EMG 85 for Squier '51

[EmaEm1]

Hi guys!

I am changing pickups in my Squier '51 (original series), because bridge is too muddy and bright, and I will keep it for project, while neck is already in partcaster.

I live in Bosnia, so it is difficult to get used pups (eBay, thomann.de and similar sites are not option due to high shipping costs and crazy custom officers which make you pay big taxes), however I found EMG 85 chrome for just €40 (approx. $40) and as alternative, EMG 81 for €50.


So few questions for you:

1) I saw people getting fake EMG, so please tell me what you think because these are my first EMGs?

2) Again, first actives, so is it possible to put battery single pup cavity?

3) Squier '51 cult followers, what do you think of this pickup on guitar, as I have not saw EMGs on '51. I think it will look killer.

P.S. I bought new EMG HZ S2 (passive) from local shop for €40 (discount :cheers: ), but I am not sure if I will put it in, or just make new pickguard using CNC machine and keep this pickup for other guitar.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

Looks like a real EMG to me. I just sold a set of chrome 81/85 that came off a PRS SE Nick Catanese and they look just like that.

I like the 85 in the bridge. It's really smooth with fat low-mids, yet still relatively tight and very focused-sounding. I like it more than the 81, personally.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

Looks like a real EMG to me...

Agreed, I think you're good to go on that one.

 

[jtougas]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

EMG looks legit.

No reason I can think of not to put the battery in the neck pup pocket, but the passive may not play well with the active... check EMGs website for suggestions.

 

[stratguy23]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

I think the 85 is an excellent bridge pickup choice for the Squier 51.

If the Vintage Modified Squier 51 is anything like the original Squier 51, which has been described as made out of "pound cake and recycled underpants", it is not an inherently toneful guitar. It makes total sense to put high output actives in it and let the pickups produce the tone.

 

[EmaEm1]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

I think the 85 is an excellent bridge pickup choice for the Squier 51.

If the Vintage Modified Squier 51 is anything like the original Squier 51, which has been described as made out of "pound cake and recycled underpants", it is not an inherently toneful guitar. It makes total sense to put high output actives in it and let the pickups produce the tone.

It is original '51. Sorry for misinformation.

EMG looks legit.

No reason I can think of not to put the battery in the neck pup pocket, but the passive may not play well with the active... check EMGs website for suggestions.

If I put battery in neck pickup cavity, I will use only one pickup, so actives wont be whit passive.

Thanks for info!

 

[jtougas]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

Yeah, but if you skip the tone control, or use a toggle to switch pickups instead of the blade (EMG makes an LP style toggle for the quick-attach style), you *might* be able to fit the battery in the control cavity and use both pickups at once... but I would recommend an SA in the neck, to go with the 85.

Or, if you're not afraid of modding the guitar, you can route a battery compartment in the body, and use the regular controls.

 

[EmaEm1]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

Yeah, but if you skip the tone control, or use a toggle to switch pickups instead of the blade (EMG makes an LP style toggle for the quick-attach style), you *might* be able to fit the battery in the control cavity and use both pickups at once... but I would recommend an SA in the neck, to go with the 85.

Or, if you're not afraid of modding the guitar, you can route a battery compartment in the body, and use the regular controls.

As '51 only has volume and rotary switch, I will instead of switch put tone control, and for SA... My budget is too short currently

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: EMG 85 for Squier '51

I like the 85 in the bridge. It's really smooth with fat low-mids, yet still relatively tight and very focused-sounding.

+ another