EMG 57-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6018
Description
EMG 57-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
The EMG 57-8 is a bridge-position active soapbar engineered for 8-string instruments, delivering the focused, articulate aggression that defines EMG's signature character. This compact red unit pairs tight low-end definition with responsive midrange clarity, essential for extended-range players who need precision in both rhythm and lead work on stage and in the studio.
Design & Construction
Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces establish the pickup's tonal foundation, while the extended soapbar housing (4 x 1.5 inches) fits standard 8-string bridge cavities. Active electronics powered by a standard 9V battery deliver consistent output with no signal degradation across the cable run—critical for live rigs where long cable paths are unavoidable.
Installation & Integration
The solderless installation system makes swaps straightforward—no iron required. The package includes dual 25K potentiometers (volume and tone), stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws, providing everything needed for a complete installation on an 8-string platform.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces
- Active electronics with 9V battery power
- 8-string configuration
- Bridge position
- Soapbar housing: 4 x 1.5 inches
- Solderless installation
- 25K volume potentiometer included
- 25K tone potentiometer included
- Stereo output jack
- Two-pickup in/out bus
- Complete cable and hardware kit (pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, mounting screws)
The 57-8 delivers the direct, controlled response that active pickups are known for, making it a reliable choice for 8-string drop-tuning applications where articulation and dependable on-stage performance matter.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57-8 is an active 8-string bridge pickup engineered for metal, djent, and extended-range drop tunings, delivering tight low-end definition and articulate midrange punch without muddiness. Built for intermediate to professional players, it uses Alnico V magnets and active 9V electronics to maintain consistent output across long cable runs—critical for extended-range rigs on stage. The solderless system and complete accessory kit make installation straightforward, and the compact soapbar housing fits standard 8-string cavities.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the package?
The kit includes the pickup, dual 25K potentiometers (volume and tone), stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, battery cable, mounting screws, and everything else needed for a complete 8-string installation.
Is soldering required for installation?
No. The EMG 57-8 uses a solderless installation system, so you can swap it in without an iron or soldering experience.
What tuning styles and genres is this pickup best for?
It excels in metal, djent, drop tunings, and extended-range applications where tight low-end definition and articulate midrange clarity are priorities. It is not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does the active electronics affect the tone and performance?
The 9V active circuit delivers consistent, high output with no signal degradation across long cable runs—a major advantage on extended-range rigs with multiple effects or long stage cables. It provides controlled, focused aggression without dynamic loss.
What is the physical size, and will it fit my 8-string?
The soapbar housing measures 4 x 1.5 inches and is designed for standard 8-string bridge cavities. Verify your instrument's cavity dimensions before ordering.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.
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