very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

[RG 2570]

I went out and bought these at guitar center on sale and a not very happy with either.
the 81 is all output and treble? and the 85 in the neck is muddy?
i guess this is what i get for swaying from duncans :laugh2:
well back they will be going for a store credit
anyone use the 81/85 set and like them? did i do something wrong when installing them?

 

[jeremy]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

i like the 85 better in the bridge, seems to be more balanced. the 81 is really high output but in a narrow band of freqnencies so its very punchy but doesnt really do much for me.

i think the emg 60 is a much better pup but it seems to be over looked most of the time

 

[Neeradj]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

You might wanna try switching positions, meaning: put the EMG81 in the neck and the 85 in the bridge. You might be pleasantly suprised with the result. I never tried it but since it's easy to change pick ups with that quick connect thing I'd sure try it. The EMG81 in the neck of an LTD EC1000 was defenitely fatter and more balanced than the 81 bridge.

Never heard of a muddy 85 in the neck though, what axe did you put 'em in?

 

[jmh151]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

I agree with jeremy. Try switching them around, and do the 18 volt mod

 

[some_dude]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

I like them.

The 85 in the neck is great for solo work, but sh*t for chords. I also find it's OK for cleans, but not anything special.

I also like the bridge 81 in my Les Paul, as it really cuts through the gain.

I found the 18v mod made them sound much less flat and metallic, and made them sound more open and natural.

 

[syd]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

Can anyone give me details on a SD zebra humbucker from the early 90s with ccj sticker on the back?

 

[ranalli]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

I have the 81 in the bridge of my Les Paul and it screams. I would never use an 85 in the neck though...too hot and warm....I don't even like zakks neck tone. The 60 is a much better choice IMO.

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

try changing the positions

 

[theodie]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

I hated the 81/85 when I had a set. I didnt have mine for long!!!

 

[Fusion1]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

SYD, welcome to the forum but wrong thread to post that question to. Sounds like you have a Custom Custom based on the code.

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

Just about everyone I've listened to says the 60 is the charmer in the EMG active line-up.

 

[Imp]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

used to have 81b/89n, not my thing

now got 85n/89b, i'm pretty happy. the 18v mod works wonders - i have a 35p/35j set as well, i love those.

im pretty decided now - SD for guitar, EMG for bass. some people say they are slightly clinical, but hey - they have a beautiful thumping slap tone, and thats all i need

 

[jmp2kt]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

81n/85b 2 vol 1 tone.

 

[Nate]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

I've been satisfied with my 81/85 combo in my Rhoads, les paul, and Ibanez RG270B. There must be something wrong with your ears.

 

[Imp]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

different tastes in music i guess

 

[RG 2570]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

I've been satisfied with my 81/85 combo in my Rhoads, les paul, and Ibanez RG270B. There must be something wrong with your ears.

:laugh2: nah i guess i just dont like the EMG's?
i did switch them around and still not happy.

 

[presa_tito]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

Have you been playing metal riffs through brutal distortion? I have the same set and they're great for that, and not quite as good for anything else. I like them though.

 

[RG 2570]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

Have you been playing metal riffs through brutal distortion? I have the same set and they're great for that, and not quite as good for anything else. I like them though.

yeah i play metal 95% of the time. to me the EMG's seem to be about just power and not much else. i decided to just sell them

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

Yeah sell'em. Can anyone abbreviate Extremely Muddy Garbage? LOL

 

[ranalli]

Re: very unhappy with the EMG 81/85 zakk set

EMGs are about alot more than just output IMO. They have an unmatched clarity that works great for speed metal and the like. They do work well for heavy stuff in general I feel. Anyone that says they're muddy has obviously never tried them.