Re: passive equivalent of EMG85?
Again, not relly a passive out there quite the same. I have used the 85 in a couple guitars, both in the bridge and neck. IMO it's a MUCH better bridge pickup than a neck because its so ht (hotter than the 81) and fat. But if I had to choose a Duncan that was closest, I'd say the CC because of the pronounced lower mids, thick creaminess, higher output, and tradtitional voicing.