What is the output level, and how does the 85-8HX compare to the EMG 81-8H?

The 85-8HX sits between EMG's aggressive 81 and warmer 85 signatures, offering a balance of punch with articulate note definition. Both are high-output active designs; the 85-8HX provides more midrange clarity while the 81-8H leans more aggressive. Choice depends on whether you prioritize articulation (85-8HX) or maximum aggression (81-8H).

Does this pickup require a battery, and what else do I need to install it?

Yes, the 85-8HX requires a 9V battery to power its onboard preamp active circuitry. The pickup ships with all necessary wiring harness components, shielded cable, and mounting hardware for drop-in installation into standard 8-string humbucker cavities.

Is the 85-8HX suitable for jazz, blues, or other clean tones?

No; the 85-8HX is engineered specifically for metal, progressive, and experimental genres with high-distortion applications. Its aggressive articulation, high-output ceramic magnet, and tonal voice are optimized for cutting through dense rhythm sections and heavy drop tunings, not clean or blues-based playing.

Will this fit my 8-string guitar, and is installation difficult?

The 85-8HX is a direct drop-in replacement for standard 8-string humbucker cavities with no routing required. Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic guitar wiring; all hardware and cable are included, and it's compatible with standard 3-way toggle guitar electronics.

What does the chrome finish do, and does it affect tone?

The chrome finish provides visual contrast and corrosion resistance to protect the pickup housing during transport and heavy gigging. Finish does not affect the electromagnetic tone or output of the pickup itself.

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 $11 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.

EMG 85-8HX 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome

The EMG 85-8HX is a high-output active humbucker engineered for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering aggressive articulation and controlled sustain in a compact chrome-finished housing. Built for players who need their tone to punch through dense arrangements and high-gain contexts, this pickup excels in metal, progressive, and experimental settings where clarity and impact are non-negotiable.

Tone & Electronics

EMG's active circuitry generates consistent output with minimal noise, even under extreme gain staging in high-distortion applications. The 85-8HX voice sits between the company's aggressive 81 and warmer 85 signatures, balancing punch with articulate note definition across all eight strings without muddiness.

Design & Build

The chrome finish provides both visual contrast and corrosion resistance. This is a drop-in replacement for standard 8-string humbucker cavities, shipping with all necessary wiring harness components and mounting hardware for quick installation.

Key Features

Active EMG circuitry with onboard preamp
8-string humbucker configuration
High-output ceramic magnet design
Chrome finish
Shielded cable included
3-way toggle compatible with standard guitar electronics
Requires 9V battery power
Zero-feedback active electronics for sustain
Low-noise output suitable for high-gain applications
Direct drop-in installation for 8-string instruments

The 85-8HX is a reliable choice for gigging and studio work on extended-range instruments, delivering the defined attack and controlled low-end extension that modern 8-string playing demands.