Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

[SonVolt]

I just got an ESP E-II Vintage Black from Sweetwater that comes with the gold covered EMG 81/60s. I'm really not liking how bright and jangley these pickups are sounding compared to my M-II with the black plastic EMGs. Are the gold pickup covers causing this brightness? Surely it's not the guitar since being mahogany I would assume it would be darker than the alder bodied M-II.


Has anyone else used these metal covered EMGs?


Btw- the brushed finish has scratched off after about 10 minutes of play time. You can run your finger nail very lightly over the pickup cover and the coating will scratch off. Very disappointed in that regard. Otherwise I like the E-II.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

An 85 in the bridge solves your problem.

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

It could very well be the strings. I've found that EMGs are a lot more sensitive to string material/construction than other pickups.

Ernie balls and dadarrios are way too bright with them

 

[SonVolt]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

Interesting. These are the strings that came on the guitar - not sure what brand. What do you recommend with EMGs?

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

I find DR tite fits work well as theyre a bit darker and if that still isnt dark enough for you try the pure blues.

Both work very well.

 

[SrDeMaFp]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

It could very well be the strings. I've found that EMGs are a lot more sensitive to string material/construction than other pickups.

Ernie balls and dadarrios are way too bright with them

This is the 1st time I've ever seen anybody else say this. I thought I was going crazy. It's a noticeable difference!

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

That's pretty interesting about the strings. I'll have to try and remember that.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

It would be interesting to hear sound clips of EMGs with the various cover materials.

It is possible to imagine that the metal covers interfere with the magnetic field of the pickup. It is possible to imagine that the epoxy resin does not bond with the inner surface of the metal cover in the same way that it does with the plastic. This might leave air gaps and, hence, there is then the possibility of microphonic squeal.

The String Theory is interesting. Factory strings sets are not always of the highest quality.

 

[SonVolt]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

It would be interesting to hear sound clips of EMGs with the various cover materials.

It is possible to imagine that the metal covers interfere with the magnetic field of the pickup. It is possible to imagine that the epoxy resin does not bond with the inner surface of the metal cover in the same way that it does with the plastic. This might leave air gaps and, hence, there is then the possibility of microphonic squeal.

The String Theory is interesting. Factory strings sets are not always of the highest quality.

I actually am getting some squeal with higher gain settings. My other EMG guitar never squeals.

 

[rumblebox]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

It could very well be the strings. I've found that EMGs are a lot more sensitive to string material/construction than other pickups.

Ernie balls and dadarrios are way too bright with them

I actually found the exact opposite to be true. Dead strings make a much more drastic difference with passives than actives.

FWIW, i found the 85 to be a much better sounding pup than the 81...... With a 60A in the neck.

A couple of things to try anyway:
New battery, thicker strings, thicker pick.

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Gold EMG 81s - Way Too Bright

I actually found the exact opposite to be true. Dead strings make a much more drastic difference with passives than actives.

FWIW, i found the 85 to be a much better sounding pup than the 81...... With a 60A in the neck.

A couple of things to try anyway:
New battery, thicker strings, thicker pick.

Dead strings are a completely different matter. I was speaking purely of the material that the strings are made of. Crusty skin not inclusive.