EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4485
Description
EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81-8XH is engineered to capture aggressive, high-output tone with the clarity and punch needed to define 8-string parts in dense, layered mixes. This bridge pickup combines ceramic magnet articulation with active preamp circuitry to maintain articulation and separation through extended tunings, delivering the tight, defined response essential for tracking and production work on extended-range instruments.
Tone & Electronics
Powered by EMG's X preamp and built with a ceramic magnet, the 81-8XH produces the characteristic punchy midrange and compressed output that sits well in modern heavy music productions. The active tone control (VLPF) included in the solderless system enables real-time high-end shaping during tracking or re-amping sessions, allowing you to dial in clarity without sacrificing the pickup's inherent aggression.
Studio Integration & Workflow
This pickup ships with a complete solderless installation system that eliminates the need for iron and solder—a practical advantage for quick instrument swaps between tracking sessions or emergency repairs. The system includes everything needed for immediate integration: volume pot, active tone circuit, battery bus, output jack, connectivity cables, mounting hardware, and a 9V battery that delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime.
Key Features
- Magnet type: Ceramic
- Preamp type: X preamp
- Position: Bridge (8-string guitar)
- Finish: Gold
- Active tone control (VLPF)
- 25k volume potentiometer included
- Solderless installation system with all cables and connectors
- 9V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
- Two-pickup in/out bus for multi-pickup configurations
- Stereo output jack
- Mounting screws and springs included
The 81-8XH combines proven EMG 81 aggression with format-specific design and a complete solderless ecosystem, making it a reliable choice for producers tracking 8-string instruments who need clarity and output across extended tunings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8XH is a high-output active bridge pickup engineered for 8-string recording sessions where clarity and punch are non-negotiable across extended tunings. Home engineers and producers tracking metal or djent will benefit from the ceramic magnet's articulate midrange, compressed active preamp tone, and built-in high-end shaping (VLPF) to sit a dense mix without loss of definition. The solderless system and included electronics (volume pot, battery, cables, output jack) make it a self-contained studio retrofit that requires no soldering expertise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box and do I need external gear to install it?
The 81-8XH ships with a complete solderless installation system: volume pot, active tone circuit, battery bus, output jack, connectivity cables, mounting hardware, and a 9V battery (3000-hour runtime). You need no iron, solder, or external preamp—everything required for immediate integration is included.
Is this pickup only for bridge position, and can I use two 81-8XH pickups in one guitar?
This is a bridge-position pickup. The system includes a two-pickup in/out bus, so you can run two EMG 8-string pickups in one guitar if desired.
What tunings and genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 81-8XH excels in metal, djent, and extended-range drop-tuning contexts where high output, articulate midrange, and tight low-end response are priorities. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How does the active tone control work, and does it affect the pickup's aggression?
The VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter) active tone control allows real-time shaping of high-end content via the volume pot, letting you dial in brightness or darkness without sacrificing the pickup's inherent compressed, aggressive character.
What skill level is required to install this pickup?
The solderless system is designed for intermediate to advanced players and professionals who want a quick, tool-free swap. No soldering or iron work is necessary; all connectors and cables are plug-and-play.
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 $11 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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