PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

ConquerALL

ConquerALL

New member
I recently was advised here to switch out my 81 for an 85, as I wanted a fuller sound. I was all set to buy an 85, but after thinking about it longer i've decided I want to try passive pickups again. The thing is, I don't really want to lose the high output because I play death metal and love the high gain. I've been looking at the PATB-2 as an option. I just want to know if anyone can compare it to an 81? I'm looking for a fuller sound than the 81. My guitar is a Jackson KE3 Kelly with an alder body. It has a floyd rose and the PATB-2 is made for floyd equipped guitars, so I'm thinking this might be the pickup i'm looking for. I know it has similar qualities as the 81 being a high output, ceramic magnet humbucker. But i'm sure the 81 has to have the most treble out of any pickup.

Also, i've recently been recommended a Dimarzio Tone Zone as an option, because it's a very thick sounding pickup. I'm just not sure about it having the output that I want. Anyone here play extreme metal with a Tone Zone?

Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to end up wasting money on something that sounds like crap.

Thanks for the help
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

I've played DM, stuff like Behemoth for example, with both a TZ and a 81, although in different guitars.

The TZ is a nice pup, but I think I like the 81 more. I don't think that the 81 is all treble or that it lacks thickness, but I haven't really tried out other pups in the axe. The TZ may be too bassy and loose for your tastes, and it isn't as hot as the 81. Stilll I wouldn't say that ouput is so necessary for getting a good sound, IIRC Trey Azagthoth of Morbid Angel has PAFs similar in his axes.

Try to adjust your pup height and amp to see if you really don't like the 81. The TZ is on the other end of the spectrum if you'd like to try another high output pup. I don't know about the PATB-2.
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

Go active, for sure; especially with an XXX. Pickup up an 85 for the bridge and a Tubescreamer and that thing will sound insane.
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

Unfortunately i never had the chance to try a PATB2 pickup (along with the Custom they are the pickups i am very curious to try but i need a new guitar for that....... :burnout: ) but i've tried the tone zone and i must say i didn't enjoy it. It has definately less output than the emg81 but two things bothered me about it: it was kind of artificial sounding and all the frequencies(especially the bass and mids and to a lesser extent the treble) were boosted giving a sound which was not so "defined" which i didn't like. I can surely comment on the emg85 since i am using it in most of my guitars ........i think you may like it. That or the PATB2.......... if you decide tto go the PATB2 route inform us on the results..........
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

the PATB-2 is made for floyd equipped guitars
Click to expand...

You can get most of the Duncan pups in trembucker spacing, which is made for floyds too. The PATB-2 is a parallel axis pup, which means the poles are split either side of where the string is. It kind of wraps a magnetic field around the string as opposed to just directly pulling on it.

So now you can think about all the other trembucker pups and get a nice confusing list going!!!:P
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

Thanks for the relpies everyone.

Well it looks like i'm going to stay with what I thought originally. It's going to be the EMG 85. Since DeadSkinSlayer3 has had experience with the combo of that pickup and my amp, and says it kicks ass, that about made up my mind.

Once again thanks for everybody's help :headbang:
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

ConquerALL said:
Thanks for the relpies everyone.

Well it looks like i'm going to stay with what I thought originally. It's going to be the EMG 85. Since DeadSkinSlayer3 has had experience with the combo of that pickup and my amp, and says it kicks ass, that about made up my mind.

Once again thanks for everybody's help :headbang:
Click to expand...


YEEESSSS, YESSS!!! ANOTHER ONE TO THE DARK SIDE!!!
 
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Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

I use the PATB-2 in all my guitars. I play through a Marshall EL34 100/100 into two Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabs.

A while ago I acquired a Jackson WRMG Warrior with the EMG 81/85 set. I gave it a try and absolutely hated the EMG's. They sounded terrible. Sucked the life right out of my playing.

I put a PATB-2 and SH-2 into the Warrior and now it rocks.

I play original, modern power metal. I like an in-your-face sound, nothing "classic" or "vintage". I use the Marshall in the modern rather than vintage voicing.

I also have the PATB-2 in an ESP MH-401QM (Mahogany) and a Peavey Vortex EX (Basswood). The Warrior is Alder. The pickup sounds a little different in each guitar but retains that kick-ass bite that pushes my sound over the edge.

Steve
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

IMO the ahb-1 blackout bridge sounds better than the emg 85. Super dark and thick but not muddy. It is just what you are looking for, though harder to come by used than a emg85 if you are buying used. EMG85 can sound muddy, but it depends on your setup.
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

Franknfilms said:
IMO the ahb-1 blackout bridge sounds better than the emg 85. Super dark and thick but not muddy. It is just what you are looking for, though harder to come by used than a emg85 if you are buying used. EMG85 can sound muddy, but it depends on your setup.
Click to expand...

Let's keep in mind that thread was created nearly 5 years ago. No BOs.
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

The 85 is a far better pickup than the 81, IMHO. It just sounds more pleasing to the ears.
 
Re: PATB-2 vs. EMG 81 help

Agreed.

Is it just me (or my speakers) or does the PATB-2 clip on the SD site sound almost identical to the CC?
 
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