Which neck EMG to chose for the 85 bridge: 58, 60 or 60A?

[Peter Krasov]

Hi,

This topic is the follow-up for this one: https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?315021-EMG-85-81-set-reversed.

I reversed the 85 and 81, and at first liked the result. But then I turned out, that there is 'too much 81' - it is quite boomy, loud and overwhelmes the 85, when both pickups are switched together.

So, I'm looking for EMG neck pickup, that would be quiter, brighter and have more vintage sound. Also, it would be very nice if these pickups will produce distinct 'quacky' sound when switched together.

After researching the EMG site, I chose three models that can fit my needs: 58, 60 and 60A. I have never tried any of these pickups, has anyone compared them? Personally, I feel that 58 is the most vintage sounding one in this line, but it can turn out to be dark, not bright.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Which neck EMG to chose for the 85 bridge: 58, 60 or 60A?

Many people seem to like the 85/60 combo, so take this as a grain of salt, but I don't think the 85/60 combo works all that well, personally. I think the 60 is too bright for the relatively smooth-sounding 85, and it isn't any less boomy than the 81. I find the 81 the least boomy out of all the EMG humbuckers, personally.

I once ordered a 60A, but it got lost in the mail, so I never got to try it.

I assume you've played with the height of the 81? If not, it may be a matter of just lowering it a touch more. I haven't had a problem balancing the volume of the 85 in the bridge with the 81 in the neck.

Also, maybe if you want less boomy you might want an 89R or an HA or something more single-coily.

 

[Peter Krasov]

Re: Which neck EMG to chose for the 85 bridge: 58, 60 or 60A?

Also, maybe if you want less boomy you might want an 89R or an HA or something more single-coily.

I've been thinking of 89, but the best pickup would be the one that would combine the characteristics of single-coil and humbucker.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Which neck EMG to chose for the 85 bridge: 58, 60 or 60A?

I think the 66 could also be a good option. I'd stick with the alnico models to better match the 85. I really wish I would've had the chance to check out the 60A.

 

[Peter Krasov]

Re: Which neck EMG to chose for the 85 bridge: 58, 60 or 60A?

I have 66 on another LP already, that's why I do not mention him, I want to try other sounds. I'm looking at 58, but I can't find any nice demos.