How does the EMG 60-8H compare to the EMG 81-8H?

The 60-8H is a voiced-down variant of the 81, trading some raw peak volume for greater clarity and note definition, especially valuable in extended-range tunings where articulation matters. Both use active electronics and ceramic magnets, but the 60-8H's close-aperture coils optimize focus and response for 8-string spacing.

What's included in the box?

The pickup comes with the EMG Quik-Connect solderless harness (prewired cable, split-shaft volume and tone controls, output jack, and battery clip), mounting screws, springs, and a single 9V battery. No soldering required—all connections plug together.

Does it fit my 8-string guitar without routing?

Yes, the 60-8H is designed for standard eight-string humbucker routes and requires no modification to fit.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No, the 60-8H is voiced for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning contexts; its aggressive character and active design are optimized for those genres and won't suit traditional jazz or blues playing.

What skill level do I need to install this?

The solderless Quik-Connect harness makes installation accessible to intermediate players and up. If you've never wired a guitar, the plug-and-play design eliminates soldering risk, though basic guitar electronics familiarity is helpful.

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 60-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 60-8H is a voiced-down variant of EMG's legendary 81 designed specifically for extended-range instruments. Built for players who demand articulate, controlled output without sacrificing the aggression that active electronics deliver, this 8-string humbucker trades raw peak volume for clarity and note definition across thick, heavily-tuned strings.

Design & Construction

The pickup features ceramic magnets paired with steel pole pieces arranged in close-aperture coils, housed in a traditional humbucker shell with exposed poles. This configuration maintains classic humbucker character while optimizing response for the wider string spacing found on 8-string instruments, fitting standard eight-string humbucker routes without modification.

Power & Installation

Operation runs on a single 9V battery, keeping the electronics compact and reducing complexity in tight cavities. The included EMG Quik-Connect solderless harness eliminates traditional soldering—the prewired cable, split-shaft volume and tone control set, output jack, and battery clip all connect via connector plugs, accelerating installation and reducing risk of cold joints or wiring errors.

Key Features

Active humbucker design for 8-string instruments
Ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces
Close-aperture coils for focused, articulate tone
Traditional humbucker shell with exposed pole pieces
Single 9V battery operation
EMG Quik-Connect solderless harness included
Prewired split-shaft volume and tone control set
Output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs included
Fits standard eight-string humbucker rout
Black finish

The EMG 60-8H delivers controlled, articulate output ideal for extended-range players who value clarity and note separation in heavily-tuned contexts.

Best suited for	Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Extended Range
Tonal character	Articulate, controlled output, focused highs, tight response, note definition
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional