EMG4474 vs EMG4481 — Compare
EMG 60-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 60-8XH emphasizes clarity and articulation with a balanced low end, while the EMG 81-8XH prioritizes aggressive midrange punch and high output for heavier genres. Choose the 60-8XH for studio work and definition across dense tunings; choose the 81-8XH for modern metal and djent where aggression and controlled clarity matter most.
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EMG 60-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 60-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $159.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Extended clarity and full-bodied punch across all eight strings
- ✓ Increased headroom and dynamic range for studio applications
- ✓ Gold finish and refined tone balance suit extended-range playing
- ✓ Minimal noise with consistent output across tunings
Why choose EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design delivers higher output and aggressive character
- ✓ Enhanced midrange articulation tailored for metal and djent
- ✓ Brushed black chrome finish with fingerprint and corrosion resistance
- ✓ Tight low end with controlled clarity in heavy, technical playing
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The 60-8XH offers balanced articulation with extended clarity and full-bodied punch, optimized for definition across dense tunings and studio sessions. The 81-8XH prioritizes aggressive midrange punch and higher output with a ceramic magnet design, tailored for modern metal and djent where controlled aggression dominates.
Are these pickups suitable for genres outside metal?
The 60-8XH is more versatile, excelling in studio and progressive applications where clarity matters. Both pickups are explicitly not ideal for jazz, blues, or folk due to their active design, tight low end, and high-output character tuned for extended-range and heavy genres.
What is included with each pickup for installation?
Both come with solderless wiring, 25K potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup in/out buses, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables. The 81-8XH specifies an active tone pot with VLPF, while the 60-8XH includes standard tone control.
How do the finishes and magnets differ?
The 60-8XH features a gold finish with standard EMG X series construction. The 81-8XH uses ceramic magnets with a brushed black chrome finish that resists fingerprints and corrosion, offering a modern aesthetic and potentially higher output response.