What is B-Stock and does it affect performance?

This is not a B-Stock item; it is new and fully functional with standard cosmetic finish.

Is this pickup compatible with my 8-string guitar?

The EMG 81-8XH measures 101.6 mm wide, 38.1 mm tall, with 22.3 mm mounting depth and 95.2 mm screw spacing. Confirm your guitar's bridge pickup cavity matches these dimensions before purchase.

How long does the battery last and how do I replace it?

At 80 microamps draw at 9V, a standard 9V cell delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time. Replacement is straightforward; solderless connections mean no soldering required.

Will this pickup work in jazz or blues styles?

The EMG 81-8XH is optimized for metal, djent, and high-gain applications with aggressive, articulate voicing; it is not designed for jazz or blues tones.

What output should I expect at high gain levels?

This active design generates 2.00V per string and 4.50V on strums with a -107 dBV noise floor, ensuring clean articulation and tight response even at extreme gain settings.

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 $11 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 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome

The EMG 81-8X is built for players who need aggressive, articulate punch across all eight strings without compromise. This ceramic-magnet humbucker fits flush in extended-range instruments with a compact footprint that maintains full output and clarity whether you're locked into a low B or screaming in the upper register. Chrome finish cuts visually on stage, and the solderless connection system gets you up and running fast—no desoldering hassles during a rig rebuild or swap.

Tone & Output Performance

The active design pumps 2.00V per string and 4.50V on strums, with a focused 1.45 kHz resonant frequency that sits right in the mix and cuts through without getting lost in heavy arrangements. A tight -107 dBV noise floor means your articulation stays clean even at extreme gain—every riff and harmonic rings clear, and tapping stays defined across the fretboard.

Power & Reliability

Running at 80 microamps at 9V, this pickup delivers 3000-hour battery life per standard 9V cell, so you're not swapping batteries mid-tour. The 10 kΩ output impedance and support for supply voltages up to 27V DC give you room to customize your rig and future-proof your setup for whatever amp or interface you're running.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction
Width: 101.6 mm
Height: 38.1 mm
Mounting depth: 22.3 mm
Mounting screw spacing: 95.2 mm
Resonant frequency: 1.45 kHz
Output voltage (string): 2.00V
Output voltage (strum): 4.50V
Output noise (60 Hz): -107 dBV
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw @9V: 80 microamps
Battery life: 3000 hours
Maximum supply: 27V DC
Solderless connections
Made in USA

The EMG 81-8X pairs EMG's road-tested high-output design with eight-string stability, giving you the dependable performance you need for consistent tone night after night on an extended-range instrument.

Best suited for	Metal, Djent, Extended Range, Drop Tunings, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Aggressive, articulate, tight, high-output, focused midrange
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional