EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

[Benjy_26]

Hey all.

Which, in your opinion, would be cooler for hard rock or metal in a LP?

I'm thinking of installing either the DD set or the EMG 89 set. With the DD, I would do normal LP wiring with individual coils splits.

With the EMG's, I was thinking of doing individual volumes, master tone, an SPC control, and individual coil splits.

Which would rock harder?

I play through a GT8 driving a Mesa 50:50 power amp and a pair of 2x12 cabs.

The LP in question will be an Agile 2000 (maple neck, mahogany body, thin maple cap).

 

[Tux789]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

you can split an 89?

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

you can split an 89?

Technically yes, but it's not actually a split. The 89 is basically two pickups in one housing; the humbucker setting is identical to an 85 to most peoples' ears. The single coil setting is like an SA. You use the included push/pull pot to switch between modes, IIRC.

I would say try both. You might not like the 89 if you don't like the EMG sound.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

you can split an 89?

Yeah. Full mode is supposed to be like an 85 and the split mode is an SA. Both modes are as quiet as EMG's usually are.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

I would say try both. You might not like the 89 if you don't like the EMG sound.

I love the SA set that's part of the DG20 set in my strat, but I've never tried the 85.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

You sound like you want a Custom.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

While I love the Custom, I was thinking of a slightly different approach for this guitar. I've had the Custom in 3 different axes. It's time to try something different, I think.

 

[Loserchief]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

i think one EMG 89 would be enough. While it sounds great in both modes it might get a little boring if you have one in neck and bridge. Get a 60 for the neck.

 

[Children of Bodom]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

I have an EMG 89 in the bridge of my lp....very nice but dont like think im a retard for asking this but how do u switch between modes???

Do you like have to go into the guitar or can you like do it from the outside? im guessing you cant do it from the outside.

 

[Loserchief]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

I have an EMG 89 in the bridge of my lp....very nice but dont like think im a retard for asking this but how do u switch between modes???

Do you like have to go into the guitar or can you like do it from the outside? im guessing you cant do it from the outside.

if you've installed the pup with the pots that came with it one should be a push-pull volume/tone and switching is done by pulling the knob a bit up/pushing it back down. If not you should get a push-pull and install it. Without the switching the 89 works just like a regular 85/SA depending on how you wired it and would not really be worth the extra money you pay

 

[Children of Bodom]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

WHOA! i didnt even notice that it was push pull..... Cuz im a retard.. Thankyou

 

[Robbiedbee]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

The results of the poll are 4-4-4 right now, which doesn't really help you

If I were you, I'd go for the DD set. The are good for hard rock, and can do metal well too. If you'd like a slightly warmer neck, for tonal variety, go for a '59 in the neck.

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

I would've thought the Distortion was more like the 81 while the Custom was more like the 85/9.

 

[Ransom]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

i think one EMG 89 would be enough. While it sounds great in both modes it might get a little boring if you have one in neck and bridge. Get a 60 for the neck.

LC,
Fill me in on the EMG 60... character? Good for what styles?

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

The 60 has closer bar spacing, like that of a mini-bucker so it's output is a lot more focused.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

LC,
Fill me in on the EMG 60... character? Good for what styles?

The 60 is pretty clean and clear, with a lot of single coil character to the mids. I had a pair of them in my Hamer when I got it. I yanked it out in favor of an APH/JB set.

 

[Loserchief]

Re: EMG 89 vs Duncan Distortion in a LP

The 60 is pretty clean and clear, with a lot of single coil character to the mids.

jep abosolutely right. But under High gain this pup becomes crushing as a bulldozer and makes a perfect rhythm pup.