Are you a guitarist looking to dial in that perfect heavy tone? The quest for the ultimate active humbucker can be daunting, especially when faced with two closely related yet distinct options. Today, we’re diving deep into the sonic battlefield to compare two titans from EMG: the renowned EMG 808 and its aggressive sibling, the EMG 808x.
Both pickups are designed to deliver crushing lows and articulate highs, making them favorites among metal and hard rock players. However, subtle differences in their design and output can lead to vastly different tonal characteristics. Understanding these nuances is key to choosing the right pickup for your instrument and playing style.
Whether you’re upgrading your current rig or building a new axe, this comparison will shed light on what sets the EMG 808 apart from the EMG 808x, helping you make an informed decision to achieve your dream sound.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | emg 808 | 808x |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Type | Active Humbucker | Active Humbucker |
| Magnet Type | Alnico V | Ceramic |
| DC Resistance | 10.6 kΩ | 12.9 kΩ |
| Resonant Frequency | 1.8 kHz | 1.6 kHz |
| EQ (Treble) | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| EQ (Mid) | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| EQ (Bass) | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Noise Reduction | Active | Active |
| Output Level | High | Higher |
| Construction | Sealed | Sealed |
| Wiring | 4-conductor | 4-conductor |
| Target Genre | Modern Metal, Djent | Extreme Metal, Drop Tunings |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Active Electronics
- Emg 808: Features EMG’s classic active EQ and high output, designed for extended range guitars (7 & 8 string). Offers a thick, articulate tone with plenty of headroom. Can sometimes sound a bit compressed for some players.
- 808x: An evolution of the 808, the 808x boasts an extended frequency response and even higher output. It aims for a more open and dynamic sound while retaining the core EMG clarity. May be too aggressive for subtler genres.
- Winner: 808x
Pickup Type
- Emg 808: Humbucker. Specifically voiced for the lower strings of extended range instruments, providing tight lows and defined mids.
- 808x: Humbucker. Retains the humbucking design for noise cancellation, but with internal modifications to enhance its extended range capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
String Range Optimization
- Emg 808: Explicitly designed for 7 and 8-string guitars. Its pole pieces and internal winding are tuned to capture the nuances of those extra strings.
- 808x: Continues the focus on 7 and 8-string guitars, with further refinements to ensure consistent tone across the entire extended range.
- Winner: 808x
Output Level
- Emg 808: High output, designed to drive amps into distortion easily. Provides a strong signal for clear solos and heavy riffing.
- 808x: Even higher output than the 808, offering a more aggressive and compressed attack. This can be beneficial for extreme metal tones.
- Winner: 808x
Tone Character
- Emg 808: Known for its thick, powerful, and clear tone with strong mid-range presence. Excellent for modern metal and drop tunings.
- 808x: Offers a more open and articulate sound with a broader frequency response. Retains clarity but can have a more aggressive, perhaps less ‘warm’ character than the 808.
- Winner: 808x
Enclosure/Housing
- Emg 808: Standard humbucker size with EMG’s typical sealed casing. Available in various colors.
- 808x: Also in a standard humbucker size, featuring EMG’s reliable sealed construction.
- Winner: Tie
Installation & Wiring
- Emg 808: Utilizes EMG’s solderless wiring system, making installation straightforward for those comfortable with basic electronics.
- 808x: Also features EMG’s easy-to-use solderless wiring system, simplifying the installation process.
- Winner: Tie
Target Audience/Genre
- Emg 808: Primarily aimed at players of 7 and 8-string guitars in genres like modern metal, djent, and progressive metal.
- 808x: Caters to the same audience but appeals to those seeking an even more aggressive, high-output, and refined extended-range tone, often for heavier subgenres.
- Winner: 808x
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Aggression & Output | 808x |
| Clarity in Low Tunings | 808x |
| Midrange Articulation | emg 808 |
| Versatility | emg 808 |
| Bass Response | 808x |
| Overall Tone | Subjective (but 808x for heavier focus) |
What They Have in Common
- Active Electronics: Both the EMG 808 and 808x utilize active electronics, meaning they require a battery to operate. This active circuitry allows for higher output and reduced noise compared to passive pickups.
- Humbucking Design: Both pickups feature a humbucking design to effectively cancel out 60-cycle hum and other unwanted noise, providing a cleaner signal for heavy music.
- 4-Conductor Wiring: Both models come with 4-conductor wiring, offering versatility for various wiring configurations such as coil-splitting or series/parallel options.
- Sealed Construction: The pickups are sealed, which helps to protect the internal components from dust and moisture, contributing to their durability.
- Designed for Lower Tunings: While both excel in lower tunings, they are specifically engineered to retain clarity and definition when strings are tuned down significantly.
EMG 808 vs 808X Buying Guide
Target Audience and Genre
The EMG 808 is a fantastic choice for guitarists seeking that classic, tight, and articulate tone often associated with modern metal and hard rock. Its clarity and defined low-end make it ideal for players who prioritize percussive attack and precise riffing. If you’re playing anything from thrash to progressive metal, and want a pickup that cuts through the mix without sounding muddy, the 808 is a solid contender.
