EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

[guitarplayer100]

So, I'm planning on purchasing a new guitar; LTD EC1000 vintage black. It comes with 2 pickups options; EMG 60 and 81 and SD jazz and jb. Price is the same. I play hard rock/metal, my amp is Orange OR15 (not too far off a rockerverb).

The last time I played JB was with some marshall dsl or something and it was a long time ago, but I don't remember hating it or anything. Jazz is fine because I don't use neck pup that much and is sorta PAFish.

The thing is; I've never played active pups, so I'm not sure what to expect. How is their (81) output compared to JB? How does 81 clean up with guitar's volume (my amp has one channel and I want to be able to get pushed cleans with guitar's volume)?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[InbredJunk]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

Every ec1000 I've played has been a bit thin sounding, and all of them had emg pickups. I've played just a handful of them, so that's not a very good basis, but the emg 81 doesn't have alot of bottom to begin with. I love emgs, don't get me wrong, but I like them a whole lot better in thicker bodied, mahogany body and necked guitars. The jb has a fat bottom end, with a mid and upper midrange emphasis. The 81 just has an upper mid emphasis. They are similar in output, but the jb sounds louder due to the mids and lows. You can get decent clean tones with both pickups with good volume pots, but the emgs sound a bit more compressed. Based on my prior experience with the guitar, and the pickups, I think you would be happier with the jb/jazz combo. Go try out a guitar with both options. That's the best way to tell.

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[guitarplayer100]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

The thing is, I can't really try them locally, so I need to know before I order . Are you sure about EC1000 sounding thin? It's still mahogony and not the thinnest guitar ever, do you mean compared to a les paul?

 

[EmiAba]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

Have you ever played a EC1000? How can you buy a new guitar without trying it? Anyway EMG81 is a powerfull pickup with great clarity of note definition, and provides the right amount of overdrive and compression but lacks in dynamics (I have it paired with a 85 in one of my guitars). With it you can obtain an instant tone. Cleans are barely sufficient, but doesn't matter because I play that guitar only if I want to play extreme metal. If you want something more articulate choose the Hot rodded combo.
It's only a matter of taste but my preference is for the EMG combo (if I'm pushed to choose). Because I don't like the JB. It's a little bit shrilly to my ears.

 

[dazedandconfused001]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

from what ive seen/heard emgs (81 especially) dont really clean up with less volume knob.... could be wrong if i am please correct me

 

[Mincer]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

I'd be surprised if you hear more love for EMGs here. While the JB/Jazz are not my favorite combo, I'd take them over any active EMG set for the music I play. Is the price the same for both guitars? I'd say go with the Duncans, as if you don't like them, you have more choices of passive Duncans to switch to.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

On the other hand, if you get the EMG-equipped one and need a fuller sound, the SD Blackouts are a simple drop-in (aka: plug-in) installation, as well.

When you say "hard rock/metal", what are some examples? For Volbeat/Megadeth type hard rock/metal, the JB/Jazz are awesome and exceptionally versatile. If you want crushing punch and added clarity under loads of gain, the EMGs may serve you better.

 

[fenderiarhs]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

I would be so worried if i were you. I'd buy the one i think has the biggest potential to please me pickup-wise, and if things go wrong, just sell them and buy the other pair. Both JB/Jazz and emg81/60 are quite desirable in the used market.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

Hmmm... I'm thinking EMG. Just one question; could I pair the 60 in the neck (dont't use neck that much) with 57 in the bridge? Or even blackout? How'd that work out? Because I'm afraid 81 will be too thin sounding...

 

[BadBen]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

JB/Jazz? I think the EC1000 with Duncans has the JB/59 combo. That's what mine had in it anyway.

I've got 2 guitars with 81/85s in them and I wouldn't ever describe the 81 as full sounding. In fact, thin is pretty much exactly how I'd describe it. I play the 85 way more. In fact, this is reminding me to swap one of them out in favor of a MegaDrive/Air Norton combo.

To be fair, I swapped the JB/59 for a set of Seths, so I guess I don't really care for either combo...

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[Sensates]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

EMGs are the safe choice here as it's great for metal, even though I would still pick JB/Jazz as I prefer passive pickups.

JB are either a love or hate thing, it can sound great on one guitar, but turd on another. Best if you can try them both.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

I think I'll buy one with EMGs and if I like their vibe, I'll keep them and maybe change 81 for some other EMG if I don't like it. If not, I'll just sell both and buy a set of passive duncans. So how does 60 pair with 57?

 

[InbredJunk]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

Might as well just get the 57 66 set if your gonna change em out

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[guitarplayer100]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

I know, but 57 will work ok with 60, right?

 

[dave74]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

Either way "I'd" keep the 60 at the neck for clearer more cutting high-gain leads.
Just my preference if it's an extreme-metal-only guitar. (especially if you don't use the neck much anyways)

If I wanted warmer cleans and versatility I'd just get the 57/66 set. (or the jb/jazz for that matter)

 

[DonP]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

Why not the EMG 60/85 set? The 85 will bring more lower end to the bridge.

Personally, I play nothing but metal, and my passives get played a lot more than actives (all EMGs). All my EMG guitars have an 81 in the bridge, except 1 with an 89 (odd, but came that way).

Also, I can hear a difference in EMG81's in different guitars. The 81 in my RR24M sounds great, and I wish the 81 in my DK2M Bengal sounded as good.

I don't have EMGs loaded in a mahogany guitar, but Zakk had a good run with them in LP's.

One other thing - consider the rest of your signal path. I have heard EMG's pair good with Mesas, and passives with Marshalls. I play Marshalls but I like Mesa Mark series amps, so maybe that's why I like passives a lot better.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

For metal/ hard rock, the Duncans seem like the better option. But I also didn't enjoy the EMG 81-7/707 in my Les Paul when I got it. I did switch them out for the EMG 57/66 set and it's been beautiful for me. Good for anything from jazz to thrash.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

OR15 is closer to a Marshall for sure, but considering all the trash guys used Marshalls with actives, I'm not sure how true myth that is.

How does emg 57 clean up with guitar volume? Compared to 81 and JB for example? PAFs clean up really well in high gain setting (gain at 1 o'clock).

Also, what's the het set like?

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: EMG 60/81 vs. Jazz/JB

OR15 is closer to a Marshall for sure, but considering all the trash guys used Marshalls with actives, I'm not sure how true myth that is.

How does emg 57 clean up with guitar volume? Compared to 81 and JB for example? PAFs clean up really well in high gain setting (gain at 1 o'clock).

Also, what's the het set like?

I've gotten really usable clean sounds out of the 57/66 by rolling the volume down on my LP (was actually trying to play Lateralus by Tool and wanted to fade into the crunch like on the album).

Well considering I'm a Metallica junkie, I will say that they used Marshall amps on the first two albums, before they switched over to EMGs. For Puppets and Justice, they used Mesa C+ heads rewired as preamps and played those through Marshall power amps and Mesa cabs. After that I believe that they were using Mesa Mark IV's and Triaxis for preamps into Mesa power amps. But that's only Metallica. Megadeth used passives until just recently. Dave had the JB and Jazz set in every one of his V's up until his relationship with Dean.