emg 85 9v vs 18v

kard2565

kard2565

New member
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

18 v sounds a bit fuller kinda...

er i dunno - i was expecting a bigger difference tbh
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

After playing with both for awhile I am going to stick with just the one 9v battery in the guitar. It has a lil more rounded sound with just the one 9v.
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

haha, EMGs are way intense! harmonics everywhere and knock u on ur ass! hahaha

Oh man, anyways, that aint my style. One or Two years ago i was yearnin for a pair of 81s or 85s... But then I could never gather the cash, and during that time i got waaaay into blues oriented tones and playing styles and such. You know, like Slash, Stevie Ray Vaughan.... I really dig both their tones. I wanted something that could do blues and harder stuff, but never sound too intense.

I found that with the Custom SH-5, and maybe the Custom Custom and C-5 would be nice if i decide to switch the magnet. Anyway, i think the SH-5 suits me well...

Enough bout me, like the clips! Sounded like the one's at the site at first, but then u switched off to Van Halen. I never like what the clips sounded like on the EMG site--your's sound clearer and more in your face. I think I'd perfer hearing rhythm first, then lead with those pickups.

I'd chose the 9 volt tho, i thought the 18 was too much


Good clips!
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

9V just seems darker to me, no other difference, and I like it better. There isnt much of a difference at all between the two.
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

The 9v seemed to have a rounder tone and the 18v was too hi fi.....if that makes any sense. *Grin*
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

I can´t hear that much difference probably due to my ****ty speakers. But the 18 V clips sound a little more Hi-Fi; I like the rounder and less dynamic touch of the 9 V better.
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

There seems to be very little difference.. but like Puck, It's probably because these are stock speakers... Anyway, the 18-volt seems to have a little more harmonic tone to it, and seems maybe a tad brighter. How much difference is there between the 85 and the 81? Is the 81 much brighter than the 85?
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

Good god EMG's are hot. I've never used active pickups so those clips sound really crazy. Anyway, I think EMG's website should use your clips instead of the limited ones they have on there now.

And, nice Police riff.
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

18v sounds better IMO
 
Last edited:
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

18 volt does sound more dynamic...weird. I think I'll add the extra battery to my tele EMG setup.
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

Maybe it's just me, but that harmonic squeal!!!. I thought you were breakin' into Decadant dance (Exteme).
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

Nice thing about EMGs is their wide dynamic range....good for most styles of music. There isn't much you can't accomplish with an 85 bridge and 60 neck.

The 18v made the tone more dynamic and rich, more body to the notes and more air......more 3-D....over all better in every way to my ears. I am listening through good speakers. The dirty tracks almost sound like you doubled the tracks compared to the 9v version......the difference is that noticable.

Good work bro.

I am thinking of replacing all my guitar's p'ups with EMGs.
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

How does the EMG-81 Bridge sound in comparison to the 85 Bridge? Is it dirtier or more cleaned up?
 
Re: emg 85 9v vs 18v

The EMGs in my custom Jackson run on 18volts. It sounds better. Fuller and with more dynamics. I have an EMG 60 in the neck and an EMG 85 in the bridge.
The custom made active Seymour Duncans in my Jackson Kelly also run on 18 volts.
The difference with active Duncans is that you do not have a choice. 18 volts is simply the minimum power requirement for active SD PUs.
 
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