EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6019
Description
EMG 66-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Red
The EMG 66-8 is a compact active soapbar designed specifically for eight-string instruments, delivering tight, articulate output with minimal noise floor. This neck pickup combines the focused character of EMG's active electronics with extended-range voicing, making it essential gear for players working across modern metal, prog, and extended-range styles who need reliable, controlled tone night after night.
Tone & Electronics
Alnico V magnets paired with ceramic pole pieces generate punchy midrange and controlled highs suited to palm-muted articulation and lead work on eight-string instruments. The active circuit ensures consistent output levels and clean signal transmission without the inductance coloration of passive designs—critical for live rigs where signal integrity matters.
Installation & Compatibility
The solderless system simplifies wiring—all connectors use plug-in cables rather than solder joints, reducing installation time and potential for error. This pickup ships with a complete electronics kit including potentiometers, output and input cables, battery connectors, and mounting hardware for immediate integration into your eight-string setup.
Key Features
- Active soapbar pickup optimized for 8-string instruments
- Alnico V magnets with ceramic pole pieces
- Housing/cap dimensions: 4 x 1.5 inches (extended series format)
- Neck position configuration
- Solderless connection system
- Includes 25k volume potentiometer
- Includes 25k tone potentiometer
- Includes stereo output jack and two-pickup in/out bus
- Battery bus, pickup cable, connect cables, and output cable included
- Mounting screws provided
- Red finish
The 66-8 delivers the direct, controlled response eight-string players expect from EMG's active platform, with all necessary components included for a complete installation ready for the road.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 66-8 is a compact active soapbar pickup engineered specifically for eight-string guitars, delivering tight low end, punchy mids, and articulate highs with a noise-free signal ideal for modern metal, djent, and progressive work. Built on Alnico V magnets and ceramic poles, it's voiced for palm-muted clarity and sustained lead tones on extended-range instruments. The solderless connection system and complete electronics kit make installation straightforward, so you can focus on playing rather than wiring.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, punchy midrange, controlled highs, articulate, high output |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install the EMG 66-8?
Intermediate to advanced players are the intended audience. The solderless system eliminates solder joints, which reduces installation complexity, but you should be comfortable routing a pickup cavity and wiring electronics. The kit includes all connectors, potentiometers, cables, and mounting hardware.
Is this pickup only for metal, or can I use it for other styles?
The EMG 66-8 is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and extended-range styles where tight articulation and high output are priorities. Its voiced character—punchy mids, controlled highs, minimal noise—is designed around those genres; jazz, blues, and folk players typically seek different tonal profiles.
What's included in the box?
The kit includes the active soapbar pickup, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, two-pickup in/out bus, battery connectors, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and mounting screws. Everything needed for a complete installation is provided.
How does the EMG 66-8 compare to the Seymour Duncan Sentient 8-String or Fishman Fluence Modern?
The EMG 66-8 is an active design with a tighter low end and more pronounced midrange punch; the Sentient is passive and warmer, while the Fluence Modern offers voice-switching versatility. Choose the 66-8 for direct, noise-free articulation in heavy music; choose the others if you prioritize passive tone coloration or multi-voice flexibility.
What are the physical dimensions, and will it fit my eight-string?
The housing measures 4 x 1.5 inches in extended series format, designed to fit standard eight-string soapbar cavities in the neck position. Confirm your guitar's cavity dimensions before purchase to ensure fit.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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