Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

[AlfredoBejarano]

Hello guys, I´ve got a Schecter Damien Elite 6, an awesome axe, it came with the EMG 81/85 set wich is are awesome pickups, I love how them sound, but the thing I´ve got annoyed is the constant battery replacement, I´ve heard about the Invader SH-8 pups from SD and Im interested on them, but I want to have other passive pups options, Im also interested in the 6 string versions of the Nazgul and the Sentinent pups but which ones you would recommend guys?

​

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

If you remember to unplug the cord from the guitar's jack when not in use and use quality batteries they will last a long time.

 

[guitarjunkie986]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

If you like the sound of the EMG 81 and 85, there really isn't anything in the Seymour Duncan passive lineup that is truly comparable. The Invader is a VERY different pickup than the EMG's.

If you want to switch to passive and have a similar tone, I think your best bet is a set of DiMarzio D-Activators. But seriously, if you unplug the cable from your guitar when not in use, you should get 1000's of hours of play time. You could play for 8 hours a day every day of the week and probably only have to swap batteries once a year.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

^^
Agreed. But if the OP's truly interested in going passive, I'd suggest an Alternative 8 in the bridge with either a Screamin' Demon neck or and SH-6n neck. Or maybe a set of Lace Deathbuckers.

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

^^
Agreed. But if the OP's truly interested in going passive, I'd suggest an Alternative 8 in the bridge with either a Screamin' Demon neck or and SH-6n neck. Or maybe a set of Lace Deathbuckers.

I remember reading the Alt 8/Demon combo being compared to the 81/60 a lot.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

How often do you have to change the battery? A typical 9V battery whould have about 1500 hours of use with two pickups, that's nearly five hours a day a year. My batteries can last for years as I vary the guitars I play with. Are you sure you always unplug your guitar after use?

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

If you want a comparable tone to the EMG you'll want a ceramic magnet pickup for the bridge. Avoid the Invader, as is almost the opposite of the 81 tone wise.
I like Dimarzios and the Gibson 500T is a great pickup too in the bridge.

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

Perhaps the Dimarzio D-activator set?

 

[LazNovak]

Re: Passive SD replacement for EMG 81/85 set

Yeah, I have the Damien Elite 8 with EMG 808s. I've had it for about 2 years and have only changed the battery once so far.

Always unplug the cable when you're not playing guitar.