What makes the EMG 85-8H different from other 8-string pickups?

The 85-8H uses close-aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets and a 1.87 kHz resonant frequency to deliver articulate midrange and controlled clarity across all eight strings. Its active circuit produces ultra-low noise at -101 dBV and operates efficiently on a standard 9V battery for up to 3000 hours, ensuring clean signal transmission to your amp without noise floor compromise.

Is this pickup suitable for recording and live use?

Yes. The 85-8H is engineered for both high-gain studio recording and live performance in metal, progressive, and djent contexts. Its active design provides consistent output, low noise, and defined clarity whether you're tracking in the studio or on stage, with solderless installation that makes setup straightforward.

How long does the battery last, and what's included in the package?

A standard 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of operation. The package includes the pickup, 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, jacks, cables, mounting hardware, and all components needed for solderless installation.

Can this pickup handle elevated voltage for more headroom?

Yes. The 85-8H is rated for supply voltages up to 27 volts DC, so it can run at higher voltages than a standard 9V system if you want increased headroom and output while maintaining the same tonal character.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The 85-8H excels in metal, progressive, and djent styles where clarity, articulation, and aggression are priorities. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk applications.

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.

EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 85-8H is a purpose-built active humbucker designed for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering the articulate midrange and controlled output characteristic of EMG's 85 voicing. The brushed black chrome finish offers a refined aesthetic while maintaining the pickup's proven performance in high-gain and progressive applications. Gigging musicians and session players working across eight strings will find the clarity and definition needed for modern music without sacrificing the aggression the genre demands.

Active Electronics & Power

Built on EMG's solderless installation system, the 85-8H operates from a standard 9V battery with exceptional efficiency, delivering up to 3000 hours of battery life. The active circuit produces a 3.10 V output per string and 4.50 V on strum, with ultra-low noise at -101 dBV (60 Hz) and 10 kΩ output impedance—characteristics that ensure clean signal transmission to your amplifier and effects chain without noise floor compromise.

Tonal Character & Specifications

Close-aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets and a 1.87 kHz resonant frequency give the 85-8H its signature midrange presence and controlled high-end clarity across all eight strings. The pickup handles supply voltages up to 27 volts DC, making it compatible with standard 9V systems and capable of running at elevated voltages for players seeking increased headroom and output on stage.

Key Features

Close-aperture coils with Alnico V magnets
Resonant frequency: 1.87 kHz for defined midrange
Output voltage: 3.10 V per string / 4.50 V on strum
Output noise: -101 dBV at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Active design: 80 microamps current draw at 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours per 9V battery
Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
EMG solderless installation system
Includes 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware
Brushed black chrome finish
Engineered for 8-string extended-range instruments

The EMG 85-8H combines proven active electronics with eight-string optimization, offering the reliability and articulate definition that touring and session players depend on in metal, progressive, and high-gain settings—zero-noise operation you can count on night after night.

Best suited for	Metal, Progressive, Djent, High-gain studio recording
Tonal character	Articulate midrange, controlled output, defined clarity, low noise, aggressive presence
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional