EMG60A or Blackouts?

S

slayest

New member
Looking for a replacement for EMG81 at the BRIDGE position. It's too hot for my taste now, though I play thrash/death metal. The power of a JB is enough for me. But I don't want to mod my guitar to hurt its value, not even just re-soldering. So I have to stick to active pickups. Unfortunately the Dave Mustaine LiveWire cannot share the plug and pots of EMG. Therefore my choices are limited to EMG60A and Blackouts, which can simply plug-and-play with the quick connector.

I tried EMG60 at the bridge position. The power is OK (I don't even mind if it has 10% less power), but the high frequencies are a little too brittle. I think that an EMG60A might be better since the AlNiCo should make it sound softer and less bright. But I'm afraid that it may still be too bright for the bridge position since it's designed to be a neck pickup. Anyone tried 60A at bridge? Please share your opinion!

I also keep hearing good things about Blackouts, but it's said to be having even more output that EMG81 and this totally scares me. Can anyone give me some description on how hot Blackouts actually feel? Suppose that Dave Mustaine LiveWire can be viewed as an active JB, then is Blackouts like an active Duncan Distortion? Or an active Invader? (I mean the output, not the tone).

Also, should I consider the LiveWire Classic II bridge? It's said to be having vintage output which charms me. But I play metal anyway while its description gives me the impression that it's strat-like sounding.

BTW, I really hope that Duncan can have a "phase II" Dave Mustaine LiveWire someday that support the quick connector and can be run with 25K pots so it can replace EMG without re-soldering.

Your opinions are welcomed! And thanks for your patience to read such a long post. :knockedou
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

The Black Out bridge is hotter than the Distortion...and is much hotter than the EMG 81. Was too hot for me as well, and I'm a thrash guy myself.

The Black Out neck model is A5, and is sweeeeeeet in the bridge spot. Output is JB like. Its thick and organic...real chewie...but is still articulate. I'm gonna A/B it with the EMG 85 real quick, and make a final decision as to which one I'm keeping in my Soloist.
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

Thanks for your prompt reply! From your ID I believe I can trust your taste on tone! :friday:

Yeah Blackout neck looks appealing. But personally I never had luck on EMG85. Sound kinda lifeless to me. So please do remember to post your decision after A/B them. Thx!
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

I don't think the Blackouts are that hot actually. Not that much hotter than my JB. Maybe I wired them wrong or something, but they sound great!
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

Based on what you're saying, please consider the Livewire Classic II Bridge Humbucker. I don't know you, or your rig, I've never heard you play, etc, but so far it sounds to me like that pickup was designed specifically for you!
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

frankfalbo said:
Based on what you're saying, please consider the Livewire Classic II Bridge Humbucker. I don't know you, or your rig, I've never heard you play, etc, but so far it sounds to me like that pickup was designed specifically for you!
Click to expand...

Speaking of Livewires, check out this Insane Mustaine on sale at MF . Its equipped with Duncan Livewires. I like it!;

491062.jpg


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=514043X
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

jerryjg said:
Speaking of Livewires, check out this Insane Mustaine on sale at MF . Its equipped with Duncan Livewires. I like it!;

491062.jpg


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=514043X
Click to expand...


I never liked the body style on that thing at all, but that pic makes it obvious what those contours are for! Looks sweet, apart from the crappy headstock. Presumably Dave didn't want the big V headstock cos it's so associated with Dime.
Dunno, I'd still rather have a Jackson than that, and I prefer my RR to any V. Just fits the body better than a V shape IMO, maybe cos I like to wear my guitars low slung - the shorter bottom horn fits between your legs nicer!! :)

I'm confused about all these different active pups now though. I thought the Blackouts were replacing the Livewires, so how come the Livewires are still around?
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

Thanks for all the inputs!


Yeah I did consider the LiveWire Classic II Bridge for quite a while, but I read some reviews on the older version saying that it may be a little thin for metal (I do impressed by the clip of its clean sound on the Duncan sample CD though). Has the EQ of the Classic II been revoiced? Or anyone has clip of it in the BRIDGE?

frankfalbo said:
Based on what you're saying, please consider the Livewire Classic II Bridge Humbucker. I don't know you, or your rig, I've never heard you play, etc, but so far it sounds to me like that pickup was designed specifically for you!
Click to expand...
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

I don't have any experience with active pickups, i just wanted to say two things:

your screen name is awesome and

changing the wiring on your guitar won't hurt it's value at all.
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

slayest said:
Thanks for all the inputs!


Yeah I did consider the LiveWire Classic II Bridge for quite a while, but I read some reviews on the older version saying that it may be a little thin for metal (I do impressed by the clip of its clean sound on the Duncan sample CD though). Has the EQ of the Classic II been revoiced? Or anyone has clip of it in the BRIDGE?
Click to expand...


The Classic II's are re-voiced, but not so much that it would be unfamiliar to someone who had a LW Classic. It's definitely a "new and improved" vibe, and based on what you're saying I don't think you'll find it weak or thin for metal. If you do, there's always the 21-day exchange, and with the quick connection plugs the swap is pretty easy. But my guess is that you'll like it.
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

Dude, try the 18 volt mod in your axe before you go searching for other pickups. You'll get extra headroom, better cleans, and your sound will stay even clearer under distortion. try it.
 
Re: EMG60A or Blackouts?

Yes I am using 18V on my EMGs and I do like the result. Still I want something even better.

I'm glad to hear that the LiveWire Classic II was revoiced (though slightly) cause trying something new always looks cooler to me than to pick up something made famous by the others. :naughty:

Seems like I really should give Classic II a try, and if I don't like it, I'll simply rewire the guitar and go back to JB or other passive ones.

Oh guys you've really talked me into SDs. :laugh:

Thanks all of you!
 
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