EMG 81

Active humbucker.

I have EMG 81 on the bridge position in my Jackson RR. I replaced Duncan Design (something with 103 in a signature).

Here comes real metal. The rhtyhm is just smoke. Solos are amazing. Great dynamics and compression. Harminocs are faantastic.

This thing is balzing, it's what I wanted! I've never had a singl problem with this pickup. It looks great, it sounds great! I'd definately buy it again.

Active, high output, ceramic pickup; cannot be split.

ESP Eclipse

Compact, thight, with transparent mids and tight bass. Works especially well with highgain; clean sounds are flat and lifeless and it could use more warmth.

Use this if you want superior definition and transparency for highgain. Do not use it if you want an organic and warm tone.

It's a standard for highgain pickups, yes, but there are meanwhile more pickups that do it at least as good and have more warmth and a more natural sound.

Active. Very low noise. EMG logo in silver on black casing. Vacuum sealed.

The 81 came stock in the bridge position of my Jackson DK1 USA. In the neck stock was an EMG 85. Judas Preist, Metallica, and Kerry King of Slayer are among heavyweights playing the 81 in the bridge.

The output level is high and allows extreme gain, but still feels rather conformed. I'm playing it through an MXR Smart Gate into a Marshall MG50DFX- which sounds very good, but I'd prefer a different speaker maybe, but the EMG 81 still sounds very good clean and distorted.

The 81's tone has a sharp metallic sounding top end with all the frequencies sounding compressed and fat. The pickup sounds balanced but with highs being the most present, followed by crunchy and chunky mids, and lastly a small amount of bass. This pickup was designed for lead guitar so it seems these fequencies mentioned are as alloted for exceptional lead guitar qualites. For Heavy Metal leads this pickup excels. For other styles, which I've heard it can be used for, I never used them for besides clean a distorted heavy rock style.

I play high-gain hard rock and this pickup makes my slinky lead lines sound solid, loud and clear consistently. Allowing extended sustain, transparent articulation, and unbeleiveable crunch. This pickup took me by suprise and effectively ended my pickup search. I am stunned. The 81 I'm sure would sound as good in the neck as it does bridge. The 85 sounds very clear and unmuddied in the neck unlike some pickups. The 81 is great for my playing nuances and needs: clear, solid, articulate, consistent, and clean/distorted lead lines and the ultimate in crunchy,crushing power.

My Jackson is very balanced in sounds and has a biting midrange, fat, clear highs, and equally good lows. Very balanced like the 81.

This is my pickup of choice now and don't see any changes in the forseeable future. I've been playing for 13 years and love the pro factor of the EMG 81 and it's ability to reciprocate my experience level. I don't hate anything about it- it's would kinda be hard to.

I say this pickup excellent under high gain to the point of compresssion. I didn't compare to any other pickup as I would relly be hard to.

Pickup features: humbucking
Impedence or other specs: low impedance active

Model of guitar or bass: B.C. Rich Gunslinger
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: many
You musical style(s): rock, especially 80s stuff
Reason for pickup change: came with guitar

Perceived output level: Loud and clear high output .
Tone: Clear, round, crunchy, and sweet balanced sound.
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing my B.C. Rich Gunslinger with the EMG-81 staight into my Marshall TSL 602 into a Marshall 1960A cabinet. It's an awesome sound. Besides having a great crunchy low end without any mud, these pickups have a great singing round lead guitar tone. Maybe the best I've ever heard. I just love it. I bought another one even though I don't have a guitar to put it in yet. I just wanted to have another. These pickups sound so good. And they have such a high output. That I don't think you need any effects pedals to enhance your tone. I mean I don't think it can get any better than this. The pickup I'm reviewing is about 16 years old. I hope the specifications are the same. They sound great with tube amps. This may be the best pickup ever made.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock and shred. And it's great for that. I'm using it in the bridge. It's slanted like a Baretta' s pickup is.

Comments: Sure I'd buy it again. I already have. I've been playing about 29 years. I own three Marshall amps, seven guitars, various pedals, etc.. I love the tone. I don't dislike anything about it. I also have a DiMarzio X2N. It also has a lot of overdrive. But it seems to lack bass. The EMG seems to have a wider frequency range. This pickup has a very crunchy rhythm tone and a round sweet lead guitar tone all at the same time. It doesn't have any sssssssssss noise that some pickps have in the higher frequencies. The lead guitar solos almost sound like an organ. But better. It's a very musical pickup.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Dont know

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez SZ520
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Ibanez SZ pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Ibanez SZ pickup
Artists using this pickup: Zakk wylde, ME
You musical style(s): alternative rock, a lil bit numetal, pop rock
Reason for pickup change: THe original pickup didnt have enough gain that I want and didnt have enough bass. I want BASS, lots of bass ...

