EMG3383 vs EMG3487 — Compare
EMG P5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
The P5X is a 5-string humbucker designed for funk and modern sessions with articulate midrange focus, while the 808 is an 8-string soapbar built for metal and extended-range playing with higher overall output and lower resonant frequency. Choose the P5X for traditional bass or progressive work on 5-strings; choose the 808 if you play 8-string or need the extended range and aggressive tone metal demands.
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EMG P5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
Specs side by side
| EMG P5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black | EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG P5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Purpose-built for 5-string basses with optimized coil design and string spacing
- ✓ Higher 4.5 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes articulate midrange ideal for funk and studio clarity
- ✓ Compact humbucker format fits standard 5-string cavities without modification
Why choose EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
- ✓ Handles 8 strings with consistent string-to-string balance and controlled definition
- ✓ Significantly higher output (2.0V single / 4.5V strum) for aggressive modern styles
- ✓ Lower 2.0 kHz resonant frequency delivers tight, defined low end suited to metal and djent
- ✓ Solderless Quik-connect system simplifies installation and future swaps
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 808 in a standard 5-string bass?
No. The 808 is designed for 8-string instruments and will not fit standard 5-string bass cavities. The P5X is engineered specifically for 5-string configurations with proper coil spacing and magnet alignment.
Which pickup has higher output?
The 808 delivers 2.0V on single strings and 4.5V on full strums, making it significantly hotter than the P5X's 1.0V RMS output. This extra gain suits aggressive playing styles but may require careful gain staging on amplifiers.
How do the tonal characteristics differ?
The P5X emphasizes articulate midrange at 4.5 kHz, making it bright and punchy for clarity and precision. The 808's 2.0 kHz resonance delivers tighter lows and smoother mids, favoring definition and aggression on extended-range instruments.
Do both pickups have the same battery life?
Yes. Both the P5X and 808 run on 9V power with 80 microamp draw, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly one year of regular use.