Re: EMG 81 + basswood = instawood?
I think that depends on several factors ~
Cheap basswood from low end Ibanez came from asia these days , they sound quite different than American basswood.
honestly , they arent very good quality wood afterall .
Mahogany is more consistent and my friend has EMGs in his Les Paul and SG , and it makes them all sound very similar . EMG sound has less influenced from the wood and more from the Pick up itself.
So back to your question , i think Basswood with EMG prolly be a greater choice since the sound is less depending on the quality of the wood so low end basswood would definitely benefit from it . Maybe that's why some ppl think its' " the " wood for EMG ~