EMG 81

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

Model of guitar or bass: ibanez rg470 custom by myself
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: V8
Other pickups on guitar: fernandes sustainer system
Artists using this pickup: many
You musical style(s): classic to melodic rock, chinese and japanese songs also from steve Vai to X japan
Reason for pickup change: get the best sound without a ton of effect

Perceived output level: out and clear , good define on note, kind of hot , it is not muddy at all at least u use compressor
Tone: balance, boost note, screaming sustain
Sonic evaluation: ibanez rg470 custom by myself> crybaby> alesis 3630 compressor in the effect loop> BOSS DS-1, zoom gfx707> Digitech gensis 1> fender 30w .

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: actually this is good for every kind of music , you just have to do some changes on your effect.

Comments: if the guitar is stoleni would buy the ibanez Rg 570 and sustainer from Sustainiac not fernandes(because i don't have to make hole on my guitar shift the cavity) put emg 85 or dimarzio evolution.

Pickup features: Humbucking Active
Impedence or other specs: dont remember :)

Model of guitar or bass: PRS CE 22
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Dragon Bass and SD JB
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: ZAKK WYLDE! Metallica, Fear Factory, Slipknot
You musical style(s): All kinds (punk, pop, metal, rock...)
Reason for pickup change: Getting fed up searching for the perfect sound, thought that Zakk used em, and I love his sound (all the way from No Rest for the Wicked to now) and was like "what the hell?"

Perceived output level: well, theyre supposed to be super hot...to me, theyre a bit hotter than the JB but not "end the world hot". theyre hot, ill admit that (im used to hotter pickups, so thats probably why i dont think theyre super hot...LOL)
Tone: very middy and trebly...i wanted to get rid of some bass and gain mids...this did it!
Sonic evaluation: PRS CE 22 (alder body, no maple top) into 5150...all i can say is it is great! very clear and defined, heavy if you want it, and if you dont you can dial it out. some people have called the pickups sterile...i dont hear that. they sound great! dont push a high gain head too much, and they are clearer than any passive pickups ive tried!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: All kinds (read above) and yes they match perfectly. they would be great for anything, and EMG makes all kinds of differently voiced pickups, so they have something forever...and theyre not much more than standard PUs...so they're worth a shot!

Comments: Yes i would buy them again (but then id have to get a new guitar too or put them in my squier strat which has a JB Jr. which works for now...but when i can watch out, it will have dual EMG 81s too! ive been playing for almost 10 years. I love everything about it...its clear and defined, and can be super-saturated and still retain clarity (unlike most passive pickups ive tried) or be slightly broken up and sound heavenly! This is my sound, i may add a slight boost from an EQ pedal for solos, but thats it...might try out some other EMG stuff like the preamps or whatever, but im happy as a clam right now! and my PRS looks damn beautiful with them (dark red transparent color, black knobs and three way switch, and black EMGs, black headstock, rosewood fingerboard...think about it ;) I could die a happy man now!

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG270DX
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Metallica
You musical style(s): 80's Metal, But I like playing blues stuff too
Reason for pickup change: Needed a little more oomph, y-know

Perceived output level: kinda hot
Tone: everything but mids
Sonic evaluation: Ibanez RG270DX, with a Laney TF400

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

Comments: Thought it was great when I got it, but I played on some Duncan's yesterday, and man what a difference. I'm a changed man

Pickup features: Humbucker/Active
Impedence or other specs: 25K pots

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG-470
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-SAV, EMG-85
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, Slayer
You musical style(s): Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Blues,
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickup sounded like shit.

Perceived output level: Pretty hot. Has the potential to distort your clean channel.
Tone: Balance is good, harmonics are great, and will give you all the gain you need, but this pickup lacks bass. There's a major emphasis on mids and highs. Doesn't sound to great in basswood bodied guitars with a Floyd Rose. This pickup would sound awesome in a Les Paul or Flying V. Something with a fat mahagony body and fixed bridge.
Sonic evaluation: Right now I'm running this right into a Carvin SX-100 (Excellent amp). I used to use a Crate GX-212 (dump that shit ass amp on some poor sucker for $200) and a Digitech RP-12.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I don't think this pickup would work for a clean country or blues tone. Thi pickup is hard rock only.

