What is it with 'EMG's'?

[WildeStarr]

I have been an opponent of the 81's clean sound, but one thing I have to say is the S and SA single coil pickups have a fantastic clean tones and are super quiet.

Thanks for the advice on the 89 WildStarr. I will give it a try. I have not been happy with EMG humbucker clean tones in the 81 for sure and the 85 in the neck is just ok to me for clean.

They also have the new 81TW as an option for the bridge position:


Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups | EMG-81TW

 

[WildeStarr]

BTW whats the difference in tone of EMG 81-85 with standard Voltage and with 18V?

I have 2 LP's, one is set up 9V and the other is 18V. Can't really explain it, but they do sound a bit different!

 

[scoobyzjr]

They also have the new 81TW as an option for the bridge position:


Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups | EMG-81TW

Oh heck yeah!!!! I am trying out one of those 81TW's. That'll do it! Thanks!!!!

 

[wantsa58]

I have 2 LP's, one is set up 9V and the other is 18V. Can't really explain it, but they do sound a bit different!

Same here.. well i only have one but i did hear a before and after difference. It seems that it changed my clean tones more than anything, but thats just me..

 

[TheAlmightyPig]

has anyone used passive emgs? how do they differ from active emgs or other passive pickups? how do passive emgs with ceramic magnets compare to ones with the alnicos?

 

[dennistruckdriver]

I see, now that I have checked in again, that you pirates have successfully hijacked yet another of my threads. I am so proud of you guys!
I think I might need a tissue.......

 

[captain tightpants]

They also have the new 81TW as an option for the bridge position:


Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups | EMG-81TW

Now that's pretty cool! Have you tried one out yet?

 

[D4ngerboy]

I don't like the EMG's either....from what I have experienced they have no "tone"....meaning to me anyway...they sound the same in a Les Paul or SG,or Strat...or a piece of plywood for that matter..I like Pup's that respond to the guitar,and take their tone from it and not a battery...My 2 pennies...

well said brotha!!!!!

 

[D4ngerboy]

Not trying to change your mind. It's fine that you can say for an example: I don't like EMG's because they have a sterile sound or I don't like the way they sound in a clean setting, rather than being harsh and saying "they sound like shit".

true true... i dont like EMGs, but please dont say they're shit, because lots of pros use 'em!!!!!! and you might offend some people on this forum that use them!

 

[bildozr]

EMG's are great for hard rock! I don't see why everyone is trashing them, becasue they have some balls filled with tone. There isnt alot of noise with the pickups. They have alot of clarity. Are they my taste? No. Do i like them? Yes.

 

[captain tightpants]

EMG's are great for hard rock! I don't see why everyone is trashing them, becasue they have some balls filled with tone. There isnt alot of noise with the pickups. They have alot of clarity. Are they my taste? No. Do i like them? Yes.

+1, I've had them in a few guitars, and I did like them, but they've been pulled in favor of other pickups better suited to what I wanted. Still want to find a guitar to put them in, tho.

 

[D4ngerboy]

dennis what is this s-c-r-e-w-d-r-i-v-e-r you speak of???? lmao

VODKA AND "oasis" ORANGE JUICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WildeStarr]

Now that's pretty cool! Have you tried one out yet?

I don't use them in my LP's, but I do have one in my Custom Telecaster.

 

[Beerdog80]

I don't use them in my LP's, but I do have one in my Custom Telecaster.

I'm about to do the same to my Vintage tele as well. The EMG-T's are killer.

I've got EMG 81/85 in my Epi LP Custom as well. I play everything from blues, country and metal on it. I bought this as my travel guitar, hated the stock pups, bought these and fell in love with this guitar. Had it 10 years now.

I think if folks would use the volume/tone knobs a bit more instead of just leaving them on 10, they would fine way more range out of these pups.

 

[inxs996]

Completely agree here. I just don't get it. It can't all be cause of Zakk Wylde..

No it is because of Zakk, he is the man, plus it also has alot to do with the type of music you listen to and play..

 

[inxs996]

I'll leave the EMG's to the shredders. I need a little more warmth and tone when I play. I can see it for someone like Zakk who spends all of this time shredding in the upper register with tons of gain, but for someone like me who goes stylistically from blues to punk rock and metal, some lead work and a lot of rhythm, I'd much rather have a PAF type pup and some PIO caps. I need that warmth and personality from my guitar sometimes.

Hey Dice,

thats exactly why i need another guitar, the Zakk Wylde Bullseye, i recently modded my Epi LP Custom with Classic 57s and don't want to lose that warmth and tone..

plus, i just want that new guitar..

Eric