EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4061
Description
EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 808 is a compact active soapbar engineered specifically for 8-string instruments, capturing tight low-end definition and articulate midrange response essential for extended-range recording. Its ivory finish integrates seamlessly with light-colored wood or matching hardware schemes. This is a genuine studio workhorse for sessions demanding clarity, controlled gain structure, and consistent output across the extended range.
Tone & Recording Character
Built around an Alnico magnet and tuned to a 2.00 kHz resonant frequency, the 808 emphasizes midrange presence while keeping lows defined rather than bloated—essential for 8-string tracking where string density can obscure detail in passive designs. The active circuit delivers 2.00 V output on single strings and 4.50 V on strums, with a noise floor at -104 dB, guaranteeing clean, mix-ready signal with minimal hum regardless of cable runs or interface distance.
Studio Integration & Setup
The 101.6 × 38.1 × 19 mm footprint fits standard soapbar cavities without modification, streamlining instrument prep between sessions. Quik-Connect solderless wiring accelerates installation and swaps without soldering; the included volume and tone potentiometers (both 25k) integrate directly into the supplied battery bus and control harness for quick routing adjustments. A single 9V battery sustains the circuit for approximately 3000 hours, and the design safely tolerates up to 27 V DC for boosted or conditioned supply lines.
Key Features
- Alnico magnet for focused midrange and controlled low-end
- 2.00 kHz resonant frequency optimized for 8-string clarity
- 2.00 V output (single string), 4.50 V output (strum)
- -104 dB output noise floor (60 Hz)
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- Dimensions: 101.6 × 38.1 × 19 mm (4.000" × 1.500" × 0.750")
- 9-volt battery power; ~3000 hours battery life
- Maximum supply voltage rating: 27 V DC
- Quik-Connect solderless wiring system
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables
- Available in Black, White, Ivory, and Red
- 80 µA current draw at 9V
The 808 pairs proven EMG active circuitry with extended-range voicing, delivering the articulation and output consistency that serious 8-string recording and production demands.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 808 is a purpose-built active soapbar for 8-string recording, tuned to preserve midrange articulation and controlled lows even when layering extended-range guitars in dense arrangements. Its -104 dB noise floor and consistent 4.50 V output (strums) deliver clean, hum-free tracking through long cable runs and interface chains, while the Alnico magnet and 2.00 kHz resonant peak ensure each string sits defined in the mix rather than disappearing into low-end blur. Home producers and studios tracking metal, progressive, or experimental music will appreciate the plug-and-play solderless wiring and straightforward 9V battery operation.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG 808 compatible with my 8-string guitar?
The 808 fits standard soapbar cavities (101.6 × 38.1 × 19 mm) without modification. Verify your guitar uses a soapbar routing; if your 8-string has a different cavity shape (humbucker or other), this pickup will not fit.
What genres and tunings is this pickup best suited for?
The 808 excels in extended-range metal, progressive, and studio sessions with drop tunings. Its tight low-end and midrange articulation are optimized for dense string counts; jazz, blues, and folk applications are not ideal matches for its voice.
How long does the battery last, and is installation really solderless?
A single 9V battery powers the circuit for approximately 3000 hours. Yes—the Quik-Connect system uses solderless wiring, and the kit includes volume and tone potentiometers pre-wired to a battery bus and control harness for straightforward installation without a soldering iron.
What output level and noise performance should I expect?
The 808 produces 2.00 V on single strings and 4.50 V on strums, with a noise floor of -104 dB at 60 Hz. This high output and low noise ensure clean, usable signal through long cable runs and recording chains with minimal hum.
How does the EMG 808 compare to the EMG 707 or Seymour Duncan Pegasus 8?
The 808 is tuned specifically for 8-string voicing with a 2.00 kHz midrange peak and tight low-end control; the 707 serves 7-strings with different resonant tuning. The Pegasus 8 is a passive alternative; the active 808 offers higher output consistency and lower noise for recording and live use.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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