Vid clip: EMG 58 (not 85), Racktifier, Studio, RM4

[4nkam]

Yup, 58 and not 85. This one seems to be an overlooked or forgotten pickup and you really don't hear much talk about it but I recently received one after wanting to try it out for awhile and I gotta say I really dig it. This was one of EMG's first designs waaaaaaaaaay back in the day and I Guess they didn't really put it out much cuz it was kinda noisy. Then they came out with the 81 and it got popular/took off in 1981. Shortly after that, they took the 58 and used as a basis for what would become the 85.

It is kinda noisy...well, not exactly noisy but it is very sensitive to surroundings and I find myself trying to avoid facing the guitar/pickup from certain areas to avoid noise. When you aren't facing anything that causes noise, it's pretty silent.

The best way I can describe the tone is to say it's kinda like a beefy PAF with P90 clarity/jangle and it has that great active punch. It's pretty thick, has plenty of output, and is right at home for classic/older tones to more modern and heavy stuff. It seriously makes my 81 sound wimpy when it comes to palm mutes...they sound and FEEL much wider, like a mini explosion under your hand.

anyway, I dig it and I know not many others have checked it out so here's a quick vid. As usual, please excuse the crappo digital camera mic...I'll get a decent recording setup one day

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8S8ENKXqzWg

 

[LnTh]

Very close to the tone I like. LIttle on the buzzy side still though. I'm sure it's better in person since cam mics tend to add buzz too.

 

[Elpelotero]

holy crap that's thick!

 

[MetalMatt]

Just insane.