EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4427
Description
EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 81-8H is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering aggressive, articulate tone with controlled sustain. This pickup bridges the gap between extended-range clarity and traditional metal aggression, making it the choice for players pushing into modern djent, progressive metal, and high-gain applications. The brushed chrome finish offers a professional appearance while the ceramic magnet structure ensures tight low-end definition across all eight strings.
Electronics & Power
This active humbucker runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life and draws only 80 microamps at 9V, minimizing power drain during extended play sessions. The 10 kΩ output impedance and ceramic magnet design produce a focused, high-output signal that cuts through dense band mixes without feedback or muddiness.
Installation & Compatibility
The package includes everything needed for a complete installation: Quik-Connect cable, volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs. The 8 x 4 x 1 inch footprint fits standard 8-string guitar cavities, and the included hardware ensures straightforward wiring and secure mounting without modification to most extended-range instruments.
Key Features
- Active humbucker configuration optimized for 8-string guitar
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Brushed chrome finish
- 9V battery operation with 3000-hour battery life
- 80 microampere current draw at 9V
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 1 inches
- Includes Quik-Connect cable
- Volume and tone control set included
- Output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs included
The EMG 81-8H combines proven active electronics with extended-range voicing to deliver the high-output, articulate response that defines modern heavy music on 8-string instruments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8H is a high-output active humbucker built specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering aggressive, articulate tone with tight low-end control across all eight strings. Built for djent, progressive metal, and modern high-gain applications, it cuts through dense band mixes without feedback or muddiness, making it a road-ready choice for players pushing extended-range instruments on stage. The brushed chrome finish and ceramic magnet structure ensure professional appearance and focused signal response, backed by 3000-hour battery life and everything you need for drop-in installation.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive Metal
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the box?
The package includes the pickup itself, Quik-Connect cable, volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs — everything needed for complete installation.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 81-8H draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life on a single battery.
Will this pickup fit my 8-string guitar?
The 8 x 4 x 1 inch footprint is designed for standard 8-string guitar cavities and fits most extended-range instruments without modification; check your guitar's pickup cavity dimensions to confirm compatibility.
What tonal character should I expect?
The 81-8H delivers high-output, aggressive tone with tight low-end definition and controlled sustain, optimized for djent, progressive metal, and modern high-gain applications. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does this compare to other 8-string pickups?
The 81-8H competes with the Seymour Duncan Blackout 8-String, DiMarzio D Activator 8, and Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String, offering active-electronics clarity with focused ceramic magnet response tuned for extended-range metal and progressive styles.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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