EMG4632 vs EMG4633 — Compare
EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-7H is built for 7-string guitars with a long shaft pot, while the EMG 81-8XH is engineered specifically for 8-string instruments. Choose the 81-7H if you play 7-string; choose the 81-8XH if you play 8-string.
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EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81-7H Long Shaft 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Designed for 7-string guitars with long shaft potentiometer
- ✓ 3.00V RMS output provides aggressive, cutting tone
- ✓ 1630 Hz resonant frequency emphasizes sustain and presence
- ✓ Solderless wiring harness included for quick installation
Why choose EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Engineered for 8-string guitars with precise mounting specs
- ✓ Lower -107 dBV noise floor beats the 81-7H for cleaner high-gain
- ✓ 1.45 kHz resonant frequency focuses midrange aggression tighter
- ✓ Per-string output of 2.00V maintains articulation across all strings
Frequently asked questions
Will these pickups fit any extended-range guitar?
No. The 81-7H is designed for 7-string guitars with a long shaft potentiometer, and the 81-8XH is built for 8-string instruments. Using the wrong model may result in poor fit and improper wiring. Check your guitar's string count and pot shaft length before ordering.
Which pickup has a lower noise floor?
The 81-8XH has a -107 dBV noise floor compared to the 81-7H's -100 dBV, making it slightly quieter in high-gain settings. This 7 dB difference is modest but measurable in ultra-high-gain studio sessions.
How do the output levels compare?
The 81-7H delivers 3.00V RMS with 4.50V peak output. The 81-8XH produces 2.00V per string and 4.50V on full strum. The 81-7H's single-coil equivalent measurement versus the 81-8XH's per-string approach reflect different measurement contexts, but both provide aggressive, high-output character suitable for metal.
Are both pickups suitable for metal and djent?
Yes. Both are active humbuckers with ceramic magnets, -100+ dBV noise floors, and midrange-focused resonance designed for metal and progressive music. The choice between them depends entirely on whether you play 7-string or 8-string guitar.