what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

blindedbysilence

New member
I'm getting my new les paul gothic in a couple of days and want to use it for heavy detuned stuff. What duncans will get me closest to the Zakk Wylde, Metallica, and Pantera?
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

I wouldn't say what pickup would get you those specific sounds, but that genre can be done well with quite a few choices, the Distortion, Custom, Dime, and JB are all candidates. Also depends on what guitar you're going to put them in, and what rig you use.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

I don't want to clone the sound exactly..Just get into the ballpark. I am getting the gotic for metal drop d 1/2 down. Was looking at the distortion mayhem matched set, but don't know if that is quite what I need.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

Why not just get an EMG Zakk Wylde set?
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

Honestly, after dealing with Duncan on the brobucker, and speaking with mj about a custom shop pup. I am so impressed with this company that I cannot see myself using anything else. Also, I don't want to have to deal with 9 volt batteries.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

If you want to get in the ballpark then just go get yourself a distortion set, then get an appropriate high gain rig...and then practice like crazy and get that type of playing out of those hands of yours and you'll be set ;)
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

I'd get a Custom bridge for that kind of stuff.



Honestly, the 9V battery thing is NOT a big deal.

NOTHING will get close to an EMG besides an EMG. Not even the Livewires get close.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

No passive sounds - or more importantly - feels like an EMG active.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

maybe I should ask what pups you metal guys use in your axe's. I think I can do a search and get that answer though.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

I'd go with a Custom, but what amp are you running it through?

I'd also suggest looking into DiMarzio's. A Custom/Air Norton set would sound awesome, so would an X2N or Steve's Special/PAF Pro.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

blindedbysilence said:
maybe I should ask what pups you metal guys use in your axe's. I think I can do a search and get that answer though.

I use an EMG 81/85, Duncan C5/59, and a DiMarzio Super Distortion/2.1/VV Blues.

The C5 is really fat and is good for a retro metal sound, but it's not great for modern metal sounds. I used the JB for awhile and didn't like it (too compressed). A friend of mine has a Custom in his Paul and it sounds great.

For the stuff you're talking though (ZW, Metallica, Pantera) I'd go with EMGs or a Dimebucker.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

Perhaps I should break down and get the Zakk Wylde set...They would look good in the gothic....but I really want to try some duncans first.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

blindedbysilence said:
They would look good in the gothic....

guitar_rig_003.JPG
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

Get some EMG's dude, thats the tone you're after so thats what you should get...dont let the pickup manufacturing company hold you back from the tone you want.

Just get another axe and put some duncans in that one ;)
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

I would go with the custom also. I use it in my guitar, get great tones all around and great for metal also.
 
Re: what duncans closest to EMG 81 85

which one of these compliments a strat well?
TattooedCarrot said:
I wouldn't say what pickup would get you those specific sounds, but that genre can be done well with quite a few choices, the Distortion, Custom, Dime, and JB are all candidates. Also depends on what guitar you're going to put them in, and what rig you use.
 
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