Conversely, the EMG 808X is engineered for those who crave an even more aggressive and powerful sound. It excels in genres that demand extreme tightness and a pronounced, driving low-end, such as djent, deathcore, and modern extreme metal. If your playing style involves heavy palm-muting, intricate low-string work, and a desire for maximum impact, the 808X will likely resonate with your sonic needs. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Pickup Configuration and Installation
Both the EMG 808 and 808X are typically offered as humbucker pickups designed for 7-string guitars, though variations might exist. Their installation process is generally straightforward, especially if you’re familiar with passive humbucker wiring. EMG’s solderless wiring system, commonly included with these pickups, significantly simplifies the installation, making it accessible even for beginners. Ensure your guitar has the correct routing for humbuckers and the appropriate cavity space for the active circuitry if applicable.
When considering installation, remember to verify the pickup’s dimensions to ensure it fits your guitar’s pickup cavities. While both are 7-string humbuckers, minor variations in housing could exist. The solderless system is a major advantage for ease of installation and troubleshooting, allowing for quick swaps if you decide to experiment with different EMG models later.
Tone and Output Characteristics
The EMG 808 is renowned for its tight, focused low-end, articulate mids, and clear highs. It provides a balanced output that is powerful enough for heavy genres but retains a musicality that doesn’t sound overly compressed or sterile. This makes it versatile for both rhythm and lead playing, offering a distinct clarity that helps individual notes and chords stand out, even in a dense mix.
The EMG 808X takes this a step further, offering a higher output and an even more pronounced low-end response. It’s designed for extreme tightness and a percussive attack that’s crucial for the most demanding modern metal styles. The 808X delivers a more aggressive punch and a more commanding presence, making it the go-to for players who want their riffs to feel absolutely massive and incredibly defined. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Price and Value Proposition
Both the EMG 808 and 808X generally fall within a similar mid-to-high price range for premium guitar pickups. The value proposition for both lies in their consistent quality, reliability, and the sonic capabilities they bring to your instrument. For many guitarists, the investment in these pickups is well worth the enhanced tone and performance they offer, especially for those playing professionally or gigging regularly.
While their prices are comparable, the 808X might carry a slight premium due to its enhanced specifications. Consider your budget and the specific sonic goals you have for your guitar. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance pickup that will elevate your sound without breaking the bank, both models offer excellent value for their respective tonal characteristics.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy emg 808 If…
- You’re looking for a versatile active pickup suitable for a wide range of modern metal subgenres.
- You prefer a slightly more balanced EQ with a good cut in the mids for articulate riffing.
- You want a reliable and well-established pickup that offers great clarity and definition at a slightly more accessible point.
Buy 808x If…
- Your primary focus is on extreme metal and you require maximum aggression and punch.
- You frequently use very low tunings and need a pickup that maintains tightness and clarity even on the lowest strings.
- You desire a more powerful, bass-heavy tone with a sharper attack for chugging riffs and heavy breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the EMG 808 and 808X?
The primary distinction lies in their output level and low-end response. The EMG 808 offers a tight, articulate tone favored for a broad range of modern metal. The 808X, however, is engineered for even greater tightness and a more pronounced, driving low-end, making it ideal for the most extreme and percussive metal subgenres like djent and deathcore.
Are these pickups suitable for 6-string guitars?
Both the EMG 808 and 808X are specifically designed for 7-string guitars, featuring wider pole spacing to align with the additional strings. While it might be physically possible to install them on a 6-string, the string alignment would be incorrect, leading to suboptimal tone and performance. It is highly recommended to use pickups designed for the correct number of strings. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Do I need a preamp for the EMG 808 or 808X?
Yes, both the EMG 808 and 808X are active pickups and require a preamp to function correctly. They are designed to work with EMG’s internal preamp system, which is powered by a 9V battery. This active circuitry is what contributes to their high output, low noise, and distinct tonal characteristics.
How does the 808X compare to the 808 for palm-muting?
The EMG 808X excels significantly in palm-muting compared to the 808. Its enhanced low-end tightness and higher output create a more percussive and impactful palm-mute, allowing for incredibly defined and aggressive riffing. The 808 is still good for palm-muting, but the 808X offers a more pronounced and cutting sound in this regard.
Can I mix and match EMG 808 and 808X pickups in the same guitar?
Yes, you can absolutely mix and match EMG 808 and 808X pickups in a 7-string guitar. Many players choose to pair an 808 in the neck position for slightly warmer, more articulate leads and an 808X in the bridge for maximum aggression and tightness for rhythm playing. This setup offers a versatile tonal palette.
Final Verdict
The EMG 808 provides a fantastic, tight, and articulate tone perfect for a wide array of modern metal. However, for those pushing the boundaries of extreme genres and demanding unparalleled low-end tightness and percussive attack, the EMG 808X emerges as the superior choice. Its enhanced output and focused low-end are specifically engineered to deliver the crushing weight and clarity required for the most aggressive styles.
Winner: EMG 808X