EMG4449 vs EMG4450 — Compare
EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 81-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The H2A-B is a passive, vintage-leaning bridge pickup for traditional 6-string guitars suited to blues and rock, while the 81-8 is an active, high-output soapbar designed exclusively for 8-string extended-range instruments in metal and djent. Choose the H2A-B if you play standard guitars and prefer warm, articulate tones; choose the 81-8 if you play 8-string and need tight, aggressive modern tones.
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Specs side by side
| EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 81-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Passive design—no battery required, no active circuitry needed
- ✓ Warm alnico character with clear midrange articulation ideal for blues and rock
- ✓ Standard 6-string bridge position compatibility with Tune-o-matic mounting
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry to quality EMG tone without onboard electronics
Why choose EMG 81-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Purpose-built for 8-string guitars with extended low-end clarity and punch
- ✓ Active circuitry delivers noise-free, consistent high-output performance in high-gain settings
- ✓ Completely pre-wired and ready to install—no additional potentiometers or wiring required
- ✓ Tight, focused tone perfect for djent, progressive metal, and modern extended-range applications
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 81-8 on a standard 6-string guitar?
No. The 81-8 is engineered specifically for 8-string instrument cavities and dimensions. The H2A-B is designed for standard 6-string bridge positions with Tune-o-matic mounting.
Do I need to buy additional electronics to install either pickup?
The H2A-B is passive and connects directly to standard guitar wiring. The 81-8 arrives completely wired with potentiometers, battery clip, and output jack—no additional parts needed, only a 9V battery for operation.
Which pickup is better for high-gain and metal tones?
The 81-8 is specifically engineered for high-gain and metal applications with tight lows and articulate highs, while the H2A-B delivers warm, vintage-leaning character unsuited to metal or djent.
What's the main tonal difference between these two?
The H2A-B offers balanced, warm, articulate midrange clarity from alnico magnets suited to blues and rock. The 81-8 provides punchy, focused lows and highs with ceramic magnets for aggressive modern metal and extended-range applications.