Perceived output level: Way more than Ibanez SZ pickup
Tone: Bassy but very clear on the high notes
Sonic evaluation: I use this pickup with Ibanez SZ520. THis guitar is heavy solid like Les paul Gibson. After I changed this thing screams, growl, cry .... very good. I use marshall MGseries head n box

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play alternative rock, metal, pop sometimes ... definately bridge position but some people say neck id like to try that sometime

Comments: If it were stolen or damaged ... man who would steal pickup, anyway if this happens definately ill get it again. Ive been playing for 12 years or so. I have Ibanez SZ520, Yamaha AES620 and Godin freeway classic marshall amp mgseries, boss gt8 fx processor.
Im very satisfied with this product ... only if i could get it cheaper would be good

Pickup features: HUMBUCKING
Impedence or other specs: OUTPUT IMPEDANCE ( Kohm) : 10

Model of guitar or bass: CUSTOM GUITAR
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 89 NECK HUMBUCKER
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): THRASH-POWER METAL
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: I THINK EMG 81 IS THE BEST PICKUP FOR METAL GUITARISTS.
Tone: GREAT SUSTAIN, HIGH OUTPUT,VERSATILITY
Sonic evaluation: I USE A MESA BOOGIE TRI-AXIS 2.0, A MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER STEREO 2 : ONE HUNDRED,MESA RECTIFIER 4x12 CABS (CELESTION V30),EVENTIDE DSP 7500,SPECTRAFLEX CABLES, DBX 266 XL,CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS 2 x 4 AUDIO CONTROLLER+RS 10 MK 2. I HAVE A CUSTOM GUITAR WITH EMG 81 BRIDGE,EMG 89 NECK, ACTIVE CIRCUITS : PA2,EXG,SPC,DMSK(FOR EMG 81).KAHLER 2300 TREMOLO,GROVER MACHINE HEADS.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: THRASH-POWER METAL .

Comments: I WOULD BUY MY EMG PICKUPS AGAIN AND AGAIN, THESE ACTIVE PICKUPS
HAVE A SOUND THAT SETS THEM APART.I THINK DI MARZIO,SEYMOUR DUNCAN DON'T HAVE A GOOD SOUND LIKE EMG.AN ADVICE FOR ALL METAL GUITARISTS :
USE MESA BOOGIE AMPS AND GUITARS WITH EMG PICKUPS,IT'S THE BEST .

Pickup features: Active Humbucjer
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Multi ESP LTD'S, F-200,F400,KH202,EX400BD
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: EMG HZ Passive
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81's or EMG 60's
Artists using this pickup: Metallica!!!!!!!!, and loads of other metal bands
You musical style(s): Metal,Rock,Blues
Reason for pickup change: They are great pick-ups

Perceived output level: Great,slightly heavier then HZ's
Tone: Very bassy and Crunchy, some times palm muted courses a bit of too bassy effect,so you just have to fiddle with the amp settings
Sonic evaluation: Playing throught a very large pedal board into a Marshall AVT275 With 6 speakers connected up "Loud"

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: metal, perfect match, its not brilliant if you're playing varied styles with it,but luckily i have PRS Soapbars to do that!

Comments: Great i'd always choose them over HZ but if HZ's are all you got and u cant afford an upgrade they are a perfeclty good subtitute to use.

Pickup features: active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Resonant Frequency (kHz) 2.25;Output Noise (dBV) -91; Output Impedance (Kohm) 10

Model of guitar or bass: ESP KH602
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: -------
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60
Artists using this pickup: me^^/ kirk hammet/ james hetfield/ zakk wylde...but who the fuck cares
You musical style(s): some clean stuff, Rock and Metal babeee
Reason for pickup change: i didn't change them ^^

Perceived output level: really HOT (yeah it's an EMG81 and they are HOT ;) )
Tone: too bassy in neck, but really nice balanced in bridge maybe a little bit trebly but i LOVE that
Sonic evaluation: ESP KH602----> KORG AX1500G -----> ENGL 50 screamer tube amp

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: it's unsuitable for LOUD clean stuff! if you want to play clean stuff which is TOTALLY clean use the EMG60 in the neck (which i do)! the emg81 is everytime a little bit overdriven when you play loud (neck or bridge)! but it's fuckin' perfekt for distortion, solo and overdrive sounds in the bridge!

