Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

[Percomis]

Hello everyone!

I've got an Epiphone LP Goth, and I like the sound of it, but it's just not "metal" enough for me. I try to play In Flames(who would have guessed? ), At the Gates and Children of Bodom songs, with an occational Beatles, Ventures, etc.. song at my teacher
So I've read around quite a lot on these forums and I'm somehow drawn to active pickups. I've considered passives, but would choose actives over them if I could get the same sound.
Anyhow, I'm considering EMGs, 85/85 to be exact, or 60/85. First one 'cause I've read on these forums that Björn Gelotte is using that set, but I've also read fine stuff about a 60 in the neck.
First I tought about Live Wire Classic/Metal, but ppl on these forums said it's too hot for anything.
Ok, so some questions :
- What do you mean under "hot"? English is not my primary language, so I don't know what I should think of hot.
- Which set should I buy?

Thanks!

Percomis

 

[SOLO GUITAR STEWIE]

Re: Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

perhaps you should wait for the new livewires mustane set or
try the

Duncan Custom bridge/ Full Shred neck

or

Custom Custom bridge / Dimarzio Air Norton Neck(I know im a heretic)

chris

 

[SpiderVenom]

Re: Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

There's a bunch of SD combos that might work for you, but I think you have a fair idea of what you want, and I know how hard choosing is, so I'm going to stick within the boundaries of what you've already said.

Firstly, an 85 is an similar in sound to an overwound PAF... if you want that instead of the 81 (which is really, really metal, but does little else), I still think you should take a 60 in the neck. The 60 is a great neck pickup, and will add a lot of versatility. Brilliant for metal rhythm too.

When we say hot, it's more or less a reference to output... EMGs are higher output than most, being active... LiveWires (well, the Metal LiveWire) have insane output, to the point that you can't really use it clean, because it still distorts. That's why you need a LiveWire Classic in the neck, to actually get clean sounds. In some ways, it's similar to a 60/81 set... one pickup adds versatility, the other metal tones. However, it's definitely more extreme - not to everyone's taste.

The upcoming Dave Mustaine actives might be for you. They're basically voiced after SD's JB/Jazz combo (bridge/neck), but apparently with the higher output (and less interference) of actives. At least, that's the theory. Could be worth waiting for. Otherwise, if you're set on an 85, I strongly recommend a 60 in the neck to go with it.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

I've considered passives, but would choose actives over them if I could get the same sound.

Hmm. Because of the inconvenience of a batter, why not go with passives if they sound the same?

 

[SpiderVenom]

Re: Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

Hmm. Because of the inconvenience of a batter, why not go with passives if they sound the same?

Interference? Can be quite a big issue for some. Maybe he just wants actives, for no quantifiable reason? I could sympathize with that :laugh2:

 

[DrDespair]

Re: Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

Hi.

I once had two EMG-89 installed in a SG. Supposed to be very close to a 85 full and a SA when split.

hmm

let me say the Full Mode was loud and clear, though lacking any warmth for me. the split mode was quite cool, could dial in some decent rhythm sounds (clean/overdrive).

the downside: the output difference ist huge. you cannot switch between two sounds while playing. too much.

But for you they might work: SA-mode for the teacher stuff, full mode for your favorites.

my0.02
DrDespair

 

[Percomis]

Re: Yet another "recommend me a pickup" thread

Interference? Can be quite a big issue for some. Maybe he just wants actives, for no quantifiable reason? I could sympathize with that :laugh2:

Well, yes, there isn't any big reason. Everyone drooled over EMG pickups at hungarian guitar forums, so maybe that stuck in me. Plus, if I came in here, saying that dunno if I want actives or passives, this thread would turn into a "active vs passive" thread, wouldn't it?
Thanks for the fast answers, didn't expect to get them this fast
I checked out the Mustaine set, seems good(besides the sig on it ), more reasons to wait for that damn NAMM

Btw, did anyone here try the 85/85 combination?

Percomis