EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

[Monsta-Tone]

I've been looking at an LTD Elite ST-1 http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-ESP-EST1R-LIST
I really like ESP necks.
I really don't like the EMG-81.
They make a model of this guitar with Duncans, but it has a maple fretboard.

I'm trying to decide between the two models.
I've never really been able to bond with a maple fretboard. They always feel too sticky and sound too bright to me. If I go with the maple board, I'll probably steel wool the finish to smoothen it out a little.

So, here is my question.......
What is a good replacement for the 81 that doesn't sound sterile? I think EMG's are great for metal, but I play all sorts of stuff ranging from bluesy heavy (think KWS or Robin Trower) to Incubus, Faith No More (guitar tones are too bright for me) to just about any style in between.
EMG's just sound sterile to me. Especially after having used a PAF Pro, and Custom Custom for a long time.

I want a pickup that is dark, rich, soulful, hot but not so hot that it is overbearing and has no finesse.
I probably wouldn't want to go with a pickup that is hotter than a Tone Zone if that makes sense.
I'm wondering if there is a decent active pickup that will work well with the factory wiring of the ST-1.
Blackouts? Live Wires? etc...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TNTales]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

Have you checked out the Black Winters? Also the rest of their metal line has just come to six string...

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

I haven't yet, thanks! I want the most versatile active I can get though. Gotta be able to switch it up from Ska to Metal to Blues......

Maybe I should get the maple one, skotchbrite the fretboard, and use 250k pots......

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

I would take a look at the EMG57, 66, or 60 before you write off actives all together....

 

[darthphineas]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

From what I've read and heard about the Fishman Fluence, they would be something to look at for what the OP is describing.


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[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

The stock blackouts. You just described the blackouts. Warmer, fatter slightly hotter, and better picking response than the emg 81.
If you wanna go passive, then I suggest the JB with coil splits. That will do for ska nicely, likely better than an active would.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

The EMG-X series of pickups cure much of the "sterility" of the original versions.

The -85X has the warmth and dynamics that the -81 lacks.

The -57/-66 pair has already been mentioned. SD Live Wire Classic IIs are in a similar ballpark.

 

[dominus]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

Even the standard EMG 85 will do what you're looking for. Odd that they used SAs in the neck and middle and an 81 instead of an 85.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

I agree with the 85. Maybe the X version. I have tried both, but in different guitars, but loved them all the same. If you want more versatility get the 89, the split mode is excellent.

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

I would take a look at the EMG57, 66, or 60 before you write off actives all together....

This. I think you would like the 57,66 combo.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

The stock blackouts. You just described the blackouts. Warmer, fatter slightly hotter, and better picking response than the emg 81.
If you wanna go passive, then I suggest the JB with coil splits. That will do for ska nicely, likely better than an active would.

I went to my friends house yesterday. He has my old ESP. It now has the original Blackouts.
I have to say, those are some bad ass pickups! The bridge pickup sounded just fat and mean with intense harmonics and no shrillness. The neck pickup sounded very full but not flubby at all!
I will definitely keep these in mind!

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. I'll take a look at the new EMG's and the Fishman today.

I'm not so sure I like the single in the neck position, I'm really into neck humbuckers. Are there any single coil sized HB's that are active? Or....should I just get the EMG mid booster for the neck pup? I played a Strat recently with the David Gilmour pickgaurd. That thing sounded great! With the active tone controls turned all the way down, it wasn't bad, but the ability to dial in almost any tone was incredible!

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

EMG H for the neck than!

 

[jtougas]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

Another vote for trying an 85/85X...

 

[Top-L]

Re: EMG-81 Replacement - warmer - soulful active pickup with clarity

If you want active, with the sound of passives, get an EMG PA-2 active circuit ($35) and install it with your passive pickups. It works GREAT with the PAF pro. I found it works best with pickups that are trebly/articulate and respond well to boost pedals. The PAF Pro with PA-2 is a great combo.

It will give you a low-z signal from your guitar and also you can boost the output into active territory so no matter what you plug into it will have the gain you need.