What neck pickup would pair well with an EMG 85X in the bridge?

[Rex_Rocker]

I've been curious about going active again, and I want to give the 85X a shot. I'm not sure what neck pickup would work well with the 85X in the bridge, though.

I thought about the 81X first. I love the lead tone I used to get from a standard 81 in the neck, but the clean tones were kinda weak. I also kinda want to try something different.

I thought about the 60AX too. I liked the clean tone from the standard 60, but I wonder if the 60AX would be slightly smoother. I would prefer smoother for leads with a hint of the 60's clean character.

Maybe the 89RX. I like the idea of a single coil mode for cleans and a humbucker mode for leads, but I'm pretty sure I don't like the 85 in the neck, and I fear the 89's humbucker mode would be too similar.

Opinions?

 

[Adieu]

Re: What neck pickup would pair well with an EMG 85X in the bridge?

Ive got an 85X (B) / 81 (N) ESP Eclipse @ 18v... middle and neck positions provide some more oldskool EMG flavors if needed

Not sure if I'd buy a new EMG 81 for that or if it would appeal to people with a "hot bridge, PAF-ey neck" mentality, but it does add variety and I had a couple spare 81's anyway.

If I were spending money, I might be tempted to add a Mustaine Livewire in the neck... not sure if neck or bridge (model), though. Or maybe one of the Blackouts

I've had stuff with 89's before and it was rather unmemorable, as I (don't much) recall. Maybe an 81TW to add two different and distinct flavors to the mix?

 

[Shooweri]

Re: What neck pickup would pair well with an EMG 85X in the bridge?

EMG 89X is basically 85X with added split mode. I've used EMG's in the past and really liked the normal 85 neck. It's smooth with right amount of articulation. As you like the 81 neck I would go for 81TWX, which pairs better with 85X and is splittable for better clean tones.

 

[Ascension]

Re: What neck pickup would pair well with an EMG 85X in the bridge?

Have an 85 with the H60 A in the neck of my Washburn MG proto and really like that combo. Guitar had a 89 in the bridge with the 85 neck when I got it. 89 would also work well in the neck as it is like a slightly weaker 85 with a SA when split. The H6 A is pretty nice as it has that Alnico fullness. The 85 /60A combo feels more like a traditional passive set than a traditional EMG set.

 

[dave74]

Re: What neck pickup would pair well with an EMG 85X in the bridge?

Maybe dual 85x combo.