Pickups to replace EMG81

[jonsick]

So, the EMGs in my Jackson V are great. Just one problem, they lack low end in this guitar.

I like the hot output of the 81/85, they have been "my pickup" for as long as I can remember. I can pinch harmonic my heart out and the rhythms sound nice and grindy. But despite various attempts to resolve the slightly weak low-end on the KV2, EQ pedals and the like, it's just not quite there enough.

So I guess time to change up. I'm not fussed whether its active or passive, but basically want an EMG 81 with a little more in the low end. I don't need super tight (I have a bassist), just need something that will give a little more down there.

 

[dave74]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Have you tried the 57? I have not, but many describe it like that, and it would be a direct swap.

Also the right boost can get you there. I really like my vfe-focus for pumping-up the lows with the 81.
It's a "mid-boost", but it's not at all like a tubescreamer and you can control the shelving.
Something like the 805 by Seymour Duncan with the active 3-band should also get you there.

 

[blind1]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Have you considered just switching the 85 to the bridge and 81 to the neck? Here is a comparison video.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnGgcREFLqI

 

[Nagisa]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Have you considered just switching the 85 to the bridge and 81 to the neck? Here is a comparison video.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnGgcREFLqI

This is a tried and true fix, definitely recommend it

 

[67Mopar]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Have you considered just switching the 85 to the bridge and 81 to the neck? Here is a comparison video.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnGgcREFLqI

Exactly! The pickups were installed in the wrong configuration. I use to shave 2mm off the top of my EMG's. Shhh! Don't tell anyone...

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Yup, just put the 85 in the bridge position.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

How about adding an extra 9v and running it at 18v? I've never gone back.

 

[EDX]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

do you have time to talk about satan, if so why not a duncan el diablo? it's got all the low end without the mud

if not a duncan blackout

 

[JohnnyBsurfin]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

All of the above are good choices.
I have the 57 and like it.
85 in the bridge sounds good and costs nothing.
If you wanna try the 85 at 18 volt flavor you can get the simple 24 volt adapter for 20 bucks and get that sound.It sounds good!

I like my 57 in one guitar but the 85 24 volt in a similar guitar sounds good too.
To my ears the 57 has more cut and grind while the 85 at 24 has more mids and headroom.
Swap the 81/85 for nothing.
Toss in the 24v for 20 bucks.
If you still want something different,the 57!
I bought the 57 for my Richie faulkner priest sound.Alas it sounds good but I don't.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

I replaced an 81 with a 57 in the bridge of a Horizon for the same reason and the 57 did thicken it up. The 85 is thicker and beefier sounding than the 57 but lacks the cut and bite of the 57 and 81.
I use an 85 in the bridge of a maple cap guitar with a maple neck and an ebony fretboard so those things help add a natural bite to my sound when using the 85 in the bridge of that guitar.
I don't miss the 81 now that I have the 57 in the bridge of the other guitar either.
But.... I did not like the 85 in the bridge of my Horizon, while I absolutely LOVE it in the bridge of my Les Paul...

 

[Demanic]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

do you have time to talk about satan, if so why not a duncan el diablo? it's got all the low end without the mud

if not a duncan blackout

I thought about the El D for my V-Blade. Got an X2N for a lot less. Not disappointed.

 

[jonsick]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Well, I swapped the positions of the pickups, 85 now in the bridge and 81 in the neck. Short story problem solved haha.

I did used to run this configuration in other guitars, usually mahogany body type guitars, and always preferred the 81 in the bridge. It just seems for this guitar the 85 in the bridge just seems a lot nicer.

I've done 18v mods before on guitars and always gone back. For some reason the pickups seemed a bit too exact if that makes sense, I sort of preferred the sound of 9v. But I won't rule it out if I fancy trying it out in future.

Cheers all, saved a bunch of bucks.

I have the 57/66 combination in my ESP E-II Arrow 7 string and to be honest, I'm very close to switching those out for an 81-7 and 85-7. It's a bit too dark, but as I have a new amp set up to go through and learn a little more, I'm leaving any modifications until I do that.

 

[dave74]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

85 is just massive in the bridge as long as the guitar has some bite and isn't too soft and round in the lows.

 

[Shooweri]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

I used 85/85 set in my guitars for years and really liked the thick tone. To me 85 bridge has enough cut and sounds more organic than 81. 85 neck is just wonderful for fluid shedding tones.

 

[Nagisa]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Glad it worked for you and we all surely appreciate your progress update. It’ll be helpful for others in the future

 

[Adieu]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Swap em around

85 in bridge, 81 in neck

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Swap em around

85 in bridge, 81 in neck

Before rapid posting and every thread maybe read the posts first.

 

[blind1]

Re: Pickups to replace EMG81

Glad that the switch worked out well. I agree that sometimes the 81/85 switch doesn't sound good. I tried that in one of my guitars years ago and immediately switched the pickups back to their original configuration. But, like other guys here have said, if the guitar naturally has a lot of bite to its sound, the 85 in the bridge is awesome.