WTB: Chrome EMG 81

[Rex_Rocker]

Hi! I'm looking for a chrome-covered EMG 81. Should be from 2017 or earlier. Doesn't have to be pristine, but preferably decent-looking, LOL. Please be aware it should be shipped here to Mexico.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Bump!

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Bump!

 

[Masta' C]

Are you in the U.S.? You can get a "blem" directly from EMG, probably in as good of condition as any "used" pickup, for $60 shipped: https://reverb.com/item/34037027-emg-81-chrome-active-bridge-humbucker-blems

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Thanks for the heads up, but I'm not in the US.

Those are recent production pickups too, are they not? I posted a thread some time ago about EMG changing something within their preamp. Not sure what's up, but IME, new EMG's sound terrible through my rig while pre-2017 sound fine.

 

[Masta' C]

I remember the thread. It wasn't based on much concrete evidence, other than Frank confirming that the preamp (i.e. op-amp chip) did appear to change slightly sometime in recent history. We know that EOL for the original EMG op-amp occurred in late 2018, so it's unlikely that EMG stopped using them anytime before 2019 or even 2020 depending on how much stock they had on hand when the chip was discontinued.

Also, I don't recall you comparing newer vs older 81 models, only 57/66, etc.:dunno:

 

[Masta' C]

One more thought...you could reach out to EMG at the link I provided. They might be able to ship to you and they may even have a slightly older one available. Worth asking, if nothing else

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Also, I don't recall you comparing newer vs older 81 models, only 57/66, etc.:dunno:

I also had a newer 85 that sounded strange. And I know there wasn't much evidence, but better to play it safe.

One more thought...you could reach out to EMG at the link I provided. They might be able to ship to you and they may even have a slightly older one available. Worth asking, if nothing else

Good idea! Thanks!

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Yeah, that fell through. They won't ship to Mexico. The did tell me those pickups are 2019-2020 production, though.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Bump! Anyone? Pretty please!