I just purchased a Screamin Demon for my Epi LP Junior (bridge pup). I came real close to buying an EMG 81, but it looked too complex to install on my own. So far I like the sound, and in the end that's what matters. But I am curious as to what others think about the 2. How do they compare?
Screamin' Demon or EMG 81
- Thread starter iceman79
- Start date
Xeromus
Tone Ninja
Re: Screamin' Demon or EMG 81
Don't buy the Screamin' Demon based on the name. It's a very tame pickup, it's not as hot as some of the other duncan pickups like the Custom, JB, or Distortion. I think if that's the sound you are looking for, you'd be better off with a Custom or Distortion. Now if you get EMG active pickups, you have to replace the entire circuit, which means you can't have a standard passive humbucker in the neck.
Don't buy the Screamin' Demon based on the name. It's a very tame pickup, it's not as hot as some of the other duncan pickups like the Custom, JB, or Distortion. I think if that's the sound you are looking for, you'd be better off with a Custom or Distortion. Now if you get EMG active pickups, you have to replace the entire circuit, which means you can't have a standard passive humbucker in the neck.
Dirtyking
New member
Re: Screamin' Demon or EMG 81
The 81 has more highs and mids with tons of sustain. It also sounds compressed.
The Demon you have has alot more of an open sound and range. It has more lows and does not have a compressed sound.
I had an 81 years ago when I was on a Metallica trip, but that got old. The Demon you have will be alot more versatile and sounds great in mahogany guitars.
The 81 has more highs and mids with tons of sustain. It also sounds compressed.
The Demon you have has alot more of an open sound and range. It has more lows and does not have a compressed sound.
I had an 81 years ago when I was on a Metallica trip, but that got old. The Demon you have will be alot more versatile and sounds great in mahogany guitars.
R
RACER X
Guest
Re: Screamin' Demon or EMG 81
The Deamon, Super PAF ish. But no were near the 81. But i like the Deamon, a very versetile pup, even eq, good harmonics, etc. Will do METAL very well.
The Deamon, Super PAF ish. But no were near the 81. But i like the Deamon, a very versetile pup, even eq, good harmonics, etc. Will do METAL very well.
7th Hell
New member
Re: Screamin' Demon or EMG 81
I prefer the SD over the 81. Active pups have kind of a flat non-reactive response. The passive SD seems to react more to picking style, pinched harmonics, etc... In general, the SD just seems more "alive" than the 81. Besides, installing one can be a REAL hassle (routing for the 9v battery compartment). Seymour Duncan- the BEST pickups money can buy!
I prefer the SD over the 81. Active pups have kind of a flat non-reactive response. The passive SD seems to react more to picking style, pinched harmonics, etc... In general, the SD just seems more "alive" than the 81. Besides, installing one can be a REAL hassle (routing for the 9v battery compartment). Seymour Duncan- the BEST pickups money can buy!
