Is this pickup right for my playing style?

The EMG 57-8 is optimized for metal, progressive, and extended-range tuning contexts where articulation and controlled dynamics matter most. It excels in modern, aggressive settings but is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk applications.

What's included in the box?

The package includes the active pickup, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and all mounting hardware. It's a complete wiring ecosystem—no soldering required.

How does solderless installation work?

The solderless system uses plug connectors instead of solder joints, eliminating the need for a soldering iron and flux. Setup is faster and more beginner-friendly while maintaining reliable connections.

Will this pickup work on my 8-string guitar?

Yes, the EMG 57-8 is engineered specifically for 8-string electric guitars in the bridge position, with Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces tuned to maintain clarity and impact across all eight strings.

How does active electronics affect tone?

Active circuitry provides headroom and punch that passive pickups cannot match, especially important when dealing with the harmonic complexity of extended-range tuning systems. You get focused articulation and presence without losing definition.

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.

EMG 57-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black

The EMG 57-8 is a bridge-position humbucker engineered specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering the aggressive articulation and controlled dynamics that extended-range instruments demand. Its active electronics cut through dense tunings with definition and presence, making it the go-to choice for players working in modern metal, progressive, and extended-range contexts.

Tone & Output Character

Active circuitry provides headroom and punch that passive pickups struggle to match, especially critical when dealing with the harmonic complexity of 8-string configurations. Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces produce a focused, articulate response that maintains clarity across all eight strings without loss of impact.

Installation & Electronics

The solderless installation system streamlines setup—no iron, no flux, no waiting for solder joints to cool. The included ecosystem covers everything: volume and tone controls, battery bus, output jack, pickup coupling bus, mounting hardware, and all necessary cabling.

Key Features

Designed for bridge position on 8-string electric guitars
Extended series cap measuring 4 x 1.5 inches
Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces
Active electronics for headroom and punch
Solderless installation system included
Includes 25k volume potentiometer
Includes 25k tone potentiometer
Complete wiring harness: battery bus, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
Optimized for 8-string steel string configuration
Black cap finish

The 57-8 combines EMG's proven active architecture with hardware designed explicitly for modern extended-range tuning systems, delivering focused articulation and controlled sustain in one installation-friendly package.