Comments: I wrote a review on this pickup a few years ago when I first installed it. Since then I've used variety of amps and pedals but could never really get the tone I was looking for. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent pickup, but not really meant for my guitar. The distortion I got out of this pickup was never a problem but It has always sound a little thin and trebly. Palm muting and power chords sound kind of wimpy, like I have the bass turned down to like 3 or 4 and the mids and treble up to 10. The clean tone from this pickup is not very good, at least in the bridge position. It sounds very middy and trebly. I don't know what it would sound like in the neck position. The bottom line is that I don't suggest buying this pickup if you have a guitar similar to the Ibanez RG series. You should probably try a DiMarzio Tone Zone or Steve's Special for some more low-end punch. This pickup belongs in something like a Les Paul or Explorer. Just because I have heard this pickup in a few other guitars, so I know it sounds good, I'll give it a decent overall rating.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: low impedance

Model of guitar or bass: Custom Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio Super Distortion
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio Super Distortion (neck)
Artists using this pickup: ME, Zakk Wylde, Slayer, Metallica. Thats all that matters.
You musical style(s): Metal, Speed Metal, Blues, Southern Rock.
Reason for pickup change: I needed somethin' that actually sounded good in the bridge!

Perceived output level: This thing is HOT! I dont care if they dont want me to say that, cause you cant compare the thing to anything else!
Tone: Amazing!. I've read other people's opinions, and they said that it is trebly but I dont see it. Come over my house some time, and I'll crank the bastard up, do some palm muting, and you'll know this thing has plenty of bass when your balls start to rattle.
Sonic evaluation: custom les paul, peavey amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's good for all the styles of music I said i play! When played clean it is a bit dry sounding, but the simple addition on chorus or switch to neck pickup and it solves that prob. in no time!

Comments: To be stolen my guitar would have to be stolen, and if that happened, then the person that took my guitar better kill me to get away with it! nuff' said

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: i just play, i don't make them

Model of guitar or bass: Hamer Explorer
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Designed DD-103 set
Other pickups on guitar: I only have 2 pickups on it
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King
You musical style(s): Thrash, Death Metal, Speed Metal
Reason for pickup change: DD-103's were good, but the EMG-81's are a lot sharper. And the neck DD-103 was muddy as hell. You couldn't distinguish notes at all

Perceived output level: More, but not overwhelmingly more
Tone: Bridge pickup is trebly, not painful trebly, just nice for what i play. Neck is warm but far from muddy
Sonic evaluation: Well i run the explorer into a Marshall AVT150 combo, with a Jimmy Wah in the FX loop. It sounds incredible, clean or distorted, but beter distorted. There's no doubt about it, this is a metal pickup. It has good clean, but to get it you need to turn down the gain on the clean channel, and turn the volume up to make up for it. But even once you've done that it'll make jazz players puke. It's too bitey and harsh for anything but metal

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is an all positions pickup, and it suits both very nicely, unlike the duncan designed ones

Comments: I like the way it brings out the distortion. Because it's so hot it makes the distortion sound so much better. It's to do with the sound breakup or something. But i compared it to my stock standard strat...what a waste of time!! The strat just has no guts at all compared to the explorer!! The 81's just make this guitar so much better than it was. I was thinking of getting some Seymore Duncan SH4's, but i played them and the EMG's were far better sounding for clean and distortion. A lot of people also say these are very bad for clean, but until you actually do something about it, like turn the gain down, of course it's gonna sound bad. Distortion isn't an issue tho. And neither is the battery changing. If you're getting these pickups, make sure you unplug them after you've finished! The input jack acts as an on/off switch when you plug in or unplug!

Pickup features: ACTIVE PICKUP
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 79 IBANEZ ARTIST
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: STOCK =SUPER 80
Other pickups on guitar: SUPER 80
Artists using this pickup: DINO FROM FEAR FACTORY (A 81 AND 85 HYBRED)BUT THATS FOR 7 AND IVE ONLY GOT 6
You musical style(s): WU -TANG TO WILLIE NELSON BUT MOSTLY FUNK METAL
Reason for pickup change: DINO FROM FEAR FACTORY AND PAGE FROM HELMET USE THEM AND THEY GOT KILLER TONE.SO I BOUGHT IT.