Comments: i would definitely buy it again for the bridge! in my opinion a EMG 81 in the neck SUCKS! but in the bridge this baby rules :)! perfekt for fuckin' awesome solos, metal and rock sounds! i love the loooong substain (neckthru :P) the tone, and the brightness of the sound! and i think active pickups DON'T sound sterile! when you play it the right way theres a looot of feeling in this sound which makes you wanna cry ;)!
(my rating is for the EMG 81 ind the bridge position! in the neck i would give it a 4 :P)

Pickup features: Humbucker, Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 500T
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, Zakk Wylde, Slayer, metalheads...
You musical style(s): Metal, Rock, a lil blues, learnin some jazz hopefully
Reason for pickup change: 500T are PERFECT for rock n' roll in my opinion, but i needed heavier sounds because I play metal mostly

Perceived output level: First of all I HAVE to recommend having a 7 band equalizer with this pickup, it makes it much easier to tone down the treble and turn up the lower midrange. Other than that, the pick up in my LP sounds like the distortion off of Master Of Puppets. The sound is a bit trebbly but with the EQ u can really balance it out. Its good for speed playing and such, but those who are into really downtuned nu-metal may feel its a bit too bright for their tastes...try an 85 maybe for that. I was really hung up on whether or not to get an 85 or this but I think I made the right choice. For rock they are still a bit overthe top and its harder to get that "pushed" sound out of them (as if the distortion is naturally breaking up). For metal though they are great.
Tone: With the EQ mine is beefy with a good amount of low mid and treble. Without the EQ tho it is a bit too trebly
Sonic evaluation: Gibson LP Classic with 81 bridge, 60 neck into marshall avt 50...soudns great..too all of who are reading this, check out the emg 60 for ur necks..teh sound is really glassy adn also warm, through a tube amp it sounded great...to me sounded like a cross between fender and gibson cleans, if u can imagine that. Been playin for about 6 years and am really picky about my sounds. def check out the 60 though. For those lookin at the Zakk wylde set, i think teh 60 is better than the 85 as teh 85 is a bit dull and muddy in the neck. Dont take it from me thouhg, try to find a guitar in the store with some of these pickups (81 is more common) in them

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal..yea great match

Comments:

Pickup features: active humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Scecter v-1 plus
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: duncan designed 101 n&b
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): all types
Reason for pickup change: Had all types except for active; wanted to add to my collection

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: Schecter V-1 plus w/ Crate GFX 120 & 1967 Sears Silvertone twin 12

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: tweakable for all types and styles

Comments: Been playing over 30 yrs, some say use 85's in the neck. I disagree.
The 81 in the neck is voiced right; any deeper would be too bassy.
The 81 in the bridge is perfect! It gives my distortions a smooth yet cutting grind like none other did. It sounds good clean & with chorus, phasers, flangers, etc; I can "pinch" easier, I'm in hog heaven!! It's hot (not mega hot) not too trebly, no muddiness!

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: samick artis series LP
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock pups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: kirk hammett, kerry king, hanneman, jon donais, mick thomson
You musical style(s): metal, shredd, rock
Reason for pickup change: not enough gain with stock pups

Perceived output level: the sound is so hot!!! very sharp, like a rezor blade into your ears!!! the clean sound is amazing
Tone: the sound it trebly, not so bassy
Sonic evaluation: i use samick les paul, not the low end one. with roland cube 15 and line6 POD, this pups will kill anything that stand infront of him!!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: yep, suits my style.

Comments: well, if you like sharp sound, this pups is for you. if you want well balanced pups, go for dimarzio's X2N

Pickup features: Humbucker/Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone (Semi-hollow) Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Epiphone Pickups
Other pickups on guitar: I also replaced the stock epiphone pickup in the neck position with an 85 (DEADLY COMBINATION!)
Artists using this pickup: Who gives a ####. Anyone using something just because they want to sound like someone else should be hung.
You musical style(s): Hard Rock/Metal
Reason for pickup change: Epiphone stock pickups SUCK! The feed back sucks, the sound sucks, the tone sucks, everything about them sucks.

Perceived output level: Smokin'!
Tone: A little on the trebly side but I'd say it's pretty balanced. It's perfect for heavy distortion!
Sonic evaluation: Right now I've got this crappy tube works combo. My setup goes: Guitar<Boss DS-1(or a boss ME-50, which ever I feel like using)<amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hard Rock/Metal

Comments: I would defently replace it if it got lost or stolen. I love the clarity I get when I play with heavy distortion. If you get the 81 you should defently get the 85 on the neck postion (81 on bridge)! The 85 has an AWESOME clean, warm tone. Perfect for when your not using distortion or overdrive. I love these pickups and would'nt give them up for the world.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 10 (Kohm)

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez IC 400 (Iceman)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio Evolution
Other pickups on guitar: PAF Pro (Also replaced by EMG 60!)
Artists using this pickup: Does it matter?
You musical style(s): Melodic/pure black metal, death metal
Reason for pickup change: I tried my friends ESP with these pickups and I could not believe how clear it sounded. Passive pickups sound shitty when you use alot of gain. These seem to have a way of clearing it up and make the overall sound bore brilliant. Also VERY sensitive to your picking attack, if you pick sloppy, your sound will reflect that you suck! I would say they are more sensitve than the Evos and not as bassy either. Kind of reminds me of a mix of a good compressor and a sonic maximizer!

