EMG 81-8X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4914
Description
EMG 81-8X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-8X is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 8-string instruments, capturing the aggression and clarity that extended-range tracking demands in the studio. This soapbar design maintains the tight articulation EMG is known for across a wider frequency range, translating to defined, responsive recordings without phase issues or frequency buildup. Built with USA manufacturing standards, it's a direct replacement for engineers seeking punchy, track-ready tone across both bridge and neck positions.
Design & Build Quality
The pickup features a ceramic magnet construction housed in a black plastic cap soapbar enclosure, designed to mount at bridge or neck positions. Its compact 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm depth and 95.2 mm screw spacing integrate cleanly into modern 8-string guitar cavities, while solderless connectors simplify installation and circuit modifications during session work.
Electronics & Tone Character
The newly developed preamp delivers high output with an open, dynamic character that avoids muddiness across lower frequencies, sitting cleanly in dense mixes without requiring aggressive EQ correction. Included active tone pot, 25k passive tone pot, battery bus, and full connectivity suite provide flexible tone-shaping options and seamless integration into active or hybrid wiring schemes, enabling quick tonal adjustments between takes or sessions.
Key Features
- Active humbucker designed for 8-string instruments
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Soapbar design with black plastic caps
- Solderless connections for easy installation
- High output with newly developed preamp
- Open and dynamic sound character
- Bridge or neck position compatibility
- Dimensions: 101.6 mm W × 38.1 mm H × 22.3 mm depth
- Mounting screw spacing: 95.2 mm
- Includes 25k tone pot, active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, 2 pickup in/out bus, mounting hardware, cables, and battery cable
- Made in USA
The EMG 81-8X delivers extended-range precision with the tight response and output that defines modern metal and progressive recording sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8X is a purpose-built active pickup for 8-string recording sessions, engineered to capture defined, open dynamics across the extended low-frequency range without loss of clarity or articulation. Its high output and ceramic magnet deliver the aggression and separation needed in dense metal and progressive mixes, while flexible active and passive tone-shaping options let you dial in the exact character your session requires. Solderless connections and a complete wiring suite streamline studio setup and encourage quick sonic experimentation.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Progressive, Extended Range, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight low end, articulate, open and dynamic, defined aggression |
| 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 genres and playing styles is the EMG 81-8X best suited for?
This pickup excels in metal, progressive, and extended-range styles where articulation and tight low-end definition matter. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk playing, where its high output and aggressive tone character would be mismatched to the session or performance.
Can I install the EMG 81-8X myself, or do I need a tech?
The pickup includes solderless connectors that simplify installation, making it accessible for intermediate and advanced players comfortable with basic wiring. A full connectivity suite, mounting hardware, and cables are included, though professional setup is always an option if you're unfamiliar with active electronics.
Will this pickup fit my 8-string guitar, and what positions can it go in?
The EMG 81-8X is designed for 8-string instruments with a soapbar cavity and 95.2 mm screw spacing. It is compatible with both bridge and neck positions, and its compact dimensions (101.6 mm W × 38.1 mm H × 22.3 mm depth) integrate cleanly into modern 8-string builds.
What is included in the box, and what do I need to know about the active electronics?
You get the pickup, an active tone pot, a 25k passive tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup input/output bus, mounting hardware, cables, and a battery cable. The active preamp is newly developed for the 8-string platform and provides high output with open, dynamic character while avoiding muddiness in lower frequencies.
How does the EMG 81-8X compare to other 8-string active pickups like the Seymour Duncan Blackouts or Fishman Fluence Modern?
All three are high-output active designs for extended-range instruments. The EMG 81-8X emphasizes tight articulation and defined aggression with a newly developed preamp, while the Seymour Duncan Blackouts and Fishman Fluence Modern each offer their own voicings and features—compare tone profiles and wiring flexibility to match your sonic and playability priorities.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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