Perceived output level: MADE MY SOUND THICK AND DEFINED. BIG IMPROVMENT==10
Tone: A LITTLE TREBLY BUT JUST CUT BACK THE TONE NOB ON YOUR GUITAR AND YOUR COOL.KILLER CRUNCH.DEFINIT 10
Sonic evaluation: MY RIG:79" IBANEZ ARTIST WITH EMG 81,60'S?EPIPHONE CORONET WITH DUNCAN JB,MESA TREM-O-VERB DUAL RECTOFIER,RANDALL 4X12 CAB,VOX WAH,BOSS PHASER,BUDDA DISTORTION,TC ELCT.CHORUS,UNI VIBE,H&K REPLEX DELAY,IN THE RACK BBE 482 SONIC MAXIMIZER,ALESIS MEQ 230 EQ,ROCTRON HUSH.THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDING RIG IVE HEARD.ID PUT IT AGAINST ANY PROFESIONAL SIGNED BAND.MY TONE IS AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN ANYONES.AND THE EMG 81'S GIVE YOU THAT STUDIO QUALITY SOUND,REAL DEFINED AND THICK.BUT THE DUNCAN JB'S RULE TOO.THEY GIVE YOU A DEFTONES,ALICE IN CHAINS KIND OF GRIND.==10 FOR THE EMG 81 AND FOR THE JB TOO

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: BLUES ,FUNK,METAL,MELOTIC SHIT,EVERYTHING-

Comments: ITS THE BEST SOUNDING PICKUP OUT IF YOU FEEL LIKE PAYIN 110-120$ FOR A PICKUP THAT YOU GOT TO CHANGE THE 9V BATTERY EVERY COUPLE OF PRACTICES.THOSE 9V ARENT CHEAP.BUT!!!IVE DEVISED A WAY AROUND THAT PROBLEM!I USE A SKB SIGNAL ROUTING PEDAL BOARD THAT HAS BUILT IN 9V FOR 6 THINGS.SO I WENT TO RADIO SHACK AND GOT 35 FT. PIECE OF 3.5MM WIRE FOR AC ADDAPTORS AND A 35FT LONG PICE OF RUBBER HEAT SHRINK TUBE AND USED THAT TO HOLD THAT TO MY GUITAR CORD.THEN I GOT A MALE 9V BATTERY CONNETOR AND SOULDERED THAT TO A POWER OUTLET FOR 9V.DRILLED A SMALL HOLE HOOKED IT UP AND IVE NEVER GOT TO CHANGE A BATTERY.IF YOU KNOW A LITTLE BIT YOU DO THE MODIF NOT GET SOMEONE TOO ITS WORTH IT IN THE COST OF 9V DURACELLS.I SPENT AT LEAST 100$ IN BATTERYS BEFORE I DID IT>BUT DEFINETLY THE BADDEST FUCKING PICKUP IN THE WORLD

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Platnnium Series Warlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Stockin the bridge
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, Zakk Wylde,Slayer,HammerFall
You musical style(s): Mostly thrash, power and traditonal heavy metal like Judas Priest,Iron Maiden,Manowar and old Metallica
Reason for pickup change: I wanted a very crunchy but at the same time well defined tone and the stock pickups were keeping me from it.

Perceived output level: Very hot, dosen't take a lot of gain to get some overdrive
Tone: Very trebly
Sonic evaluation: I play with ZOOM GFX 707 set to Heavy Compression and DOD Graphic EQ which leads to my Peavy 5150 Head and 4X12 cabinet. Got a great sound of it all so I see no reason to upgrade any further.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play thrash/power metal which this pickup was well designed for.

Comments: This is one of the best investmensts I made in my guitar playing.If this pickup was lost or broke, I would replace it ASAP. The sound it gave my rig was crunchy yet well tight which is the sound for true metal(not that muddy mall core).I plan to put an 81 into my other Warlock as soon as I get the money.

