EMG 85-8H 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
- EMG4143
Description
EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 85-8H is built for gigging 8-string players who need a pickup that stays articulate and punchy across all eight strings night after night. This active humbucker combines tight, focused lows with crisp highs that cut through a live mix without muddying the extended range. The gold finish catches light on stage, and the solderless installation system means you can swap it in without the hassle of rewiring.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Built on Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils, this pickup locks in a focused, dynamic response with an output of 3.10V per string and 4.50V when strummed. The 1.87 kHz resonant frequency centers the pickup's character in the presence peak, so it sits forward in a dense live mix and maintains clarity on the lower strings. Output impedance sits at 10 kΩ with exceptionally low noise at -101 dBV, keeping your signal clean even at high gain on stage.
Power & Installation
The active circuit draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3,000 hours of battery life from a standard 9V cell—plenty of runway between gigs. The design supports a maximum supply of 27V DC for users running higher voltages. Installation is straightforward via the solderless install system, with all necessary hardware included: 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup/in-out bus, mounting screws, cables, and battery cable.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils for focused articulation
- Output voltage: 3.10V per string, 4.50V strummed
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Output noise: -101 dBV (60 Hz)
- Resonant frequency: 1.87 kHz
- Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3,000 hours on standard 9V
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Solderless install system for quick retrofitting
- Includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
- Gold finish
- 8-string configuration with extended range optimization
The EMG 85-8H delivers the extended-range versatility and road-tested reliability that working 8-string players count on, keeping your tone consistent and your signal clean through any set.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8H is an active humbucker built for 8-string metal and progressive guitars, delivering tight low-end punch and crisp high-end definition that cuts through dense mixes without losing articulation on the extended range. Built on Alnico V magnets with a presence-peak resonant frequency, it handles high-gain rigs cleanly and pairs with a solderless install system that makes retrofitting quick and straightforward. Choose it if you need a focused, aggressive tone that stays articulate across all eight strings in heavy tunings and complex arrangements.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 85-8H best suited for?
The 85-8H is engineered for metal, progressive, djent, and extended-range styles where tight low-end punch and articulate high-end clarity are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
What is included in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The pickup ships with a solderless install system and all necessary hardware: 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup/in-out bus, mounting screws, cables, and battery cable. Solderless installation is straightforward and requires no soldering experience.
How long will the battery last, and what voltage options does it support?
A standard 9V battery provides approximately 3,000 hours of playable life. The active circuit also supports higher voltages up to a maximum of 27V DC for users who prefer increased headroom.
How does the EMG 85-8H compare to other 8-string active pickups?
The EMG 85-8H competes with models like the Seymour Duncan Pegasus 8-String, Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String, and DiMarzio Crunchlab 8-String. Its specific strength is the 1.87 kHz resonant frequency and Alnico V design, which prioritize presence-peak clarity and low-noise amplification in high-gain applications.
What output level and noise characteristics should I expect?
The pickup delivers 3.10V per string and 4.50V when strummed, with exceptionally low noise at -101 dBV (60 Hz). Output impedance is 10 kΩ, ensuring clean amplification even at high gain settings.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.
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