Is this pickup bridge or neck position, and will it fit my eight-string guitar?

This is a bridge-position pickup engineered for standard eight-string guitar cavities without any modifications required. The compact humbucker footprint integrates into modern extended-range guitar designs.

Do I need to solder this pickup, or is installation straightforward?

The EMG 57-8H features a solderless wiring system, eliminating the need for a soldering iron and making installation quick and accessible for most players.

How does this compare to other eight-string bridge pickups like the Seymour Duncan Nazgûl-8 or Fishman Fluence Modern?

The 57-8H delivers EMG's signature active-electronics noise rejection and consistent signal strength, with Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces voiced specifically for bridge-position aggression and clarity in high-gain contexts. Active design also ensures immunity to cable capacitance across long runs, a key advantage for touring and complex amp setups.

Is this an active or passive pickup, and does it require a battery?

This is an active pickup powered by battery operation, providing a low noise floor and consistent output strength across all gain levels and cable lengths.

What styles and tunings is this pickup designed for?

The 57-8H is engineered for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning styles where tight low-end response and articulate highs across extended-range instruments are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or country playing.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 57-8H is a high-output active humbucker engineered for eight-string guitars, delivering the aggressive tone and noise rejection that define EMG's signature character. This bridge-position pickup combines classic humbucker responsiveness with the extended frequency range needed for modern extended-range tuning, making it the go-to choice for metal, djent, and other styles that demand clarity and punch across all eight strings.

Tone & Performance

Built with Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces, the 57-8H produces a voiced output optimized for bridge-position aggression while maintaining note definition. The active design ensures consistent signal strength, low noise floor, and immunity to cable capacitance—critical advantages when running long cable runs or stacking gain stages in high-gain amplifier setups. On stage, you'll get reliable output that cuts through live mixes without feedback or signal degradation, whether you're playing tight club rooms or larger venues.

Design & Installation

The pickup's solderless installation system makes wiring straightforward, eliminating the need for solderless iron work on your instrument. The matte black finish integrates seamlessly into modern guitar aesthetics, and the compact eight-string humbucker footprint fits standard 8-string cavities without modification. For gigging musicians, the solderless approach means faster swaps if you need to troubleshoot or rotate gear between instruments.

Key Features

Eight-string active humbucker for extended-range guitars
Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces for tonal character
10K DC resistance
Active electronics with battery-powered operation
Bridge position configuration
Solderless wiring system for quick installation
Black chrome finish
Made in the USA

The EMG 57-8H combines professional-grade active electronics, proven tonal voicing, and practical installation features into a single pickup solution engineered for gigging eight-string players and studio work.

Best suited for	Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Extended Range
Tonal character	High-output, aggressive, tight low end, articulate highs, noise rejection
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional