Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $108
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$99
$200+
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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
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What makes the EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup suitable for 8-string guitars?
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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.
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How does the EMG 808 differ from passive 8-string pickups?
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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.
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Can the EMG 808 be used in both the bridge and neck positions?
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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.
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What kind of music genres is the EMG 808 best suited for?
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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.
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Does the EMG 808 require any special installation considerations?
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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.
Videos
Alex Chichikailo
EMG 808 vs Seymour Duncan Blackouts - 8 String Metal Test
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
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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.
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Comparisons
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Lace Alumitone Deathbar pickups offer a significantly clearer tone compared to EMG 808s, as noted by users who upgraded from the 808.
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Seymour Duncan Blackouts are noted to sound similar to EMGs but with a "nastier" edge, particularly appealing for certain aggressive genres.
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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.
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
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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.
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A volt mod is recommended to improve the sound of EMG 808s, offering a cost-effective enhancement.
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Owners have swapped 808s for an 81/60-8 set, with positive feedback on the resulting tone improvements for metal music styles.
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Setup and maintenance
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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.
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User experience
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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.
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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.
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Despite initial expectations of muddiness, the 808 maintains surprising clarity on the 8th string and is seen as a "gentle giant" by some users.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Leda's Strandberg Boden 8 J Standard is shown to be equipped with a set of EMG 808 humbucking pickups.
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
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
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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