EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4485
Description
EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 81-8XH delivers aggressive, high-output tone with the compact footprint and clean aesthetics of EMG's gold finish. Designed specifically for 8-string instruments, this bridge pickup combines ceramic magnet articulation with active preamp circuitry to cut through dense tunings and produce the tight, defined response that extended-range players demand.
Tone & Electronics
Powered by EMG's X preamp and constructed with a ceramic magnet, the 81-8XH produces the characteristic punchy midrange and compressed output that defines the 81 platform. The active tone control (VLPF) included in the solderless system allows real-time high-end shaping—essential for sculpting articulation in dropped or extended tunings without sacrificing the pickup's inherent aggression on stage.
Installation & System Design
This pickup arrives with a complete solderless installation system that eliminates the need for iron and solder—a practical advantage for quick swaps during soundcheck or emergency repair work. The system includes everything needed for immediate integration: volume pot, active tone circuit, battery bus, output jack, connectivity cables, mounting hardware, and a 9V battery that delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime, keeping you powered through extended touring.
Key Features
- Magnet type: Ceramic
- Preamp type: X preamp
- Position: Bridge (8-string guitar)
- Finish: Gold
- Active tone control (VLPF)
- 25k volume potentiometer included
- Solderless installation system with all cables and connectors
- 9V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
- Two-pickup in/out bus for multi-pickup configurations
- Stereo output jack
- Mounting screws and springs included
The 81-8XH combines proven EMG 81 aggression with format-specific design and a complete solderless ecosystem, making it a dependable choice for 8-string players who need clarity and output across extended tunings night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8XH is a high-output active humbucker built specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering punchy midrange and tight low-end response that cuts through drop tunings and dense voicings. Intermediate to professional players chasing metal, djent, and extended-range tones will appreciate the ceramic magnet articulation, included solderless installation system, and real-time tone shaping via the active VLPF control. Choose it for fast, reliable bridge-pickup swaps and aggressive, defined attack on any 8-string platform.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Extended Range, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, punchy midrange, tight low end, compressed, articulate |
| 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 included in the box and do I need external gear to install it?
The 81-8XH ships with a complete solderless installation system: volume pot, active tone circuit, battery bus, output jack, connectivity cables, mounting hardware, and a 9V battery (3000-hour runtime). You need no iron, solder, or external preamp—everything required for immediate integration is included.
Is this pickup only for bridge position, and can I use two 81-8XH pickups in one guitar?
This is a bridge-position pickup. The system includes a two-pickup in/out bus, so you can run two EMG 8-string pickups in one guitar if desired.
What tunings and genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 81-8XH excels in metal, djent, and extended-range drop-tuning contexts where high output, articulate midrange, and tight low-end response are priorities. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How does the active tone control work, and does it affect the pickup's aggression?
The VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter) active tone control allows real-time shaping of high-end content via the volume pot, letting you dial in brightness or darkness without sacrificing the pickup's inherent compressed, aggressive character.
What skill level is required to install this pickup?
The solderless system is designed for intermediate to advanced players and professionals who want a quick, tool-free swap. No soldering or iron work is necessary; all connectors and cables are plug-and-play.
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.
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