Perceived output level: It seems to have more output than the Evo, but does not feed back as much.
Tone: More trebble than mid, more mid than bass.
Sonic evaluation: I use an Iceman with a B-52 Tri-Mode Rectifier, it's an all tube amp by the way. These pickups are by far the best tone I have ever had. I went through many DiMarzios, Tone Zones, Super Distortions, PAF Pros, Evolutions, the Fast Tracks, and played some Duncans too. Dimarzios have more of a mid quality while the duncans are more scooped. Both to me sound muffled, grainy, and dark. They dont handle alot of gain very well, the 81 has a way of making sense of all the grit! And I LOVE TREBLE!! Think Dark Funeral, Immortal, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Satyricon, Lord Belial, 1349, Dark Throne, the real shit!!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is an excelent tool for forging black metal riffs, good for bridge for me. Cleans in bridge are not great, that's why you get the 60 in the neck.

Comments: I will MOST DEFINETLY put the 81/60 set in every new guitar I will get. This is a great tool for trebble worshiping metal players, if you play shred, or anything articulate with alot of gain, trebble and mids and need the most clear sound, this is like hi-def clear. Sure it needs a battery, but the tone you get is incredible. Buy them you moron.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: JACKSON FUSION HH PRO. JACKSON RANDY RHOADS RX10D
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: SEYMOR DUNCAN
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: METALLICA,, SEPULTURA
You musical style(s): DEATH THRASH
Reason for pickup change: DESIRED THE ULTIMATE METAL PICKUP

Perceived output level: VERY POWERFUL
Tone: FINE FOR METAL
Sonic evaluation: I USE A BOSS VF-1 WITH A LINE 6 SPIDER 212. I HAVE 2 GUITARS. BOTH JACKSONS. (1) RX10D RANDY RHOADS. (2) FUSION HH PRO. I PLAY METAL (SEPULTURA, METALLICA). THIS PICKUP IS SO OVER THE TOP. IT IS THE ULTIMATE METAL PICKUP. BUY, BUY, BUY. IGNORE OTHER BRANDS IF YOU PLAY METAL. THERE IS A VERY, VERY BIG DIFFERANCE FROM OTHER PASIVE ( SEYMOR DUNCAN) PICKUPS. SELL YOUR BODY PARTS TO GET THIS PICKUP.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: METAL

Comments: OK THEY ARE A LITTLE BIT EXPENSIVE. BUT AFTER YOU HAVE THEM PUT IN YOU WILL KICK YOURSELF FOR NOT DOING IT SOONER. BUY NOW!

Pickup features: HUMBUCKING/ACTIVE and very low magnet pull has to be set close to strings
Impedence or other specs: 10K Resistance /Resonant Frequency (kHz) 2.25 ,wound to a low impedance for clarity then boosted by preamp, result is PERFECT!

Model of guitar or bass: zakk wylde LP, custom 57 re-issue LP, wine red LP custom and a lone star strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock pu's except the zakk LP which came with the 81 stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85's,60's andEMG S A single coils
Artists using this pickup: a s**t load!
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: the 81 SLAYED everything passive i
tried the duncan distortion,JB,custom,DIME
dimarzio EVO,super 3,tone zone.

Perceived output level: High output and very clean,driving
Tone: harmonically very rich and present, very tight and not a real lot of bass like a tone zone,this is real good to keep things from getting boomy or muddy, very punchy mids
Sonic evaluation: I play professionally and use a marshall jcm 800 zakk wylde stack
i use a rack eq and a G-force rack as well as a eventide H-3000

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play 99.9% metal and there simply is NO BETTER than a 81 for this

Comments: What makes me really bust up laughing is when i read other players say the 81 is all treble and it is thin
well if you know what you are doing you would not have this problem
the EMG was not made for your squier guitars and crate amps and digitech pedals
it has to be set pretty close to the strings for maximum effect
it is for the pro player who knows what they are doing
first off most dont even know these are wound only to 10K which is the same as the resistance on a dimarzio fred or a duncan screamin demon(LOW OUPUT PU's)
they are then boosted by being active.
actually IF you used a duncan screamin demon and boosted it with a clean boost it would be similar to the 81 but no where near as quiet are tight.
the 81 is very responsive and has harmonics galore all over the spectrum(more than any passive i tried)
even dimarzio "dual resoncance" models cant compare

Pickup features: Active Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: Ultra Low Impedance

Model of guitar or bass: Strat Plus Deluxe with Warmoth Neck
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Carvin Holdsworth
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Heaps
You musical style(s): Anything EXCEPT Metal
Reason for pickup change: Heard all the hype, was re-doing my Strat with a Warmoth neck... Got the KH-21 scratchplate which is 2 81's wired to a 3 way switch.

