Emg 81s

[TheArriaga88]

Hey guys, i hope im posting in the right section.
I have a gibson explorer gothic with i think a 500t in the bridge,
im after a super tight, clear, punchy, rhythym tone
naturally ive been looking into the emg active pickups, 81 and 85 for bridge
but the more i search forums, the more negative things i hear about these pickups.
loss of dynamics, sterile etc etc...

my question to you bunch is are these really that bad?

 

[screamingdaisy]

If you're looking for tight, clear and punchy you'll probaby like the 81. It's a classic for a reason.

I wouldn't worry too much about what at others think. If you search for info about anything that's popular you'll find an army of haters who'll gladly **** all over it. The 81 has been on more albums than any of them have ever listened to.

 

[Buster Leggs]

If you're looking for tight, clear and punchy you'll probaby like the 81. It's a classic for a reason.

I wouldn't worry too much about what at others think. If you search for info about anything that's popular you'll find an army of haters who'll gladly **** all over it. The 81 has been on more albums than any of them have ever listened to.

+1 My only issue with the EMG 81/85' is that they don't clean up when you roll the volume back. If you can get past that you'll probably like them based on the description of what you're looking for.

 

[screamingdaisy]

Mine clean up fine, and they do it without the treble loss passives have.

 

[Markedman]

I like them so much I bought the P81/85 set up to replace the P90 pick ups the guitar had, massive improvement IMO. I use them for classic rock and blues, not metal. For metal I like passive pick ups.

 

[TheArriaga88]

thanks guys! i think im gonna throw the 81 into the bridge on my explorer, and down the road save up for an LP or maybe a PRS cause i still love the smooth tone i get from my passive 498r in the neck.

if i were looking for an emg to pair with the 81?
for smooth sweet leads and cleans?
any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Buster Leggs]

Mine clean up fine, and they do it without the treble loss passives have.

Maybe it's the amp and or and settings I use but mine don't clean up like 'passive' pups I use. That's just my experience with my equipment. Ymmv

 

[Hatebreed]

I have 81/85 in my jackson kelly and they work great

 

[Buster Leggs]

If you're looking for tight, clear and punchy you'll probaby like the 81. It's a classic for a reason.

I wouldn't worry too much about what at others think. If you search for info about anything that's popular you'll find an army of haters who'll gladly **** all over it. The 81 has been on more albums than any of them have ever listened to.

+1 My only issue with the EMG 81/85' is that they don't clean up when you roll the volume back. If you can get past that you'll probably like them based on the description of what you're looking for.

I lowered my 81/85' almost 3/16 of an inch per a board members recommendation and they now clean up nicely when volume is rolled back. In fact I like them better now overall. Sorry for the misinformation.