Is the EMG 808 compatible with my 8-string guitar?

The 808 fits standard soapbar cavities (101.6 × 38.1 × 19 mm) without modification. Verify your guitar uses a soapbar routing; if your 8-string has a different cavity shape (humbucker or other), this pickup will not fit.

What genres and tunings is this pickup best suited for?

The 808 excels in extended-range metal, progressive, and studio sessions with drop tunings. Its tight low-end and midrange articulation are optimized for dense string counts; jazz, blues, and folk applications are not ideal matches for its voice.

How long does the battery last, and is installation really solderless?

A single 9V battery powers the circuit for approximately 3000 hours. Yes—the Quik-Connect system uses solderless wiring, and the kit includes volume and tone potentiometers pre-wired to a battery bus and control harness for straightforward installation without a soldering iron.

What output level and noise performance should I expect?

The 808 produces 2.00 V on single strings and 4.50 V on strums, with a noise floor of -104 dB at 60 Hz. This high output and low noise ensure clean, usable signal through long cable runs and recording chains with minimal hum.

How does the EMG 808 compare to the EMG 707 or Seymour Duncan Pegasus 8?

The 808 is tuned specifically for 8-string voicing with a 2.00 kHz midrange peak and tight low-end control; the 707 serves 7-strings with different resonant tuning. The Pegasus 8 is a passive alternative; the active 808 offers higher output consistency and lower noise for recording and live use.

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 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Ivory

The EMG 808 is a compact active soapbar designed specifically for 8-string instruments, delivering tight low-end definition and articulate midrange response. Its ivory finish integrates seamlessly with light-colored wood or matching hardware schemes. Built for extended-range players who need clarity and consistent output on stage and in the studio, this pickup keeps every note defined even when string density threatens to blur the mix.

Tone & Electronics

Powered by an Alnico magnet and tuned to a 2.00 kHz resonant frequency, the 808 keeps the midrange present and the lows articulate—essential in 8-string setups where passive designs can turn thick and murky. The active circuit generates 2.00 V output on single strings and 4.50 V on strums, with a noise floor of -104 dB, so you get a clean, hum-free signal that stays solid whether you're running short cables or longer venue runs.

Design & Integration

The 101.6 × 38.1 × 19 mm footprint drops into standard soapbar cavities with no routing required. Quik-Connect solderless wiring makes installation and future swaps fast and reliable—no soldering iron needed. The included volume and tone potentiometers (both 25k) wire directly into the battery bus and control harness, and a single 9V battery runs the circuit for roughly 3000 hours of gigging. The design also safely handles up to 27 V DC if you want to boost the circuit down the road.

Key Features

Alnico magnet for focused midrange and controlled low-end
2.00 kHz resonant frequency optimized for 8-string clarity
2.00 V output (single string), 4.50 V output (strum)
-104 dB output noise floor (60 Hz)
10 kΩ output impedance
Dimensions: 101.6 × 38.1 × 19 mm (4.000" × 1.500" × 0.750")
9-volt battery power; ~3000 hours battery life
Maximum supply voltage rating: 27 V DC
Quik-Connect solderless wiring system
Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables
Available in Black, White, Ivory, and Red
80 µA current draw at 9V

The 808 combines road-tested EMG active circuitry with extended-range voicing, giving 8-string players the articulation and output consistency they depend on for reliable live and studio performance.

Best suited for	Extended Range, Drop Tunings, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Tight low end, articulate midrange, controlled output, focused presence, minimal hum
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional