EMG 808X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3819
Description
EMG 808X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
The EMG 808X is a high-output active soapbar engineered for 8-string instruments, delivering the extended low-end clarity and articulation that modern extended-range players demand. Its compact footprint and solderless connectivity make installation straightforward, while the Alnico V magnets and wide aperture coils produce punchy, focused tone with minimal muddiness across all eight strings.
Electrical Performance & Power
Running on a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life, this active pickup outputs 2.00V on individual string strikes and 4.50V on full strums, giving you consistent gain staging and dynamic range for live performance. The low current draw of 80 microamps at 9V ensures your battery lasts through extended sets without frequency loss or noise.
Design & Installation
The 101.6 mm × 38.1 mm soapbar body fits standard 8-string cavities with an installation depth of 22.4 mm and mounting screw spacing of 95.3 mm. The solderless Quik-Connect system eliminates traditional wiring complexity, and the pickup ships with a complete electronics kit including a 25k volume pot, active tone control (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output socket, and all necessary cables and hardware.
Key Features
- Alnico V loaded, wide aperture coils for focused 8-string articulation
- Single 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Output: 2.00V (string) / 4.50V (strum)
- Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
- Resonant Frequency: 2.00 KHz
- Low current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Maximum Supply: 27V DC
- Solderless Quik-Connect installation system
- Width: 101.6 mm, Height: 38.1 mm, Installation depth: 22.4 mm
- Mounting screw spacing: 95.3 mm
- Includes volume pot, tone control, battery bus, stereo socket, cables, and hardware
- Made in USA
The 808X delivers the precision and reliability expected from EMG's active line while meeting the specific demands of extended-range 8-string configurations, making it a dependable choice for touring and studio work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 808X is a high-output active soapbar pickup engineered for 8-string guitars, delivering punchy articulation and extended low-end clarity without muddiness across all eight strings. Built for metal, djent, and progressive players pushing extended-range rigs, it pairs Alnico V magnets with a wide aperture design that cuts through dense tunings and maintains dynamic range on stage. Solderless Quik-Connect installation, exceptional 3000-hour battery life, and a complete electronics kit make it a road-ready drop-in for serious extended-range players.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, punchy, focused articulation, extended low-end clarity, minimal muddiness |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Traditional Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What output levels should I expect from the 808X?
The pickup outputs 2.00V on individual string strikes and 4.50V on full strums, with a 10 Kohm output impedance. This high output provides consistent gain staging and dynamic range suitable for metal and djent applications.
How long will the battery last?
Running on a single 9V battery, the 808X offers an exceptional 3000-hour battery life thanks to its low current draw of 80 microamps at 9V. You'll get extended sessions without frequency loss or noise.
What's included in the kit, and is installation complicated?
The pickup ships with a complete electronics package including a 25k volume pot, active tone control (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output socket, and all necessary cables and hardware. The solderless Quik-Connect system eliminates traditional wiring, making installation straightforward for standard 8-string cavities.
Will this pickup work in my 8-string guitar?
The 808X fits standard 8-string soapbar cavities with dimensions of 101.6 mm × 38.1 mm, an installation depth of 22.4 mm, and mounting screw spacing of 95.3 mm. Verify your guitar's cavity matches these specs before purchasing.
What genres and playing styles is the 808X designed for?
The 808X excels in metal, djent, progressive, and extended-range music where focused articulation and low-end clarity are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or traditional folk applications.
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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