What is included in the box?

The EMG 81-8H ships with a Quik-Connect cable, output jack, battery clip, 9V battery connector, volume and sound control knob set, mounting screws, and springs. Installation requires a standard 9V battery, which delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime.

How does this compare to passive 8-string pickups?

The active circuit maintains consistent output regardless of cable length or preamp impedance, eliminating level drops common to passive designs. Active electronics also deliver lower noise floor (-107 dBV at 60 Hz) and higher output voltage (4.50 V on strum) for tighter, punchier response in high-gain settings.

Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?

No; the EMG 81-8H is engineered specifically for metal, progressive, and drop-tuning applications with aggressive voicing and high output. Its tight, articulate character prioritizes clarity and attack over the dynamic warmth and nuance required for blues or jazz.

How long does the battery last, and what are the voltage specs?

A standard 9V battery supplies approximately 3000 hours of continuous playback at 80 microamps current draw. The pickup can operate safely at voltages up to 27V DC, giving flexibility with stacked or higher-voltage battery configurations.

Will this pickup fit my 8-string guitar?

The EMG 81-8H dimensions are 38.1 × 101.6 mm and feature standard bridge and neck spacing for modern 8-string instruments. Confirm your guitar's pickup cavity dimensions match these specs before purchase; most contemporary 8-string designs accommodate this size.

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.

EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 81-8H is a high-output active humbucker engineered for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering aggressive articulation and tight low-end definition. This ceramic magnet design cuts through dense tunings with clarity and punch, making it the workhorse choice for metal and progressive applications. The sleek Black Chrome finish integrates seamlessly into modern instrument aesthetics while the active electronics ensure consistent output regardless of cable length or impedance variations.

Tone & Output Performance

With a resonant frequency of 1.45 kHz and output voltage of 4.50 V on strum, this pickup delivers focused midrange articulation and controlled sustain across all eight strings. The ceramic magnet with close aperture coils minimizes muddiness in extended tunings while maintaining definition, and the -107 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz keeps background hum negligible even in high-gain applications.

Active System & Integration

The active circuit operates efficiently on a 9V battery supply with 80 microamps current draw, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge. The included Quik-Connect cable, output jack, battery clip, and volume/sound knob set streamline installation, while the 10 kΩ output impedance pairs cleanly with modern preamps and amp front ends.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction with close aperture coils
Active humbucker design for 8-string instruments
Output voltage: 4.50 V (strum), 2.00 V (single string)
Resonant frequency: 1.45 kHz
Output noise: -107 dBV at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Battery life: 3000 hours @ 9V, 80 microamps current
Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
Dimensions: 38.1 × 101.6 mm
Includes Quik-Connect cable, volume/sound knob set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs
Black Chrome finish

The EMG 81-8H combines low-noise active electronics with aggressive ceramic response, making it a reliable core component for serious 8-string work.

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