Pickup features: Active Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: Check their site... I'm not a user's manual.

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Dinky Style
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Jackson
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 in Neck
Artists using this pickup: Lots
You musical style(s): PROG ROCK!!! Metal, Jazz, Fusion, Rock, everything.
Reason for pickup change: Stock Jackson pickups suck more cock than Monica Leuinski.

Perceived output level: Very high output. When my amp is a 0, you can hear it clearly.
Tone: A tad trebly, but not BAD trebly...GOOD trebly. They cut through in the mix. Very clear and balanced.
Sonic evaluation: Jackson through a bunch of effects to a Fender 65 watter.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play everything. This is pickup is excellent. Not just for metal. Very clear and responsive.

Comments: Amazing pickup. Very satisfied with this thing. I love the clarity, punch, balance... and... well... clarity. NO NOISE!!!! It's amazing. I dont like how I have to get used to unplugging my guitar so the batteries dont drain though... but that's a small complaint.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ibanez sa160
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock ibanez
Other pickups on guitar: 2 emg SA
Artists using this pickup: metallica, slayer, deicide, cannibal corpse, dying fetus, obituary, almost all death metal
You musical style(s): death metal, thrash metal, grindcore
Reason for pickup change: stock pickups suck! EMG's rule.

Perceived output level: Very hot, adds lots of gain and volume
Tone: trebly, but has good bass and mids.
Sonic evaluation: Ibanez sa160 with emg's, to a digitech rp400, to a crate mx120r 120watts 2x12's.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: death metal....this pickup is the only answer for the sucked out, brutal, all out insanity that is needed for TRUE heavy music. so if you like linkin park, disturbed any of that crap, go kill yourself.

Comments: this is defininently the pickup for me. allthough it's a great pickup, don't expect your squire and gorrilla combo to sound like slayer. i've spent over 1500 on my setup, and i'm finnaly VERY happy with it. they truely are at their best at high volume...i don't mean 50 watt 1x12 at 8, get a real amp.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Warlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: Stock bridge (but not for long!!!)
Artists using this pickup: METALLICA, Zakk Wylde, Static X, many, many others...
You musical style(s): Heavy metal, cross between Metallica, Pantera, Taproot, and old Incubus, if you can imagine that.
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were okay, but not nearly good enough.

Perceived output level: Hot enough for any kind of metal.
Tone: Well rounded, everything comes out crystal clear, no matter how much dist.
Sonic evaluation: Exactly the sound I wanted (does Metallica perfect though a Mesa Rectifier) but gets close enough through my Crate (solid-state, ughh) half-stack. Despite other comments this pickup DOES get a very decent clean sound (think "one" by Metallica) and a kick-ass lead sound (think ANY Kirk Hammett or Zakk Wylde solo).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This thing is perfect for me, absolutely perfect, though I think I'll stick a Duncan Invader in the bridge to squeeze a few more tones out of my guitar.

Comments: I've been playing about three years (but who's counting?), and actually DO know my stuff, unlike most players my age (damn Blink-wannabe's). Anyways, I'm very happy with this pickup, and will be putting it in all of my guitars, including the custom Explorer I'm having built (any suggestions for a Pantera-esqe neck P-U please e-mail me)!!! The only thing I don't like is changing the damn battery, that's a bitch without the flip-open battery box. Oh well, its worth it for this tone.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone les pal studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMg 85
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, Metallica, SLayer, Slipknot and sevendust prolly uses them now
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: sick of people sounding better than me.

Perceived output level: very hot... only a few picks i know of sound good with the same output
Tone: very crunchy.. very very crunchy..
Sonic evaluation: God damn this pick up is a god send.. I get soo much gain and crunch outta this thing.. it is fucking amazing.. but you do need a tube amp for this to sound good.. some dim-wit a few posts below saz it is junk.. look at the amp he is using.. a shitty crate Solid state.. when solid states are pushed they sound liek ASS!!!!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this is a perfect match for heavy music.. soo many usable tones... hell i can even get a good ACDCish tone outta is.. it is amazing wht you can do if ya start to fool around with it.

