EMG2651 vs EMG2652 — Compare

EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black vs EMG MM5CS 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 808 is a high-output 8-string guitar pickup engineered for metal and extended-range playing, while the EMG MM5CS is a high-output 5-string bass pickup built for modern bass styles like funk and slap. Choose the 808 if you play extended-range guitar; choose the MM5CS if you play five-string bass.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black

$129.00
View EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black

EMG MM5CS 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

$129.00
View EMG MM5CS 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

Specs side by side

EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in BlackEMG MM5CS 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black
Price$129.00$129.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Designed specifically for 8-string guitars with tight low-end clarity on drop tunings
  • ✓ 2.00 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes articulate midrange for metal and djent genres
  • ✓ Exceptional 3000-hour battery life with minimal 80 microamp current draw
  • ✓ Compact soapbar footprint fits modern extended-range instrument designs

Why choose EMG MM5CS 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Complete solderless pre-wired installation system—no soldering required
  • ✓ Wide bobbins and large coil surface area capture maximum signal across all five strings
  • ✓ Includes potentiometers, battery bus, cables, and hardware for ready-to-install convenience
  • ✓ Aggressive tone with defined attack and controlled sustain optimized for funk and slap bass
Bottom line: Buy the EMG 808 if you own an 8-string guitar and play metal or progressive music. Buy the EMG MM5CS if you own a 5-string bass and want a complete, solderless active pickup system for modern bass playing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the EMG 808 on a standard 6-string guitar?

No. The EMG 808 is designed specifically for 8-string instruments. It will not fit the bridge cavity or magnetic spacing of a standard 6-string guitar.

Can I use the EMG MM5CS on a 4-string bass?

No. The EMG MM5CS is engineered for 5-string bass pickups. It will not align properly with a 4-string bass bridge or magnetic configuration.

Which pickup is easier to install if I've never done electronics work?

The EMG MM5CS includes a complete solderless pre-wired system with included potentiometers and cables, making it accessible for beginners. The EMG 808 is a pickup-only unit and may require additional wiring knowledge or professional installation.

How long do the batteries last in each pickup?

The EMG 808 offers 3000-hour battery life at 9V operation. The EMG MM5CS specifications do not provide battery life duration in the available product information.

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