Is this pickup solderless, and what tools do I need to install it?

Yes, the 57-8H uses EMG's solderless installation system—no soldering iron or specialized tools required. The package includes all potentiometers, switching components, connectivity hardware, and cables needed for a complete ready-to-play setup.

What's included in the box?

The pickup comes with two 25K volume potentiometers, two 25K tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, 2-pickup bus connectivity, battery bus, full mounting hardware, and all necessary cables.

Will this work for drop tunings and 8-string extended-range guitars?

Yes. The Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces deliver balanced output and clear definition across all eight strings, with active electronics engineered specifically for the tight lows and harmonic precision demanded by drop-tuned and extended-range playing.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No. The 57-8H is voiced for metal, progressive, and technical extended-range applications; the tight low end and high-output character are not optimized for jazz or blues playing styles.

How does the active electronics affect noise and output consistency?

The active circuit maintains a low noise floor and consistent gain staging across all eight strings, which is critical for palm-muted articulation and harmonic precision in modern extended-range techniques.

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 Gold

The EMG 57-8H is built for 8-string players who need tight, articulate response and stage-ready reliability. This active humbucker combines refined midrange character with solderless convenience, making it straightforward to install and swap if your rig demands frequent configuration changes or complex wiring scenarios.

Tone & Electronics

Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces deliver balanced output with clear definition across all eight strings. The active electronics maintain consistent gain staging and a low noise floor—essential for the palm-muted articulation and harmonic precision that cuts through live sound systems and studio monitors.

Installation & Components

The solderless design gets you up and running without soldering iron or specialist tools, letting you install or swap pickups on your own time. Every potentiometer, switching component, and connectivity piece you need ships in the box, so you have a complete system ready to wire and play.

Key Features

8-string humbucker configuration
Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces
Active electronics with low-noise output
Brushed Gold finish
Solderless installation system
2x 25K volume potentiometers included
2x 25K tone potentiometers included
Stereo output jack
2-pickup bus connectivity
Battery bus included
Full mounting hardware and cables provided

The 57-8H delivers classic humbucker character engineered for extended-range instruments, backed by a complete electronics package ready to power your rig from day one.