Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

[Sirion]

So, I have a hot pink Kramer body.



I am not sure if it will go with this neck, but it is a distinct possibility.

Now, this body has something of a history to it. It has a battery room at the back, resembling the one on a Kramer Sustainer but nevertheless distinct from it (the lids would not have been recessed on these). Rumor is that these models were intended as a variant of the Pacer Imperial that would sport EMG pickups, but for some reason they were never released – I have seen several over the years, and all have the same hot pink colour.

When building this I think it is only suitable that I put EMGs in it to complete it as it was intended, but the question is what to go for. I don't particularly care for the 81, but I have used the 85 in the bridge previously to good effect, then paired with single-coil SA pickups. Now, however, I need a humbucker to go with it. Any suggestions what might go well with the 85? I would have told you my musical preferences, but I think the guitar itself speaks clearly of what is going to be needed. :laugh2:

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

An EMG HA is the SA in a humbucker shell. The 60A is a mini humbucker in a humbucker shell.
You can also get a 58 for a P-90ish tone.


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[Teleplayer]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

I suggest 89 or 89R. Its supposed to have the same tone as the 85, but is generally considered to be a tiny bit brighter. Also gives SA like tone when split, which makes it handy as a neck pickup.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

Another 85?

Also, have you tried the 81 in the neck?

 

[dave74]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

If you just want nice cleans and lead-tones from the neck I would say do the dual 85 set.
If you want to use the neck for riffing and/or blended leads (and blended riffing) I would suggest the 60.
I'm not a fan of the 81 in the neck,,,,,,it's OK I guess, but I haven't been really happy with it the couple times I tried.

 

[formula73]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

60

 

[BeKindRewind]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

Probably 60A or 89

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[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

If you just want nice cleans and lead-tones from the neck I would say do the dual 85 set.
If you want to use the neck for riffing and/or blended leads (and blended riffing) I would suggest the 60.
I'm not a fan of the 81 in the neck,,,,,,it's OK I guess, but I haven't been really happy with it the couple times I tried.

You're not into the 85 for neck riffing? I'm a week into my first time with one, and really like it. I think I just really love the active neck tone.

 

[dave74]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

You're not into the 85 for neck riffing? I'm a week into my first time with one, and really like it. I think I just really love the active neck tone.

Always too muddy for my setups, but for cleans and leads I just love the 85 in the neck. I'm on bridge anyways for most riffing though.
Depends on strings and tuning, and of course the guitar itself.
Perhaps in alder, ash, or maple it could work for that and not sound as "doomy", and those are the woods that the 85 works best at the bridge too IMO.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

Just swapped the 81 and 85 in my C-1. F-ing love it. Nice clear, aggressive chunky bridge.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

85 in the bridge pairs well with a 60 in the neck

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

Still need to try a 60.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

I'd say just throw in some Blackouts.

 

[Toejam]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

An 85 in the bridge pairs well with a 60 or 81 in the neck. Two 85s are also good.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Neck pickup to go with EMG 85

FWIW, I think the 60A pairs better with the 85 than the 60.

Also look into the 89R.

81 if you're going to be doing more leads than cleans.