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EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome vs EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 57 is a versatile 6-string active humbucker for standard guitars across all genres, while the EMG 85-8H is purpose-built for 8-string extended-range instruments in modern metal styles. Choose the 57 if you play conventional 6-string guitar; choose the 85-8H only if you own an 8-string guitar.
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EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Works in any standard 6-string guitar with straightforward solderless installation
- ✓ Exceptionally low noise floor of -100 dB provides studio-quality clarity
- ✓ High output (4.50 V on full strums) cuts through dense mix or high-gain rigs
- ✓ Genre-agnostic design handles metal, rock, hard rock, and studio work equally well
Why choose EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Specifically engineered for 8-string guitar coil spacing and string tension demands
- ✓ Warm midrange character with reduced output enables articulate note separation under heavy distortion
- ✓ Optimized magnetic field and coil geometry prevent unwanted feedback across all eight strings
- ✓ Ideal for progressive metal and djent where clarity matters in extended tunings
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 85-8H in a standard 6-string guitar?
No. The 85-8H is built with 8-string coil spacing and magnetic field geometry and will not fit or sound correct in a 6-string instrument. The EMG 57 is the 6-string equivalent.
Which pickup has lower noise?
The EMG 57 specifies a noise floor of -100 dB at 60 Hz. The 85-8H describes itself as noise-free but does not publish a comparable dB specification, so the 57 offers a documented advantage in measured noise performance.
Which is better for high-gain metal?
Both excel in metal, but for different reasons. The EMG 57 delivers higher absolute output (4.50 V) and works in any standard guitar. The EMG 85-8H is optimized for 8-string tunings and djent, where its reduced output and midrange focus prevent string wash and maintain definition under extreme distortion.
How long does the battery last in each?
The EMG 57 draws only 160 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 1500 hours per 9V battery. The 85-8H does not publish battery-life specifications, though active EMG designs typically offer similar longevity.