What does 8-string specifically mean, and will this fit my guitar?

This pickup is designed for 8-string guitars and delivers one string per coil for controlled output and clarity across the extended range. Dimensions are 101.6 mm width, 38.1 mm height, with 95.2 mm mounting screw spacing; confirm your guitar's mounting configuration before ordering.

How much noise does this pickup eliminate in high-gain recording?

The -107 dBv noise floor at 60 Hz keeps background hum virtually inaudible, critical for high-gain and metal sessions where noise directly impacts track clarity. The active circuit and tight design minimize interference common in dense mixes.

How long does the battery last, and is it easy to replace?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours of typical use. The solderless wiring system includes a battery bus that makes access and replacement straightforward without requiring soldering or complex rewiring.

Can I adjust the pickup's tone on the fly?

Yes, the included 25k active tone pot provides on-pickup tone shaping and control over response character, giving you on-the-fly adjustment without compromising signal integrity during tracking or live use.

How does the 81-8XH compare to other extended-range pickups?

The 81-8XH delivers hot output (4.50 V strum), fast attack, and aggressive midrange clarity similar to Seymour Duncan Blackouts and Fishman Fluence Modern, but with EMG's proven active circuit and solderless installation for faster setup and reduced failure points.

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.

EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG 81-8XH is built for 8-string rigs that demand aggressive clarity and tight articulation in modern metal and progressive contexts. This ceramic-magnet active humbucker cuts through dense live mixes with fast attack and minimal noise, making it the workhorse choice for players who need precision and reliability night after night on stage.

Electrical Performance & Output

Hot output levels—2.00 V per string and 4.50 V on full strum—drive amplifiers with authority and sustain. The 1.45 kHz resonant frequency focuses midrange aggression while the -107 dBv noise floor keeps background hum virtually inaudible, critical for high-gain applications where noise rejection directly impacts clarity.

Design & Installation

Solderless wiring eliminates common failure points and speeds installation, while the active circuit operates efficiently on a single 9V battery lasting approximately 3000 hours. Integrated tone shaping and the included 25k active tone pot provide on-pickup control over response character without compromising signal integrity.

Key Features

8-string ceramic-magnet active humbucker design
Width: 101.6 mm; Height: 38.1 mm; Mounting depth: 22.3 mm
Mounting screw spacing: 95.2 mm
Output voltage (string): 2.00 V; Output voltage (strum): 4.50 V
Resonant frequency: 1.45 kHz
Output noise floor: -107 dBV at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw @ 9V: 80 µA; Battery life: ~3000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Solderless wiring system with included 25k tone pot and active tone control
Complete accessory kit: battery bus, stereo output jack, 2 pickup in/out bus, mounting hardware, cables
Made in USA; black plastic caps

The 81-8XH combines EMG's proven active electronics with the extended-range clarity 8-string players expect, delivering controlled aggression and noise-free operation in any high-output live scenario.