I had an Epi LP 100 with 2 81's a few years ago. It ended up being my main guitar because it was really versatile, I could do everything from Metallica to Sepultura with it.
Gotta love a guitar that lets you do everything all the way from Metallica to Sepultura!
maybe, but certainly not in my experience, and especially listening to dozens of professional musicians (i'm talking touring bands at huge venues, not local fellas playing in a bar) playing EMGs live through a range of different amps, I can always instantly tell if they're playing EMGs cuz it sounds exactly the same.
Well I know taste is something personal, but I do like EMGs for metal, Zakk's set is good, I like it, though I prefer the 60 rather than the 85. Anyway, I think you should go for a metal looking guitar, any metal look is fine. For EMG actives guitar wood and shape do not have great influence, so choose whatever guitar amuses your eyes!