EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4479
Description
EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81-8H delivers the aggressive, articulate character that defines the 81 platform, scaled and voiced specifically for 8-string instruments. This active humbucker pairs tight, controlled lows with punchy midrange clarity, making it the workhorse choice for extended-range metal and djent players who demand definition across all eight strings without muddiness.
Tone & Electronics
Powered ceramic magnets and close aperture coils generate the EMG 81's signature tight, compressed attack and fast note decay. The active circuitry operates on a single 9V battery rated for 3000 hours of continuous use, with output impedance of 10 kΩ and current draw of 80 microamps at 9V—efficient enough for extended sessions between battery changes.
Design & Installation
The polished chrome cover finish provides a clean aesthetic while protecting the coil assembly. Setup is straightforward via the included solderless installation system and 2-conductor wiring, eliminating the need for heavy soldering work and allowing quick swaps or modifications in the field.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction for aggressive, controlled output
- Close aperture coils deliver tight low-end response
- Chrome cover finish
- Active powered design with 9V battery
- 3000-hour battery life rating
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current consumption: 80 microamps at 9V
- Solderless installation system included
- 2-conductor wiring configuration
- Engineered and voiced specifically for 8-string guitars
The 81-8H consolidates EMG's proven active topology into a package built to handle the demands of modern extended-range playing with clarity, consistency, and minimal fuss.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8H is an active humbucker voiced specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering the tight lows and punchy midrange that define the 81 platform across all eight strings without muddiness. Built for metal and djent players who need articulate attack and fast decay through drop tunings and heavy riffing, it pairs ceramic magnets with efficient 9V active electronics (3000-hour battery life) and solderless installation for quick swaps on the road. Choose it for bulletproof live reliability and clarity that cuts through dense tunings—a workhorse pickup for extended-range players who refuse to compromise definition.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Extended Range, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, punchy midrange, articulate, controlled attack, fast decay |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 81-8H and a standard 6-string 81?
The 81-8H is scaled and voiced specifically for 8-string instruments to maintain tight, articulate response across all eight strings without losing definition in the lower frequencies. The ceramic magnet construction and close aperture coils are tuned to handle extended-range tunings and the thicker string gauges commonly used in metal and djent.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The active circuit is rated for 3000 hours of continuous use on a single 9V battery, which translates to roughly 125 days of non-stop playing. Most players change batteries once or twice a year depending on how frequently they play.
Is soldering required to install this pickup?
No. The EMG 81-8H includes a solderless installation system with 2-conductor wiring, eliminating the need for heavy soldering work and allowing quick field swaps or modifications.
What genres and tunings is this pickup best suited for?
It's engineered for metal, djent, and other extended-range styles that demand tight low-end control and midrange clarity across drop tunings and heavy riffing. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How does the output impedance affect my rig?
The 10 kΩ output impedance is standard for active EMG designs and works reliably with any pedalboard, amplifier, or interface without impedance matching issues. Current draw of only 80 microamps at 9V ensures minimal battery drain during extended sessions.
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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