Is this pickup suitable for 8-string guitars tuned very low?

Yes. The 57-8H is specifically designed for extended-range tunings, with Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces that deliver controlled output and string definition across all eight strings, even in aggressive low tunings common to metal and djent.

Does this come with solderless wiring, or do I need to solder it in?

The 57-8H features solderless installation, so you can drop it in as a replacement without rewiring or soldering. It's a straightforward swap for existing bridge pickups.

What makes the active electronics different from passive pickups?

Active electronics provide consistent output level and tight, responsive dynamics regardless of playing intensity or string vibration. This precision is especially valuable in the bridge position where tracking and definition are critical for heavy, complex playing.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 57-8H excels in metal, djent, progressive, and other high-gain styles where articulate tone, string separation, and aggressive response are priorities. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk applications.

Is this a bridge or neck pickup?

This is a bridge-position pickup only, engineered specifically for the bridge location of 8-string guitars where its high output and focused tone shine.

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.

EMG 57-8H Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG 57-8H is a high-output active humbucker built for the bridge position of modern 8-string guitars. This pickup cuts through dense tunings and heavy playing with the aggressive, defined tone and clarity that extended-range instruments demand on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Electronics

Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces create a focused, articulate voice with excellent string separation and controlled dynamics across all eight strings. The active electronics provide consistent output and tight response, delivering the tracking and definition needed for bridge position work where precision matters.

Installation & Build

Solderless installation eliminates the need for rewiring, making this pickup a straightforward drop-in replacement for gigs or studio sessions. Manufactured in the United States, the brushed chrome finish suits modern instrument aesthetics while standing up to road use and regular gigging.

Key Features

Designed and voiced specifically for the bridge position of 8-string electric guitars
Alnico V magnets for focused, articulate tone
Steel pole pieces for controlled output and string definition
Active electronics with consistent output level
Brushed chrome finish
Solderless installation for quick, hassle-free setup
Made in the United States
High-output design tailored to extended-range tunings

The 57-8H delivers the precision and aggression that 8-string bridge work requires, backed by EMG's track record for reliability and American manufacturing.