Comments: i would get this pick up again i have a Emg 707 on order for my seven string.. i can't wait.. if ya want a sound bite send me a msg i'll send you sumthin..
Peace

Pickup features: Active Humbucker.... who wouldn't know......???
Impedence or other specs: I just like the tone.

Model of guitar or bass: B.C.Rich Beast
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock BDSM pickups
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: Metallica,Slayer,.... alot more..... ME!!!!
You musical style(s): Metal..... metal..... oh and...... metal...
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to hear the tone for myself... so i bought one.

Perceived output level: Well,.... i cant describe it... u need to hear for yourself!!!.....MOTHERF%%%%%% HOT!
Tone: a bit trebly and middy.... sounds great when PM-ed with distortion on.
Sonic evaluation: I use a B.C.Rich Beast through a Boss GT-6, Crybaby Wahwah and into my Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier Full Stack. This is probably the most GOD DAMNED FU&^&*$ SETUP EVER.... URE BALLS RATTLE WHEN U PM OPEN!!!... MY NEIGHBOURS CALLED THE POLICE 3 TIMES ON ME ALREADY...

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: DEFININATELY FOR METAL ONLY!!!!

Comments: If it were stolen or destroyed... i'd buy it again. thats it. I've been playing for 6 years now...i've owned other guitars..... and many amps.... i am superly satisfied with this pickup... beats probably anything else in the world... i am glad....

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Washburn Dimebag Darrell 333
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Washburn 621 (Bridge)
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 neck (replaced the stock 623)
Artists using this pickup: MetallicA, Zakk Wyld, ME!!!
You musical style(s): 70's-80's heavy-metal (ManOwaR, MetallicA, Iron Maiden) not the hair-band shit!!!
Reason for pickup change: louder! better gain.

Perceived output level: Loud, crystal clean tone, killer distortion tone. It really helps the gain too, I have to turn the gain on my amp down when I plug this one in, then when I switch to another guitar I have to turn the gain and volume up.
Tone: Well balanced!
Sonic evaluation: From the guitar and striate to the amp (Marshall DSL stack) and sometimes I use a Morley wah with my band.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: My style is a mix of ManOwaR, (OLD) MetallicA, Iron Maiden, Motorhead ext... and as far as I can tell it works great for rhythm and lead.

Comments: If anything happened to it I would buy it again as soon as I hade the cash. Iv been playing for about 6-7 years, I?m in a four peace band and we gig regularly, and I always know my tone is excellent with this guitar/pickup. I don?t know what more to say but, go out and try it for your self and hear the difference.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: IbanezRG570
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: V8 (stock ibanez)
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: SLAYER Metallica Fear Factory
You musical style(s): Metal, Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: The stock ibanez pickups are crap, i realized this about a year and a half after purchase of guitar. stupid me.

Perceived output level: This pickup is....well it says don't use the word Hot ...i dont have a thesaurus handy, so i'll say it is h...really HOT.
Tone: listen to slayer or metallica, you know the tone.
Sonic evaluation: im usin an rg570---crybaby---chorus---mt2---ge7----marshall VS100 head jcm900 4x12. the distortion from the head sounds so sweeet now. im gettin rid of the metalzone and eq asap. I dont need it. this pickup does the job for the sound im lookin for. it sounds pretty good clean too, well with the volume knob down a little.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: if you play slayer, this pickup and a marshall head are perfect. i play metal and that is what this pickup is for. i HIGHLY RECOMMEND this pickup to anyone playin slayer/metallica, or that type of music. you wont be sorry.

