Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
$129.00 New
$65.00 Used
Thomann
4.7 (20)
$102.00 $101.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $108

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

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Standard

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your 8-string guitar's sonic potential with the EMG 808 pickup, a staple from EMG's renowned custom shop. Specifically designed to accommodate the unique tonal demands of extended-range guitars, this active humbucker is a game-changer for guitarists seeking clarity and power across the full spectrum of their instrument.

Housed in a bass pickup casing, the EMG 808 isn't your standard humbucker replacement. Instead, it offers a robust and articulate voice, making it an ideal choice for the adventurous player. Its dual-coil configuration, equipped with Alnico magnets, mirrors the output of the illustrious EMG 85, delivering a balanced blend of warmth and aggression. Whether you're chugging through the heaviest riffs or exploring complex melodic lines, the 808 ensures each note sings with precision.

Installation is a breeze thanks to the included Quik-connect system, complete with a pre-wired split shaft volume/tone knob set, output jack, and battery clip set. This comprehensive package means you'll spend less time tinkering and more time playing.

Key Features:

  • Designed for 8-string guitars
  • Active humbucker from EMG's custom shop
  • Housed in a bass pickup casing
  • Dual coil with Alnico magnets for EMG 85-like output
  • Quik-connect system for easy installation
  • Includes pre-wired split shaft volume/tone knob set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs

Product specs

Available since November 2009
Type of pickup Humbucker
Active Pickup System Yes
Passive Pickup System No
Wiring 3-Conductor
Colour Black
Position Bridge
Active 1

FAQs

What makes the EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup suitable for 8-string guitars?

The EMG 808 is specifically designed to handle the extended range of 8-string guitars, providing clear articulation and balanced tone across all strings, which is essential for genres requiring tight low-end response.

How does the EMG 808 differ from passive 8-string pickups?

The EMG 808 is an active pickup, offering higher output and reduced noise compared to passive pickups, making it ideal for high-gain applications and providing a cleaner, more powerful signal.

Can the EMG 808 be used in both the bridge and neck positions?

The EMG 808 is primarily designed for the bridge position, delivering a strong and articulate tone. However, it can be used in the neck position if desired, though it may require adjustment to achieve optimal balance.

What kind of music genres is the EMG 808 best suited for?

The EMG 808 excels in genres like metal and hard rock, where high output and clarity are crucial for handling complex riffs and ensuring each note is distinct, even with heavy distortion.

Does the EMG 808 require any special installation considerations?

As an active pickup, the EMG 808 requires a 9V battery for power, and it comes with a 3-conductor wiring setup that may need slight modifications to your guitar's existing electronics if switching from passive pickups.

Alex Chichikailo

Alex Chichikailo

EMG 808 vs Seymour Duncan Blackouts - 8 String Metal Test

Video thumbnail for EMG 808 vs Seymour Duncan Blackouts - 8 String Metal Test by Alex Chichikailo

EMG 808 vs Seymour Duncan Blackouts - 8 String Metal Test

Alex Chichikailo

Alex Chichikailo

Video thumbnail for EMG 808 vs FISHMAN FLUENCE MODERN (ceramic) - 8 String Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison by Mike Stamper

EMG 808 vs FISHMAN FLUENCE MODERN (ceramic) - 8 String Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 808 vs BLACKOUTS 8 - 8 String Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

EMG 808 vs BLACKOUTS 8 - 8 String Active Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 808 Vs Stock Harley Benton - Pickup comparison (8 string) by AleArzMusic

EMG 808 Vs Stock Harley Benton - Pickup comparison (8 string)

AleArzMusic

AleArzMusic

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Iron Label RGIX28fEQM - EMG 808 - 8 string/8 cordas by Michel Oliveira Official

Ibanez Iron Label RGIX28fEQM - EMG 808 - 8 string/8 cordas

Michel Oliveira Official

Michel Oliveira Official

Video thumbnail for EMG 808X vs 808 - 8 String Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

EMG 808X vs 808 - 8 String Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for EMG 808 pickup VS 8 String Harley Benton R 458MN Fanfret Stock pickup by Simon Media

EMG 808 pickup VS 8 String Harley Benton R 458MN Fanfret Stock pickup

Simon Media

Simon Media

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup.

Features and functionality

  • EMG 808 pickups are noted for thick tones but lack tightness for palm mutes and treble-forward sounds, making them less ideal for djent genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Lace Alumitone Deathbar pickups offer a significantly clearer tone compared to EMG 808s, as noted by users who upgraded from the 808.

    Source
  • Seymour Duncan Blackouts are noted to sound similar to EMGs but with a "nastier" edge, particularly appealing for certain aggressive genres.

    Source
  • The EMG 81-8 offers less bass and more bite compared to the 808, but has a "cardboard" midrange, making it less appealing for some.

    Source
  • The 808 is likened to the EMG 85 in the neck position, providing a comparable sound to the 85, particularly when used in similar configurations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing EMG 808s in bass configurations, such as a Nolly Dingwall setup, with a Darkglass preamp could transform bass tone significantly, though size compatibility should be checked.

    Source
  • A volt mod is recommended to improve the sound of EMG 808s, offering a cost-effective enhancement.

    Source
  • Owners have swapped 808s for an 81/60-8 set, with positive feedback on the resulting tone improvements for metal music styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Installing EMG 808s in certain instruments may require cavity routing due to size mismatches, with local luthiers charging around $75 per hour for such modifications.

    Source

User experience

  • Several users express dissatisfaction with EMG 808s, citing muddy tones and suggesting alternatives like SD Nazgul and Sentient or Bareknuckle sets for better clarity and definition.

    Source
  • EMG 808s combined with a 66-8 in the neck are praised by users who play deathcore and djent genres, especially through a 6505+ amp setup.

    Source
  • Despite initial expectations of muddiness, the 808 maintains surprising clarity on the 8th string and is seen as a "gentle giant" by some users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EMG 808s are reported to perform better when paired with thinner low strings for certain styles, enhancing playability and tone.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Leda uses EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup

Leda

Guitarist, Bassist

BABYMETAL

...
Verified via YouTube

Leda's Strandberg Boden 8 J Standard is shown to be equipped with a set of EMG 808 humbucking pickups.

See how Sarah Longfield uses EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup

Sarah Longfield

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Sarah shows off her strandberg 8 string in this post. She had a pair of emg 8 string pickups in the guitar. she used these pickups until switching to fishman pickups

See how Dean Lamb uses EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup

Dean Lamb

Singer, Guitarist

Archspire

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses here the RG2228 Prestige , loaded with EMG 808

See how Ben Savage uses EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup

Ben Savage

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via Emgpickups

The EMG website states that Savage uses the 81-7s and 808s.

See how Zoltán Farkas uses EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup

Zoltán Farkas

Guitarist, Singer

Ektomorf

...

Genre Usage

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Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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