EMG 808X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3819
Description
EMG 808X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
The EMG 808X is a high-output active soapbar designed specifically for 8-string instruments, delivering the extended low-end clarity and articulation that modern extended-range players demand. Its compact footprint and solderless connectivity make installation straightforward, while the Alnico V magnets and wide aperture coils produce punchy, focused tone with minimal muddiness across all eight strings.
Recording & Session Performance
Running on a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life, this active pickup outputs 2.00V on individual string strikes and 4.50V on full strums, giving you consistent gain staging and dynamic range for predictable tracking and mixing. The low current draw of 80 microamps at 9V ensures your battery lasts through extended recording sessions without frequency loss or noise, eliminating mid-project power concerns.
Installation & Integration
The 101.6 mm × 38.1 mm soapbar body fits standard 8-string cavities with an installation depth of 22.4 mm and mounting screw spacing of 95.3 mm. The solderless Quik-Connect system eliminates traditional wiring complexity, and the pickup ships with a complete electronics kit including a 25k volume pot, active tone control (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output socket, and all necessary cables and hardware.
Key Features
- Alnico V loaded, wide aperture coils for focused 8-string articulation
- Single 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Output: 2.00V (string) / 4.50V (strum)
- Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
- Resonant Frequency: 2.00 KHz
- Low current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Maximum Supply: 27V DC
- Solderless Quik-Connect installation system
- Width: 101.6 mm, Height: 38.1 mm, Installation depth: 22.4 mm
- Mounting screw spacing: 95.3 mm
- Includes volume pot, tone control, battery bus, stereo socket, cables, and hardware
- Made in USA
The 808X delivers the precision and reliability expected from EMG's active line while meeting the specific demands of extended-range 8-string configurations.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 808X is an active 8-string soapbar that captures focused, articulate tone with extended low-end clarity—ideal for recording metal, djent, and progressive music where precision and string separation matter. Its high output (4.50V on full strums) and low current draw ensure clean gain staging in the mix, while the included tone control and complete electronics kit streamline session setup. Built in the USA with proven active reliability, it delivers the punch and clarity modern extended-range recordings demand.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Traditional Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What output levels should I expect from the 808X?
The pickup outputs 2.00V on individual string strikes and 4.50V on full strums, with a 10 Kohm output impedance. This high output provides consistent gain staging and dynamic range suitable for metal and djent applications.
How long will the battery last?
Running on a single 9V battery, the 808X offers an exceptional 3000-hour battery life thanks to its low current draw of 80 microamps at 9V. You'll get extended sessions without frequency loss or noise.
What's included in the kit, and is installation complicated?
The pickup ships with a complete electronics package including a 25k volume pot, active tone control (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output socket, and all necessary cables and hardware. The solderless Quik-Connect system eliminates traditional wiring, making installation straightforward for standard 8-string cavities.
Will this pickup work in my 8-string guitar?
The 808X fits standard 8-string soapbar cavities with dimensions of 101.6 mm × 38.1 mm, an installation depth of 22.4 mm, and mounting screw spacing of 95.3 mm. Verify your guitar's cavity matches these specs before purchasing.
What genres and playing styles is the 808X designed for?
The 808X excels in metal, djent, progressive, and extended-range music where focused articulation and low-end clarity are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or traditional folk applications.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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