Comments: i dont wanna answer all the questions harmony central recommends. so to sum it up BUY THIS PICKUP. be good! peace.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: esp ltd exp-200
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock duncan design
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60
Artists using this pickup: Metallica
You musical style(s): heavy metal
Reason for pickup change: wanted to see what was the big deal with EMGs
Not too much though

Perceived output level: not that great loud as a cat stuck in a wood chipper
Tone: not much crappy
Sonic evaluation: I play this straight into my Crate GFX 65. There isn't any guts to it
Maybe mine are screwed up or the batteries is dead.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Heavy metal NO shouldn't be used at all maybe for a coaster or something

Comments: I'd want the money not the pickup. I've been playing for a year and a half. Everyones gonna think oh he doesn't know what hes talking about.
I know what sounds good and heavy to me and this isn't it. This doesn't give you beyond amounts of distortion. The stock PUs in my Jackson KV3 give a better crunch and heaviness. Now don't get the wrong idea. I'm not saying it is just horrible. Its just not worth it.
I wanted heavy as hell distortion but too bad this aint it. Some people may like EMGs sound. But I don't. Sounds fake. Like you could make the same sound out of your computer. I don't know maybe mine were
messed up or something. Don't judge on what people say on here wheither or not to buy something. Test the stuff out and see if you like it. I wish I had. These suck! Heaviest pick up in the world my ass. I could fart in a microphone and it sound just as good. Just not worth the money. I hope they are messed up and don't actually sound that bad. People are like oh Metallica uses um and so does Zakk Wylde
They also have really nice guitars and amps. And 10 different pedals and effects. Don't buy anything and expect to sound exactly like your guitar hero. Thats why they got famous. Their own sound. Be yourself not someone who has already done it.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD H-300
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: STOCK PICKUP (EMG-HZ)
Other pickups on guitar: SAME
Artists using this pickup: DUNNO
You musical style(s): BLUES/METAL
Reason for pickup change: INACTIVE PICKUPS TOTALLY BITE, TO MY KNOWLEDGE MY PICKUPS WERE PRETTY GOOD FOR STOCK; WHEN I CHANGED OVER TO ACTIVE IT WAS AN ENTIRELY DIFF. WORLD. ALL ELSE SEEMS TOO MUDDY.

Perceived output level: BAD ASS, AND THE CLEAN IS SENSATIONALLY BRILLIANT
Tone: TREBLY IN MY OPINION, BUT IT'S GOT KICK IN THE LOWS TOO
Sonic evaluation: ESP W/ A LIL GFX 15 CRATE AMP. THE AMP IS GETTING OLD AND I'M PLANNING ON GETTING A BIGGER AND BETTER AMP. MAYBE A PEAVEY BANDIT 112S. I WOULD HAVE STAYED W/ CRATE BUT THEIR CLEAN CHANNELS JUST BLOW.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: METAL/BLUES; GREAT FOR BOTH TYPE OF DISTORTIONS AND STYLES

Comments: DEFFINATELY WOULD, BUT I'D BE PISSED CAUSE MAN AM I ON A BUDGET, THAT'S IT'S ONLY DOWNFALL. MY NEXT PICKUP I'M GETTING (EMG 85) WITH FREE INSTALLATION (ON BOTH), AND $20 OFF. IT IS STILL PRETTY PRICEY. I GUESS THAT'S WHY EVERYBODY DOESN'T HAVE ONE (BIT OF A SCOFF). ANYWAYZ IT'S THE COOLEST.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG 470
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Ibanez V8
Other pickups on guitar: 85 in the neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Industrial, Metal, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Wanted more output

Perceived output level: So Hot I got heartburn
Tone: Trebly and crunchy as hell
Sonic evaluation: I love this pickup. I use a Marshall vs 100 combo and I can really tell the difference. Its got sweet bite and its crunchy as hell, whereas the stockers were very muddy.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This would work well with pretty much anything in my opinion

Comments: As I said before, I absolutly love this baby. It gives me the sound I was looking for. Paired with the 85 in the neck it cant be beat.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ESP M-300, BC Rich Warlock x3, Ibanez RG, the list goes on...
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: crappy stock passives
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 or EMG-60
Artists using this pickup: Anybody with 1/2 a brain
You musical style(s): Metal baby!
Reason for pickup change: I love EMG!