Perceived output level: Pretty hot but not completely over the top as some would have you believe
Tone: Very balanced actually. Scooped in the mids for sure. Slightly compressed but in a very musical way.
Sonic evaluation: Ok. First up I AM NOT INTO METAL OR METALLICA! Seems that every man and his proverbial dog is buying EMG's to sound like the aformentioned band. Not me!
I'm using this setup with a non-master volume Marshall and some Boss Pedals. They do react very differently and as mentioned compress your signal slightly.
I would TOTALLY disagree with people who say they can't get a clean sound out of these pickups.
The 81's do clean really really nicely! Very spanky and articulate and you can hear every note in the chord.
Cranking on a light overdrive works well too and as expected they scream with some gain.
You will need to Eq your amp differently tho... takes a bit of time to get used too.
A nice bonus with actives is that you keep your tone when you roll off your volume. It's all there just quiter.
I'm still getting used to them but I'm now a believer in these. Don't believe the high-school droputs on here who tell you they can't do clean, they're obviously still trying to find the channel switch on that 32 knobbed Mesa POS they have!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Suitable for all styles - NOT JUST METAL

Comments: The Holdsworth pickups honestly sound a lot like these 81's, just not as bright or crisp.
Yes, I would buy these again.

Pickup features: Humbucker: active; ceramic; wax-potted; epoxy-sealed.
Impedence or other specs: Super-low impedance, very low noise, but very touch-sensitive.

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone G400
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield (Metallica; both pickup positions); Kerry King (Slayer; both pickup positions); Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society; bridge position, with an EMG-85 in the neck position)
You musical style(s): Hard/Classic Rock, 80's Metal
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups were anemic and I wanted pickups better suited for metal. These aren't precisely perfect for the 80's metal I prefer--you're probably better with Seymour Duncan's if you want to be a hair-metal cover band--but these are perfect if you want to be up on the times.

Perceived output level: Well...hot. They're very quiet until you touch a string, even at very low levels you can clearly hear the strings.
Tone: Clean, they're a little muddy, with relatively low bass, and more mids and far more trebles than most other pickups. Driven/Distorted this comes in very handy, you get a mostly-warm, lush sound at lower notes up to a piercing shriek at higher registers.
Sonic evaluation: Crate BV120H/Crate 100W 4x12" Combo; Vox Wah-Wah pedal; Ibanez TS7; Digitech Metal Master. Pickups would be better in an alder-bodied axe, they're a little out-of-place in a mahogany-bodied guitar. However, if I EQ the Crate right (and I don't even need either pedal) then I can get a very warm Marshall-ish sound like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, or new-style AC/DC rip-offs Jet (seriously...most of their riffs were from a boxful of notebooks of "tired riffs" made by Angus Young and sold to Jet in a yard sale of sorts). I also have a Crate BFX15 15W bass amp, and if I use the TS7 with this amp, I get a very Zep-ish sound with emphasized bass and low-end. Since reading reviews about how good Mesa/Boogie's sound with pickups very similar in sound to EMG's, I plan on getting a M/B Triple Rectifier Triple Channel head with Marshall, Crate, or M/B 4x12" or maybe 2x15" cabinet.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Pickups go well in either position; Hetfield (Metallica) and King (Slayer) use 81's in both, but on much "hotter" guitars--no mahogany! For a warmer, more classic sound, use these in a mahogany-bodied guitar--Zakk Wylde uses a Les Paul, but still gets a very good sound with these pickups. It's a lot more about what amp you have than what your guitar is.

Comments: I've been playing about 2 1/2 years, not terribly much but I like to think I've covered a lot of ground in the rock/metal genre. This pickup crunches very well and retains plenty of note definition even at extreme distortion levels, but it comes nowhere close to being as good as the EMG-85 when played clean. The two balance perfectly in a two-humbucker guitar, place the pup selector switch in the middle and use both volume and tone knobs to fully customize the sound you want. These pickups are awesome, you can really get pretty much any sound you want out of them, and if you're searching for some particular, arcane sound, buy these pickups and then just demo a lot of different amps. I live by active California-made EMG's now and will never use anything else.

Pickup features: acive humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: see previous reviews

Model of guitar or bass: RG 2620
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: breed dimarzio DP165
Other pickups on guitar: emg 85 bridge position
Artists using this pickup: huge list from metallica to slayer
You musical style(s): metal, progressive, funk....
Reason for pickup change: although breed PUs do wonder ful job on my esp guitar (alder body), they do not suit with the ibanez model I have.

