SH6 or EMG81 instead of SH5 for SG

[Lorenzar]

Hi guys !

I've got a Custom loaded SG which is a nice guitar. However, as I'm getting the Custom/59 Hybrid into another SG, I'm entertaining the idea to set the SG with SH5 even more appart from the other.


I mainly use this one for metal stuff pretty much. Custom is nice and chunky, really thick bass.


I'm wondering what I'd be loosing and what would be the benefits of putting a SH6 or an EMG81 (active electronics is not a concern as I want to change electronics in this guitar anyway) in the bridge position of that SG. It's quite a light one by the way, she weights 6.60 pounds (my other SG is heavier).

 

[allstarrme]

Re: SH6 or EMG81 instead of SH5 for SG

The 81 and the Distortion are somewhat similar sounding, the 81 is a bit compressed though unless it is run at 18v or use an 81X, it lacks some bite. The 81 is missing some of the bass the distortion has too.

I still have one 81 but I run it at 24v for better response and headroom, otherwise I have went to blackouts and blackouts metal.

The distortion is great for thrashy rhythms as it has great cut but its not as thick sounding as a custom, especially in a lightweight SG. I like the alt 8 or the blackwinter for something a little thicker.

 

[Lorenzar]

Re: SH6 or EMG81 instead of SH5 for SG

The 81 and the Distortion are somewhat similar sounding, the 81 is a bit compressed though unless it is run at 18v or use an 81X, it lacks some bite. The 81 is missing some of the bass the distortion has too.

I still have one 81 but I run it at 24v for better response and headroom, otherwise I have went to blackouts and blackouts metal.

The distortion is great for thrashy rhythms as it has great cut but its not as thick sounding as a custom, especially in a lightweight SG. I like the alt 8 or the blackwinter for something a little thicker.

Ok thanks.

If I read between the lines, in order to maintain a thick sound, you'd say the Custom is better for SG and the Distorsion would belong more in a Les Paul maybe ?

 

[Lorenzar]

Re: SH6 or EMG81 instead of SH5 for SG

I'm also entertaining the idea to go in a different direction by putting a P-rail in this SG. Never had a P90 and when in serie humbucker mode, looks like it's pretty hot !

 

[Mincer]

Re: SH6 or EMG81 instead of SH5 for SG

Yeah, a P-Rail is series is hot and thick. I actually wind up using less gain than usual because of how it sounds, and that isn't a bad thing. If you go the P-Rail route, use with either Triple Shots or Triple Shot-like switching, as there is a lot of great sounds in there.

 

[Lorenzar]

Re: SH6 or EMG81 instead of SH5 for SG

Still entertaining this Prail idea.

For an SG which have to do Metal with good palm muting, I wonder if the Hot Prail wouldn't be a better choice ?

On the other hand, the plan is also to get true P90 tones and for that maybe the regular Prail is better than the hot one ?