EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

[Soiledwork]

Anyone have a direct comparison? I've got 85's in most of my guitars. I've got a new Mahogany/Maple top guitar and for once the 85's sound a little thin and overly tight in this one. They sound awesome for the most part but something needs tweaking. I've heard the AHB-3 has a sweeter top end is that true? I'm usually obsessed with tight sounding axes but this one is tight and bright to the extreme.

 

[youngthrasher9]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

The AHB-3 is tight, and fat. Perfect for down tuning. I would wouldn't call it bright at all though. Much bigger bottom end, and way more organic than the EMG's.

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

That sounds perfect........wish me luck my EMTY arrives tomorrow.......

 

[Metalblaze]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

Anyone have a direct comparison? I've got 85's in most of my guitars. I've got a new Mahogany/Maple top guitar and for once the 85's sound a little thin and overly tight in this one. They sound awesome for the most part but something needs tweaking. I've heard the AHB-3 has a sweeter top end is that true? I'm usually obsessed with tight sounding axes but this one is tight and bright to the extreme.

Now you mentioned...I have the same experience with my mahogany/maple top guitar. It's much tighter than my basswood one. I don't know, maybe it's this wood combination along with the 25.5 scale?

 

[rumblebox]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

I would say try 18-volting the 85 first, but since you already have the mick thomson fooock eeeet.

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

The EMTY sounds good...kind of insane over the top attack though we'll see if I keep it in this guitar.....I did forget about the 18 volt mod hmmm.......never liked that mod with the 81 tho........

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

Now you mentioned...I have the same experience with my mahogany/maple top guitar. It's much tighter than my basswood one. I don't know, maybe it's this wood combination along with the 25.5 scale?

It for sure has to do with the wood type/combo.....the 85 is perfect in my ESP NT-II.......

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

So is the AHB-3 neck Alnico like the 85 is? I wonder if you can use that in the bridge at all? I just prefer the warmth of Alnico...

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

Here is the guitar in question.......my spanking new Bernie Rico:

 

[youngthrasher9]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

Here is the guitar in question.......my spanking new Bernie Rico:

DANG! That is a freaking nice axe dude. And yes the AHB-3n has an alnico 5 magnet.

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

DANG! That is a freaking nice axe dude. And yes the AHB-3n has an alnico 5 magnet.

Thanks............so other than it's essentially the same pickup? I may have to just order one and try it out.

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

Maybe not........I'm tweaking and getting good results the way it is.....

 

[mustaine-who?]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

So is the AHB-3 neck Alnico like the 85 is? I wonder if you can use that in the bridge at all? I just prefer the warmth of Alnico...

Of course you can...I have the EMTY n in my Caparison...

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

Of course you can...I have the EMTY n in my Caparison...

And how do you like it? Have you tried the bridge emty prior?

 

[Soiledwork]

Re: EMG 85 vs. Blackout AHB-3

AHB-3 neck in the bridge it is! Just put in and just like the 85 Alnico warmth/smoothness over the Ceramic 81 the sound is there. Keeper!