Perceived output level: hot but not that hot in neck position, ideal for multipurposes
Tone: Wonderful, really balanced due to my gear set up I guess.
Sonic evaluation: I plug my guitar on a Pod XT 2.0 version (this last update gives at last a significant enhancment for the overall sound)which is connected to a laney combo TFX 320.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this pick up is far more flexible than it was said in ealier reviews. You can have tasteful sound with a clear sound, enjoy funk syncop. However you need to have a configuration gear which is good otherwise this "baby" would not offer you all its capability. Active rules,especially in live!!!

Comments: This PU is fantastic. There is no "add-on" like other PU which gives you more than you desserve. It gives geat overall clarity. I do not recommend this Pu for beginners or for person who are not good enough in technics because all your defects will be multiplied with this pu, no way to hide them!!! But for others playes, it is like a paradise!!!! Quiet, smooth, no bright tone (in neck position), perfect for rusty cooley licks. For one time, I can really play fast without noise, every note is clearly distinguished and sing by itself without yelling or "overllaping" other notes.
Combined with EMG 85 you can turn into blues or arpeggios.For the moment I do prefer clear sound from EMG than Dimarzio Pu I have previously installed.
Try this PU in your configuration first because the subjective features I mentionned may diseappear with your gear.
Definetely , this PU appears to be not cold ( except for unappropriate configurations or for beginners), smooth and with a terrific tone. Why others companies do not try to developp active PU? Bass guitar are more desserved than guitar ones in this case (who says in advance?).
I play for 14-15 years and I teach guitar technics since 2003.

Pickup features: humbucker (active)
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Dean Avalanche (strat copy)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Distortion
Other pickups on guitar: stock single coils
Artists using this pickup: lots, but who cares?! you should use it because someone else is
You musical style(s): classic metal, classic rock n roll
Reason for pickup change: I was hoping to find a more "alive" sound.

Perceived output level: extreme. I dont know technical info, but it is very hot.
Tone: MIDS, MIDS, MIDS!!! and nothing else!
Sonic evaluation: Ive used these pickups while playing a variety of amps including Marshall and Peavey. Its great for new school metal, but not much else. These pickups seem to take the life out of the sound.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup is only useful if you play new metal. other than that, check out dimarzio.

Comments: the goods: this pickup takes all of the effort out of playing. it has very sharp pick attack and sounds great with distortion. they are extremely easy to install and will most likely last for a long-ass time. also, harmonics leap off of the fretboard.
The bads: the low end and high end are sacrificed. I was looking for a great solo voicing and this wasnt it. they have to take batteries (which isnt really a big deal, i just dont like knowing my guitar is only as good as the 9V within it.) also, it makes the clean channel sound lifeless. bottom line... check out Dimarzio (bad-ass).

Pickup features: humbucking Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez js 1000
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Bill lawrence L500XL(Best pickup in the world!)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: zakk wylde, metallica etc
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to try an active(have always been a passive user). It sounded good on the website.

Perceived output level: ULTRA HOT(very noisy on stage with lot of static)
Tone: trebly (aint worth the money)- so bloody overrated
Sonic evaluation: Guitar- Ibanez Js1000
Amp- 5150
effects- Complete analog setup

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Testament,Satch, Death, Friedman, Chris poland

Comments: I am serious, this is probably the worst pickup I have played. SO BLOODY OVERRATED! I personally love smooth flowing solos(i mean melodic with a touch of heaviness) and a really heavy clear rhythm. This does not serve my purpose. Have been playing metal for 16yrs and I have never come across a noisier pickup than this.
Comin back, u cannot gig with this coz it feedbacks like crazy. A small pause and it screams.
Kirk Hammett has probably the worst tone in the world and this pickup is the reason for it. DON NOT BUY THIS!
Go for a Bill Lawrence L500XL. Has great output, great tone and aint noisy one bit.

Pickup features: ACTIVE HUMBUCKING PICKUP
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: LTD E C 400
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: NONE
Other pickups on guitar: just the emgs
Artists using this pickup: ZACH WYLDE< METTALICA< NICKELBACK, ATREYU
You musical style(s): I play all styles besides country because i hate country music
Reason for pickup change: I BOUGHT AND ESP GUITAR JUST SO I COULD HAVE A MAHOGANY BODY WITH THESE PUPS

Perceived output level: they are very hot giving a tube amp a good enough push for that mettalica sound
Tone: very trebly but tone can be changed simply by changing the settings on your amplifier
Sonic evaluation: As of right now I am playing out of and ESP EC 400. I am running this into a marshal JCM 2000 DSL 100.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play everything from blues, metal, nu metal, hardcore,reggae,hardrock

