if you want to switch between aggressive humbucker and brighter single-coil textures.
How do battery life and reliability compare?
The EMG 808 achieves 3000 hours on a 9V battery with just 80-microamp draw. EMG 81TW battery specifications are not detailed in the available information, but both use EMG's proven active electronics for noise rejection and consistent output.