Questions about EMG's

[StratTom]

I don't really know anything about EMG pickups, but I've been looking at guitars recently and some already have EMG's in them. While I would prefer to have Duncan's, I wouldn't want to spend extra cash swapping pickups (especially if I were to spend around 600 -700 for a new axe). I was wondering first off, are all EMG's active pickups? Also if anyone could explain anything about the 81, 85, and HZ pickups and how do they compare/contrast to Duncans that would be great.

Tom

 

[Bones]

Re: Questions about EMG's

EMGHZs are passive like duncans. Every other EMG is active, once you play active pickups, you know a huge difference. It's not better it's just different

 

[StratTom]

Re: Questions about EMG's

EMGHZs are passive like duncans. Every other EMG is active, once you play active pickups, you know a huge difference. It's not better it's just different

Thanks Bones! I think I've played a guitar with active pickups before, not sure though. Are the HZ pickups any good?

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Questions about EMG's

EMGHZs are passive like duncans.

I would clarify this to say EMG HZ's are passive "as" Duncans are, but quality-wise they are not "like" Duncans are.

The 81 is a ceramic magnet, very tight, percussive and edgy with a slightly scopped high EQ range. I'd say by comparison the Duncan Distortion is the closest.


The 85 is an alnico 5 magnet and is much more traditional sounding being fuller and warmer than the 81 with more bass and a noticeable midrange spike. I'd say by comparison the a hybrid between a Duncan Invader and Custom Custom is the closest.


The 60 is ceramic (but they do have a new 60A alnico) and it's a tamer than the other two with a little more snap. I'd say by comparison the Duncan Jazz is the closest.

EMG's all have a similar voicing due to the on-board preamp section. They tend to be fairly hot (81 and 85 are really hot) with somewhat of a flat dynamic response and compressed tone. They are very quiet and hold the signal integrity from degenerating when using lots of effects in the chain, or long cords.

 

[StratTom]

Re: Questions about EMG's

Thanks TattooedCarrot! I noticed in your sig that you have a esp ec-1000. Is that the one with duncans or emg's?

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Questions about EMG's

Thanks TattooedCarrot! I noticed in your sig that you have a esp ec-1000. Is that the one with duncans or emg's?

Actually I've gone through 4 EC-1000's (a revolving door of GAS I am), and all had EMG's. I do like EMG's a lot, but prefer Duncans overall.

 

[StratTom]

Re: Questions about EMG's

Actually I've gone through 4 EC-1000's (a revolving door of GAS I am), and all had EMG's. I do like EMG's a lot, but prefer Duncans overall.

Wow 4!?!?! I'm guessing they're really nice guitars then. I've been looking at them and while I do like the sunburst finish, I really like the black cherry, just wish it come with duncans.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Questions about EMG's

get the black cherry and add Duncans. You'll be able to sell the EMG's off to pay for the Duncans since EMG's cost more anyway.

I did some various projects, including swapping hardware. IMO the cherry looks better with gold, and the back with black.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Questions about EMG's

 

[some_dude]

Re: Questions about EMG's

EMG's all have a similar voicing due to the on-board preamp section. They tend to be fairly hot (81 and 85 are really hot) with somewhat of a flat dynamic response and compressed tone. They are very quiet and hold the signal integrity from degenerating when using lots of effects in the chain, or long cords.

I agree with everything TattooedCarrot says, but I'd like to add something;

I found switching my EMGs from 9v to 18v (EMG-81/85) really helped add alot of dynamics and cut down on the compression.

Since EMG's have a onboard preamp, when you limit it's power levels, it runs out of headroom faster and compresses. Upping the voltage increased the headroom, so you could hit the strings harder before you maxed out the preamp, giving you much better dynamics and making it a much more natural sounding pickup.

 

[MikeS]

Re: Questions about EMG's

I found switching my EMGs from 9v to 18v (EMG-81/85) really helped add alot of dynamics and cut down on the compression.

Hmm, I'll have to try that. Are you simply putting two 9V batteries in series? I wonder if I can even cram another 9V in the cavity of the Ibanez.