Comments: I AM GOING TO KEEP THIS REVIEW SHORT AND TO THE POINT.
IF THIS PICKUP WAS STOLEN I WOULD MOST DEFINITELY PURCHASE IT AGAIN. I CANT STRESS HOW GOOD IT IS FOR THE LEAD HARD ROCK OR METAL GUITARIST.
I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR SEVEN YEARS VERY SERIOUSLY AND I OWN A MARSHAL JCM 2000, A BASIC RACK SETUP AND SOME CRAPPY EPIPHONE GUITARS.
THIS IS BY FAR MY FAVORITE PICKUP BUT I WOULD STILL LIKE TO TRY THE 85. THIS PICKUP SOUNDS VERY VERY CLEAR AND IF YOU PLAY WITH GOOD TECHNIQUE AND ATTACK IT WILL DO YOU WONDERS. FOR PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT THINK GIBSON PICKUPS ARE GOING TO BE SO MUCH BETTER, AND YOU ALSO PLAY HARDROCK I SUGGEST YOU TRY THESE OUT. THEY ARE DEFINITELY AS GOOD AND BETTER FOR MY TASTES THE ONLY THING IS THAT THEY MIGHT JUST BE TOO HEAVY FOR YOU AND THEY ARENT AS WARM. THIS IS NOT WHY PEOPLE BUY EMGS THOUGH.
AS FAR AS BAD CLEAN TONES..... THIS IS THE MAIN REASON I WROTE A REVIEW. IT DOES NOT HAVE A VINTAGE CLEAN SOUND BUT IF YOU ARE DOUBTING GETTING THIS PICKUP BECAUSE OF THIS I SAY YOU NEED TO TRY IT FIRST. IF YOU USE GOOD TECHNIQUE AND PLAY CLEARLY THE NOTES RING LIKE A DREAM AND YOU CAN REALLY PLAY SOME BEAUTIFUL MELODIES YOU JUST HAVE TO APPROACH YOUR STRUMMING A CERTAIN WAY, NOT TO HARD NOT TO SOFT AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED. GO TRY ONE OUT YOU WILL SEE WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: low

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez S serie 470
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: standard ibanez humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: standard ibanez single coil (middle) and humbucker (neck)
Artists using this pickup: a lot of people
You musical style(s): metal (black/death/trash/gore)
Reason for pickup change: i bought recently a new head, a Marshall JCM 900 4100 and i didn t get the distortion i wanted using simply the head without any effect. It was only not enough loud on the overdrive channel for what i play. So before getting in expensive modifications on the head, i just tried it with an active pickup first. My whole opinion on the amp just changed at the exact moment i plugged the EMG-81 in the guitar, THIS PICK UP SOUND AWSOME. There's just not enought words in the dictionnary to explain how great it is...

Perceived output level: LOUD, LOUD, and again, LOUD as hell. The pre amp in the pick up sound incredibly clear .
Tone: The whole thing is pretty well balanced, some will say that the clean suck, but i like it that way, a bit trebly. And anyway if you want more tone on the clean channel, buy a EMG-85 to plug at the neck pick up position. Nothing to say about distortion, coz this baby is ALL ABOUT distortion.
Sonic evaluation: As i said earlier i m using this pick up on a ibanez S serie (bridge position)plugged directly in a Marshall JCM 900 head hi-gain dual reverb and a randall 4X12 cabinet loaded with celestions G12T-80 and it just fits great to my style which is mostly metal. The distortion is LOUD, what can i say more? You could use it without any pre-amp and this baby will scream out loud. This pick up isn t for everybody i suggest you try it on your own gear before buying it.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Defenatly at bridge position and to use for extrem distortion only

Comments: If it were stolen or lost (even if i can t figure how somebody could loose a pick up while he s using it on his guitar, anyway....) i ll probably want to kill the thief, and after this litlle crisis, i ll run to the store to buy another one for sure. I ve been playin for around 10 years by now and i ve owned a couple of amps, guitars, and effects and i ve never find anything that get closer from the perfect tone and sound as the EMG-81 for my style. I m plenty satisfied with this piece of gear but i still have problems to fit the battery inside the thin body of my ibanez S (something Ibanez should think about) but that s not reliable to the pick up itself. It s close to be a 10 but hey, perfection isn t part of this world.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: dont now dont care

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson dr-3
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: duncan designed
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60
Artists using this pickup: Slipknot,Machinehead,Zakk Wylde,even chubby Michael Romeo of Symphony -x
You musical style(s): Trash death metal
Reason for pickup change: I wanted the EMG sound

Perceived output level: Hot,but not too hot.,cant really compare
Tone: Trebbly, and upper midy,great for downtuning.very clear
Sonic evaluation: My guitar is made out of mahogany and i tune to C;i think the wood affects the choice of pickups allot,i would never put an 81 on a guitar that is made out of a light wood such as alder ,poplar ot maple(maybe an 85).I love the tone i get.I use it with a J-station amp modeler going to a PA.My friend thought we had a bass player when he heard us but it was just me and the drummer,i turn the bass on the J way up and i get incredible palm mutes,definition and growl.People say the are sterile and metallic .And the answer is yes ,yes and yes.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For hi-gain metal these pickups are the best,rock,blues,etc. look elsewhere

Comments: Either you like em or you dont!take a listen to bands that use it and the decide..
i am currently building a custom guitar and i am going to have only 1 pickup............. yeah,you guessed it..................EMG81!!!
If it were stolen i would buy a sawed of shotgun and find the *!?*&%#&*!!!If you like tatoos,piercings,Jagermeister and grouppies and of course metal then this is the pickup for you.If your a pussy go buy some di*dos and be all sensitive and shit!!!

