BY Bernie Taupin  | Last updated: March 31, 2025

Best 8 String Pickups 2025 : My Recommendations

When I was searching for best 8 string pickups to improve my performance and make my work easier, I wanted something that offered both quality and value. After exploring various options, I found a few standout choices that deliver impressive features and reliability. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, these products offer a seamless experience tailored to your needs.

Product Overview

After testing several options, I discovered that not all best 8 string pickups are created equal. I focused on key aspects like performance, durability, and ease of use. Some models stood out for their superior build quality, while others offered advanced features that made a real difference. Finding the right balance between these factors helped me choose the best fit for my specific requirements.

Performance and Usability

Using best 8 string pickups firsthand gave me a clear understanding of what works best in real-life scenarios. Some products excelled in precision and efficiency, while others impressed me with their ergonomic design. Whether I needed something lightweight for on-the-go use or a more robust option for heavy-duty tasks, I found choices that met my expectations.

The 5 best 8 string pickups:

  • Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi
  • 2PCS Ceramic Magnet 8 String Guitar Humbucker Pickup Neck & Bridge Pickups Black
  • Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Humbucker Ceramic Pickups
  • Black 8 String Guitar Pickup Set
  • EMG 808X

Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi

Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi 8-String Humbucker Pickup Set

Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi

When I first decided to explore new pickups for my guitar, I stumbled upon the Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi 8-String Humbucker Pickup Set. From the moment I unboxed them, I was thrilled. These pickups come with every pot, wire, jack, and capacitor you could need, color-coded to boot, which instantly made the wiring process straightforward and more enjoyable.

However, as I prepared to install them, I encountered a bit of a challenge. The pickup cavity in my Ibanez wasn't quite accommodating for these humbuckers. I needed to widen, deepen, and make the cavity taller. While this might sound intimidating, the payoff was more than rewarding. Post-installation, the sound was nothing short of amazing!

The versatility of these pickups genuinely amazed me. Whether you're aiming for the smooth, glassy sound of a single coil neck blues, or diving into the depths of heavier genres like Judas Priest and Wage War, these pickups handle it all effortlessly. The ability to shift from one voice to another is seamless. For those who enjoy a warm and deep tone, Voice 1 is perfect. But, if you're leaning toward a growling, aggressive sound, then Voice 2 is your go-to. The single coil voice also offers its own unique spank, which I found particularly exciting when experimenting with different genres.

One feature I particularly appreciated is their clarity. These high-output pickups deliver a sound that is not just crystal clear but offers maximum headroom. It's almost as if I'm playing with three distinct sets of pickups, all packed into one neat package. The noise reduction is another striking feature. Even with the volume and tone knobs cranked up, the sound remains impressively clean and noise-free. It's as if the pickups are amplifying the purity of my playing!

On my Jackson Warrior setup, I wired them with a push-pull volume and push-pull tone, which added even more flexibility. The volume knob facilitated switching between Voice 1 and Voice 2, while the tone pot dealt with the coil tap, or Voice 3. Coupled with a three-way Les Paul style switch, I found myself navigating between different sounds effortlessly.

While the installation process was more complex than I initially anticipated, the sound quality and flexibility the Fishman Fluence Tosin Abasi provides is unparalleled. If you're willing to invest a little time in setup, these pickups will undoubtedly make a significant impact. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, this pickup set promises an incredible range of tones, ensuring you won't be disappointed. For me, these are easily the best pickups I've ever come across. A must-try for any guitar enthusiast!

2PCS Ceramic Magnet 8 String Guitar Humbucker Pickup Neck & Bridge Pickups Black

2PCS Ceramic Magnet 8 String Guitar Humbucker Pickup Neck & Bridge Pickups Black

Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Humbucker Ceramic Pickups

Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Humbucker Ceramic Pickups, Black Plastic

Discovering the Power of Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Humbucker Ceramic Pickups

When I got my hands on the Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Humbucker Ceramic Pickups, I was eager to explore its capabilities, especially as someone who loves modern metal. Right away, I noticed the sheer number of options these pickups offer, which makes them both thrilling and slightly daunting to dive into.

The wiring setup was a bit of a puzzle at first, with a need to configure it just right: 2x volume, 2x tone, and distinct V1/V2 options on the neck and bridge volume knobs. I also wired the single coil option into the neck tone knob because of the unique wiring scheme. Once I got past the setup, the rewards were plenty.

Impressive Flexibility and Tone

The bridge pickup on the V1 setting really surprised me. It delivered a tone similar to an EMG 81 but with enhanced low bass. Unlike other actives, there were no preamp compression issues here—only pure, clean tone, even at low gain. Switching to V2, it shifted the balance with more low mids and less upper treble, still maintaining that crystal-clear edge through both low and high gain amp settings. This tone felt modern and unique, straying a bit from other tones like the Seymour Duncan JB or the DiMarzio Super Distortion.

Over on the neck pickup, V1 took me by storm with its EMG 85-like sound without the notorious compression. This element made playing from low to high gain delightful, showcasing the fullest clean tone I’d ever experienced. The V2 option offered a passive yet powerful output, impressively adaptable and arguably one of the best neck pickup tones for both clean and high-gain playing.

Exploring Single Coil Options

Now, the single coil tones were an absolute treat. While it took some extra time to understand the wiring from the Fishman website, it was worth it. Set to single, the pickups resonated a tone reminiscent of a Lace Rainbow set. On clean amp settings, they were delicate, responsive, and beautifully clear. The ability to switch between V1 and V2 adds exciting diversity, offering me four distinct, highly usable tones per pickup—a real gem!

A Metal Guitarist's Dream

After spending countless hours with these pickups, I can genuinely recommend them to anyone wanting unparalleled modern high-gain tones fused with clean tonal flexibility. If you're a metal guitarist seeking variety in your sound, these could be your new best choice. With my Mesa Triple Rectifier, an Ibanez NuTube Screamer pedal, and a Jackson King V 6-string guitar, these pickups truly pushed the boundaries of what I thought my music could sound like.

Black 8 String Guitar Pickup Set

Black 8 String Guitar Pickup Set Double Coil Humbucker For Electric Guitar

EMG 808X

EMG 808X 8-String Active Guitar Pickup Black

Final Thoughts

Investing in the right best 8 string pickups can make all the difference in performance and creativity. After thorough testing, I found that the best choices strike a perfect balance between quality, functionality, and affordability. No matter your level of experience, having a reliable product can truly elevate your results.