Perceived output level: Mega gain yet doesn't distort when clean. Extremely powerful.
Tone: Mid and treble. Punchy and growly.
Sonic evaluation: I have been using EMG's for a long time now, and have a very hard time playing guitars with passive pickups anymore. The power and tone that EMG is capable of producing with their pickups is incredible. It is now possible (with active pickups only) to create the perfect sound, and then adjust the power level via their preamp. I have not felt limited at all when using EMG's. They are capable of *anything* through any amp, pedal, PA, etc. I have mentioned in a review WAAAYYY down this page that I didn't feel that they are good for country or jazz, but I take that back. EMG's can do ANYTHING!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal at World Record speeds, and this pickup is perfect.

Comments: I have been playing guitar for many years, and have developed a very good sense of what certain guitars are doing. I really have a "feel" for the different components in an instrument, and how they work together, and what can be done to make them work better. It is this ability that has landed me a job with a professional band as their instrument tech. They have used my expertise to their advantage to further their instrumental capabilities - in other words, they like perfect guitars. If I have chosen EMG as the "perfect" pickup, no more really needs to be said about them.
I would just like to say that the response from my earlier posting about EMG pickups has been incredible. I have answered letters from over 100 people, who all have asked very good questions. If anyone has *any* questions about EMG pickups AT ALL, please send me an email.
I don't have much room here to share everything, but I have been asked many things including: guitar setup, pickup installation, pickup selection, basic wiring questions, modification questions, and some seldom-known tips and tricks, in addition to numerous questions about specific things.
Please, feel free to send me your questions at any time.

Pickup features: active humbucker.....insane output
Impedence or other specs: really hot

Model of guitar or bass: washburn dime series 333
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: washburn 623
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85(neck)
Artists using this pickup: metallica, slayer, zack wylde...and me
You musical style(s): metal, hard rock, blues
Reason for pickup change: the stock pickups where very generic sounding, and I wanted something with lots of punch

Perceived output level: this is the highest ouput mass produced pickup in the world......does taht clear it up
Tone: balanced, a little trebly(which I like)
Sonic evaluation: Im using this through a crate GX212 and even though its only a solidstate amp the pickups still drive the piss outta the input...I love it

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: great for metal and hard rock....not too good for light rock or blues

Comments: Ive been playin for about 2 years now and these pickups have finally givin me that perfect sound that every musician searches for....."THAT SOUND"
my only complaint is the price.....wholy shit did it take a while to save for

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Japanese Strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: Don't care...I know I use it.
You musical style(s): Blues, Jazz, Modern rock, Alternative, Metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were noisy and harsh.

Perceived output level: Medium! Most people believe these PUP's are extremely hot, but they are not. Use you amp for the distortion.
Tone: Fairly balanced
Sonic evaluation: I have used it with a Marshall halfstack and a Flextone II XL.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly heavy metal and modern rock but also blues and alternative. This PUP is a good match for just about any style of music because of it's transparency.

Comments: I have been playing for 12 years. I love the transparency...very clean and clear, but sounds great when you add overdrive or distortion. Especially with a digital modeler it is important to not have a "metal pickup" which this is not! It does however sound great for metal.....Many metal players and pros will tell you this pickup is not just for metal because it is so clear and clean. It's not a distortion pickup but sounds good with a heavily overdriven amp! I think I would rather look for a pickup with more character...which I am now. I still need to find a better pickup...this one is great however. I just want one with more character.

Pickup features: Active Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Korina Flying V
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: 81
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammet!!!! Zakk Wylde, James Hetfield etc.
You musical style(s): Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change: The stock wasnt hot enough for me at all..

Perceived output level: Very HOT i think it is like a 2.25 output or somethin like that, i read it in the manual but dont have that anymore so im not positive
Tone: thought it was a little bassy but i messed with my amp more and its pretty well balanced..
Sonic evaluation: Using this guitar through a Line 6 112 Spider and a Crybaby Wah. Other guitars i use are a Ibanez with X2N's, a Strat and a Takamine acoustic/electric

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Metal this is a PERFECT match for it, its good in both positions but i found a great lead tone in the neck.

Comments: If somethin happened to it i would deffinently get another...I have been playing for 2 1/2 years. I love the great lead sound i get out of it i can shred like crazy! This has made me completely satisfied, it didnt at first i was real disapointed then i messed with my amp a bit and tried the neck PU and i LOVE it!!!