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Standard
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Alnico passive (Stock)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Eighteen Visions, Finch, Metallica, MPB
You musical style(s): Metal, Punk, Metalcore etc
Reason for pickup change: Wanted something a little different. Made MY guitar MINE!

Perceived output level: Seems a little more than the stock pickup's. It's powerful but in a sharper way than passive pick -ups. (less airy)
Tone: Middy at first but after a play around, it covers a range.
Sonic evaluation: I use a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall AVT 150 stack. I also sometimes go through Line 6 POD on the rectifier setting. Am currently shopping for MESA triple rectifier As I feel that this will truly push the tone of these things. When I first fit these pickups I was very happy. At my first band practice and when cranked through a half stack in the studio, I started to miss the passive tone as it seemed to provide more of a full sound. After playing around with my settings (essential!)I am once again very happy with the pickup. There is tons of tone waiting to be let out and a little patience as well as some fiddling and you soon realise the capabilities of these pickups. The first thing you notice is the silence. No unwanted noise even at gain 10. They have a sharp underbite as well as a distant rasp to them. The clarity even at high volumes is immense thus the reason for the MESA and playing passive afterwards can seem messy at first.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal/punk/ metalcore music. Think 36 Crazyfists, Eighteen Visions. These pickups suit that style very well as you get all the flavour of passive but with added clarity. I wouldn't, despite what others have said, buy these pickups for just clean playing. They are OK for a bit of clean here and there but it lacks the rank - a - chank of passives. Maybe I just need to play around more. I have these fitted in both neck and bridge and they give a nice clean (not sterile!!!!) tone in both. Friends advised me not to change my "precious" passives on my "classic" guitar but forget that! This is my guitar and my tone! I want something a little different! One shop even told me that two 81's wasn't possible, That they would sound awful, ahem Hammett?!?!. BOLLOCKS! They sound great.

Comments: If these were destroyed I would replace them, I would like to try SD's at some stage but these are the buiseness for now. I have been playing 7 years and own several guitars so I have the passive sound if I want it. The sound on High gain is immense and they eat down tuninig for breakfast. Great clarity and they look awesome! I would have liked more from the clean sound but honestly that's not why I bought them. If I play around with the clean settings then I'm sure i'll get there. I am very satisfied and I think that most guitarists will never truly find "that sound" as it changes all the time. For now this is that sound! Get these if you think you want to play at high gain and get the bite and clarity. DOn't expect them to completely re invent you as a player. These pickups are hot but I like the way they keep some subtle passive qualities. The one piece of advice I would like to share with anyone thinking off installing these pickups is do your HOMEWORK! I fit these myself, Quite a task! (7 hours!But I now have a deeper understanding of my guitar) The SG wasn't designed to take these and it got quite disheartening at times. The back plate was a problem when fitting the battery in and the spring in the brigde was too long (cut it in half) the closer to the strings the better the sound (they aren't magnetic). The biggest problem was the new "stereo" jack input. It wasn't long enough and I had to leave a washer out. It's all good now though. Take it in to be fitted, if you have a trustworthy guitar store nearby. I don't! I give them a nine! cos if it were a ten it would be perfection and nothing is!

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: its active... enough said

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson SLSMG
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: EMG HZ-3
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: Me and the people below me
You musical style(s): Hard Rock and Metal
Reason for pickup change: HZ's suck ass!!

Perceived output level: Hot as Hell
Tone: Balanced with High Gain
Sonic evaluation: I use a Crate GFX 212 as a cab but run the following through it: ada mp-1,Behringer virtualizer pro, alesis meq-230, BBE sonic Maximizer, DBX compressor.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Metal and Hard Rock music which this pickup does wonder for me, its best in bridge as the 85 is also great with it in the neck position.

Comments: I wouldn't change to another pickup cuz this pickup does wonders for my SLSMG. I've been playing for 8 years and notice how well this pickup has surpassed the Dimarzio X2N that I used to have on my first guitar. I own a DK27 that has Duncan's in it and man the emgs blow it the fuck away. I love how my harmonic squeals rip through the mix and also they work well with effects which is a plus for me. Im going to have Karosa Guitars build me a custom guitar and Im still wondering if I should stick with the emg's or try something new like the bill lawrence L-500XL.