EMG 81-8XH Long Shaft 8-String Active Humbucker 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
- EMG7827
Description
EMG 81-8XH Long Shaft 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-8XH is a high-output active humbucker engineered for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering the aggressive, defined tone essential for capturing heavy, articulate recordings in modern metal and high-gain productions. The solderless connection system simplifies installation, and the ceramic magnet structure ensures tight, punchy response across all eight strings without mud or frequency overlap—critical for maintaining clarity in dense, layered mixes.
Recording & Tone Character
Active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery yields a hot output signal with tight low-end definition and clarity in the midrange—ideal for tracking heavy tunings and palm-muted attack with punch that cuts through the mix. The ceramic magnet design maintains articulation and string-to-string balance, preventing any single string from dominating the frequency spectrum even under high distortion, ensuring consistent capture across all eight strings during overdubs and layering sessions.
Installation & Studio Integration
The solderless connection system eliminates the need for traditional wiring work, enabling quick swaps between instruments during sessions or for technician installation between studio dates. Dimensions of 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm mounting depth with 95.2 mm screw spacing fit standard 8-string extended-range cavities, and the long shaft variant accommodates deeper-mounted configurations common in modern extended-range instruments, ensuring reliable tracking performance across varied guitar configurations.
Key Features
- 8-string active humbucker pickup
- High-output ceramic magnet design
- Solderless quick-connect wiring system
- Black plastic cover finish
- Suitable for neck and bridge positions
- 9V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
- 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm mounting depth
- 95.2 mm mounting screw spacing
- Made in USA
This pickup combines EMG's proven active topology with extended-range voicing, delivering the cutting tone and reliable performance essential for professional 8-string recording and live production setups.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8XH is an active 8-string humbucker that brings tight, articulate high-output character to extended-range recording sessions, capturing aggressive metal and djent tones with clear string separation and controlled low-end punch. The ceramic magnet design and active circuitry deliver consistent, defined midrange tone that sits well in heavy mixes without frequency overlap. This pickup excels at tracking heavy riffs and drop-tuned material where clarity and articulation are essential.
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 does the long shaft variant mean, and will it fit my 8-string?
The long shaft accommodates deeper-mounted pickup cavities common in modern extended-range instruments. The pickup measures 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm mounting depth with 95.2 mm screw spacing, which fits standard 8-string extended-range cavities; verify your guitar's cavity depth and screw spacing before ordering.
Is this pickup good for metal and djent, or does it work in other genres?
This pickup is engineered for metal, djent, and drop-tuned extended-range work; it excels at tight low end and articulate attack in high-gain applications. Jazz, blues, and folk styles are not ideal matches for this high-output active design.
How does the solderless system work, and can I install it myself?
The solderless quick-connect wiring system eliminates traditional solder work, making installation faster and more accessible for DIY swaps or technician installation. No soldering skills are required.
What powers this pickup, and how long does the battery last?
The pickup is powered by a standard 9V battery with approximately 3000 hours of battery life. Monitor your battery status and replace it periodically to maintain consistent output.
Can I use this pickup in the neck position, or is it bridge-only?
The 81-8XH is suitable for both neck and bridge positions, giving you flexibility in how you voice your 8-string.
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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