EMG 81-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4450
Description
EMG 81-8 Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-8 is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering aggressive, articulate tone with minimal noise. This compact soapbar design mounts cleanly in bridge or neck positions and arrives completely wired with all necessary components, making installation straightforward for players upgrading their 8-string arsenal.
Tone & Output Character
Built with powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the 81-8 generates tight, focused highs and punchy lows ideal for modern djent, progressive metal, and high-gain applications. The active circuitry requires a 9V battery but rewards that investment with consistent output, superior signal integrity, and natural sustain across all eight strings—exactly what you need for tight, defined tone through any amp at volume.
Design & Wiring
The soapbar form factor measures 38.1 x 101.6 mm and installs universally in most 8-string guitar cavities. Every component arrives pre-assembled and ready to integrate: 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery clip, Quik-Connect cables, mounting hardware, and output jack eliminate guesswork during installation. No hunting for parts or troubleshooting wiring—drop it in and play.
Key Features
- Active humbucker system with ceramic magnets
- Close aperture coils for articulate, noise-free response
- Designed for 8-string guitars in bridge or neck position
- Completely wired and ready to install
- 9V battery operation required
- Dimensions: 38.1 x 101.6 mm (soapbar form factor)
- Includes 25K volume pot and 25K tone pot
- Stereo output jack and battery bus included
- Quik-Connect cable system for fast integration
- Two pickup in/out bus connectors for flexible routing
- Mounting screws, output cable, battery cable, and knurled control knob set included
- Black finish
The 81-8 delivers the focused articulation and output consistency that working 8-string players demand, whether retrofitting an existing instrument or completing a new build.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8 is a high-output active humbucker built for 8-string guitars, delivering tight lows, articulate highs, and noise-free punch ideal for djent and progressive metal. It arrives completely wired with all hardware, potentiometers, and Quik-Connect cables, making bridge or neck installation straightforward for intermediate to pro players upgrading their extended-range rig. Choose it for consistent, aggressive tone and studio-grade signal integrity across all eight strings.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ djent
- ✓ progressive metal
- ✓ extended range
- ✓ high-gain
- ✓ studio sessions
Not the best pick for
- – blues
- – jazz
- – folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'completely wired' mean, and what comes in the box?
The pickup arrives fully assembled with 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, battery clip, Quik-Connect cables, mounting hardware, output cable, and battery cable. You install it directly into the 8-string cavity with no additional soldering or parts sourcing required.
Does this pickup work for both bridge and neck positions?
Yes, the 81-8 mounts universally in most 8-string guitar cavities in either bridge or neck position. The soapbar form factor (38.1 x 101.6 mm) is designed for extended-range instruments.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The EMG 81-8 is engineered for djent, progressive metal, and high-gain applications. Its tight lows and articulate highs excel in modern extended-range styles; it is not optimized for blues, jazz, or folk.
Does it require a battery, and how does that affect tone?
Yes, the active circuitry requires a 9V battery. The active system ensures consistent output, superior signal integrity, and natural sustain across all eight strings with no noise or signal degradation.
How does the EMG 81-8 compare to other 8-string pickups like the Seymour Duncan Blackout or Fishman Fluence Modern?
The EMG 81-8 is specifically engineered for extended-range instruments with a focus on tight, punchy tone and noise-free active circuitry. Comparable options include the Seymour Duncan Blackout 8-String, Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String, and DiMarzio Ionizer 8; choice depends on your preference for voicing and active vs. passive operation.
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. 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.
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