EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6019
Description
EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
The EMG 66-8 is a compact active soapbar engineered for eight-string instruments, delivering tight, articulate output with minimal noise floor. This neck pickup combines EMG's active electronics with extended-range voicing, capturing focused tones that sit well in dense mixes and maintain clarity during complex arrangements across modern metal, prog, and extended-range production work.
Tone & Recording Character
Alnico V magnets paired with ceramic pole pieces generate punchy midrange and controlled highs that translate effectively to tape or DAW, excelling at capturing palm-muted articulation and lead definition on eight-string instruments. The active circuit ensures consistent output levels and clean signal transmission without the inductance coloration of passive designs, delivering predictable tracking performance across overdubs and punch-in sessions.
Installation & Workflow
The solderless system streamlines setup—all connectors use plug-in cables rather than solder joints, reducing installation time and potential for error during studio setup. This pickup ships with a complete electronics kit including potentiometers, output and input cables, battery connectors, and mounting hardware, allowing immediate integration into your recording rig without additional sourcing.
Key Features
- Active soapbar pickup optimized for 8-string instruments
- Alnico V magnets with ceramic pole pieces
- Housing/cap dimensions: 4 x 1.5 inches (extended series format)
- Neck position configuration
- Solderless connection system
- Includes 25k volume potentiometer
- Includes 25k tone potentiometer
- Includes stereo output jack and two-pickup in/out bus
- Battery bus, pickup cable, connect cables, and output cable included
- Mounting screws provided
- Red finish
The 66-8 delivers the direct, controlled response required for tracking eight-string instruments in a professional setting, with all necessary components included for complete installation and immediate recording deployment.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 66-8 is an active soapbar pickup for eight-string guitars that captures tight, articulate tone with a controlled frequency response and minimal noise floor—perfect for recording heavy riffs, extended-range leads, and progessive material into your DAW. Its active electronics ensure consistent output levels and clean tracking, while the included potentiometers, cables, and mounting hardware let you integrate it into a session guitar without delay. The solderless design speeds up setup so you can get to capturing takes.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, punchy midrange, controlled highs, articulate, high output |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install the EMG 66-8?
Intermediate to advanced players are the intended audience. The solderless system eliminates solder joints, which reduces installation complexity, but you should be comfortable routing a pickup cavity and wiring electronics. The kit includes all connectors, potentiometers, cables, and mounting hardware.
Is this pickup only for metal, or can I use it for other styles?
The EMG 66-8 is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and extended-range styles where tight articulation and high output are priorities. Its voiced character—punchy mids, controlled highs, minimal noise—is designed around those genres; jazz, blues, and folk players typically seek different tonal profiles.
What's included in the box?
The kit includes the active soapbar pickup, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, battery connectors, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and mounting screws. Everything needed for a complete installation is provided.
How does the EMG 66-8 compare to the Seymour Duncan Sentient 8-String or Fishman Fluence Modern?
The EMG 66-8 is an active design with a tighter low end and more pronounced midrange punch; the Sentient is passive and warmer, while the Fluence Modern offers voice-switching versatility. Choose the 66-8 for direct, noise-free articulation in heavy music; choose the others if you prioritize passive tone coloration or multi-voice flexibility.
What are the physical dimensions, and will it fit my eight-string?
The housing measures 4 x 1.5 inches in extended series format, designed to fit standard eight-string soapbar cavities in the neck position. Confirm your guitar's cavity dimensions before purchase to ensure fit.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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