Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

sufferinrewind

sufferinrewind

New member
I'm just wondering if this is true. I've looked around at reviews, haven't seen anyone say anything about it sounding like the 81. The EMG website says it does, but I want to hear it from people who've used both pickups, if there are any in the forum who have. Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

i'd like to know also, because i cant decide what is going into my ibanez next... dimebucker, duncan distortion, or emg hz4.... (and i'm an 81 fan)
 
Re: Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

nahfuten said:
i'd like to know also, because i cant decide what is going into my ibanez next... dimebucker, duncan distortion, or emg hz4.... (and i'm an 81 fan)
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Indeed. I'm wondering because, well... I don't want to hack up my guitar to put a battery pack into the back of it (for the 81) for easy access, only to find that I might not like it at all in that particular guitar. The guitar I'd be putting them in is a $100 Dean Vendetta XM (which is probably the most amazing value I've seen in a guitar. It's an excellent guitar for very little. But, I expected that, because I bought a $120 Dean acoustic, which was also phenominal for the price). My brother in law works with wood, and he'd route it for me for free, (hell, he even offered to make a guitar for me for free...) but, if I don't like it, I'd just have a hole in the back of my guitar...
 
Re: Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

I guess we'll either have to try them ourselves or wait a good, looong while for someone who knows to show up. It's okay, though. I'll get a DMZ Super Distortion. Those sound killer thru a Traynor (which I'll also aquire, soon :D). Hope you find 'em to your liking, nahfuten. See ya around the forum. Later.
 
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Re: Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

The emg hz's i've tried were really bland and somewhat muddy. The 81 has much more bite and definition. I prefer the 85s to either.
 
Re: Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

ex-compare Alexi Laiho's rhythm tone to James Hetfield or Zakk Wylde. It's thinner, less output. Alexi uses the HZ-H4 and Het/Zakk use the EMG-81 in the bridge.

I personally think EMG should stick to active, it's what they do best. Duncans and Dimarzios kick it in the passive dept. (not to mention Anderson or Lawrence).
 
Re: Is the EMG-HZ H4 really similar to the EMG 81?

Well you cant really use that as a comparison since they all use different amps, guitars, settings, etc... and Alexi also used a J-50BC.

I cant tell if they sound similar, but what I can tell you is that the high end Jackson I played with HZ's sounds better than a lower end BC Rich with real EMG's.
 
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