EMG 81-8XH Long Shaft 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG7827
Description
EMG 81-8XH Long Shaft 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-8XH is a high-output active humbucker engineered for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering the aggressive, defined tone that has made EMG a standard in modern metal and high-gain applications. The solderless connection system simplifies installation, and the ceramic magnet structure ensures tight, punchy response across all eight strings without mud or frequency overlap.
Electronics & Tone Character
Active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery yields a hot output signal with tight low-end definition and clarity in the midrange—essential for heavy tunings and the palm-muted attack that cuts through live mix. The ceramic magnet design maintains articulation and string-to-string balance, preventing any single string from dominating the frequency spectrum even under high distortion or stage volume demands.
Installation & Compatibility
The solderless connection system eliminates the need for traditional wiring work, making this pickup accessible for quick swaps or technician installation between gigs. Dimensions of 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm mounting depth with 95.2 mm screw spacing fit standard 8-string extended-range cavities, and the long shaft variant accommodates deeper-mounted configurations common in modern extended-range instruments.
Key Features
- 8-string active humbucker pickup
- High-output ceramic magnet design
- Solderless quick-connect wiring system
- Black plastic cover finish
- Suitable for neck and bridge positions
- 9V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
- 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm mounting depth
- 95.2 mm mounting screw spacing
- Made in USA
This pickup combines EMG's proven active topology with extended-range voicing, delivering the cutting tone and reliable, road-tested performance expected in modern 8-string setups.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8XH is a high-output active humbucker built for 8-string extended-range guitars, delivering the tight low end, articulate midrange, and punchy attack that define modern metal and djent. The solderless wiring system makes installation straightforward, and the ceramic magnet structure keeps all eight strings balanced and defined even under heavy palm-muting and drop tunings. Choose this pickup if you need road-reliable, high-gain tone that cuts through dense tunings without mud.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Extended Range, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, high output, articulate, punchy, defined 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the long shaft variant mean, and will it fit my 8-string?
The long shaft accommodates deeper-mounted pickup cavities common in modern extended-range instruments. The pickup measures 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height × 22.3 mm mounting depth with 95.2 mm screw spacing, which fits standard 8-string extended-range cavities; verify your guitar's cavity depth and screw spacing before ordering.
Is this pickup good for metal and djent, or does it work in other genres?
This pickup is engineered for metal, djent, and drop-tuned extended-range work; it excels at tight low end and articulate attack in high-gain applications. Jazz, blues, and folk styles are not ideal matches for this high-output active design.
How does the solderless system work, and can I install it myself?
The solderless quick-connect wiring system eliminates traditional solder work, making installation faster and more accessible for DIY swaps or technician installation. No soldering skills are required.
What powers this pickup, and how long does the battery last?
The pickup is powered by a standard 9V battery with approximately 3000 hours of battery life. Monitor your battery status and replace it periodically to maintain consistent output.
Can I use this pickup in the neck position, or is it bridge-only?
The 81-8XH is suitable for both neck and bridge positions, giving you flexibility in how you voice your 8-string.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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