Pickup features: ACTIVE
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: JACKSON ROADS, GIBSON EXPLORER, STRAT, B.C. RICH MOCKING BIRD
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: CRAPPY STOCK OF COURSE
Other pickups on guitar: 81'S CEPT ON THE NECK OF THE GIBSON, 89 AT NECK
Artists using this pickup: CHEAP BANDS
You musical style(s): FROM A TO Z
Reason for pickup change: 81'S R RATHER INEXPENSIVE COMPARED TO SUM OTHERS

Perceived output level: HIGHER THAN NORMAL
Tone: STERILE,STERILE,STERILE. I CANT PUSH IT ENOUGH, THAT AND TOO MANY MIDS. BUT SINCE ITS ACTIVE YOU DONT LOSE AS MUCH YOU WOULD LOSE IN NORMAL PASSIVE PICKUPS YOU HAVE MORE GAIN IN THE LONG RUN.
Sonic evaluation: BOOGIES, FENDERS, LANEYS, YOU NAME IT. USUALLY JUST STRAIGHT IN BUT OCCASIONALLY ONE OF MY PEDALS TO ADD VIBE TO THOSE SATRIANI TUNES. ITS BETTER THAN MOST PICKUPS. BUT IT LACKS FEEL, SOUL, GUTS,ECT. IT WILL PROBABLY MAKE A SHITTY GUITAR SOUND GOOD(DEPENDING ON THE GUITAR) BUT FOR AN (EXPENSIVE, BOUGHT IT FOR THE TONE AND NOT LOOKS) BIT IT WOULDNT DO ANYTHING, YOU WONT HEAR MUCH FROM IT; YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF WITH PASSIVE. IT ALSO LACKS DYNAMICS(GOOD LUCK TRYING TO VOLUME SWEEP THESE SUCKERS) WICH R EVIDENT AS YOU MESS WITH THE SOFTER STRUCK NOTES.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: REALLY YOU CAN PLAY MOST ANYTHING WITH ANY PICKUPS(EXCEPT P-90'S) , AND THESE R NO EXCEPTION.

Comments: IF THESE PICKUPS WERE DESTROYED I WOULD GET DIMARZIO'S BECAUSE THEY ROCK. JUST LOOK AT ALL THE GUYS WHO USE THEM VAI, SATRIANI, GILBERT, PETRUCCI, ECT. BESIDES THESE PICKUPS R FOR KIDS. SO METALLICA USES THEM, SO WHAT METALLICA SUCK'S( I LEARNED THAT WHEN I BECAME A BETTER MUSICIAN AND STARTED PLAYING THEIR STUFF WITH EASE AND UNDERSTANDING) AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON MALMSTEEN AND HIS 5 TRICK'S. IF YOU R SERIOUS ABOUT MUSIC GET DIMARZIO'S IF NOT EMG 81'S. IT WONT HURT IF YOUR JUST GETTING INTO MUSIC JUST TO GET CHICKS OR WHATEVER. TAKE IT FROM ME, A WOULD BE GANGBANGER FROM EAST LA WHO IS ONLY 19 AND GETS ATTENTION FROM ANY GUITAR STORE HE PLAYS IN. P.S. IF YOUR WONDERINFG WHY I AM SO INTO DIMARZIO YET I HAVE SO MANY EMG'S ITS BECAUSE I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY FRIENDS AND R GEAR COMBINED. TRUST ME DIMARZIO HUMBUCKER FROM HELL, X2N, STEVE SPECIAL, AND AIR NORTON.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: HOT!!!!! Check the EMG website for the specs.

Model of guitar or bass: B.C. Rich N.J. Warlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: BC Rich Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: SLLLAAAAYYYEERR!!!!! & Metallica
You musical style(s): HEAVY SATANIC, DEVIL WORSHIPING, CHILD SACRIFICING, METAL!! =P
Reason for pickup change: One word: STOCK!! I needed that little push over the edge. These babies go to 11!!!!!

Perceived output level: I said HOT!!!!!!!!!
Tone: Trebly but clear
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Marshall 1 watt travel amp, you know those cute little micro halfstacks. This baby can shake the walls down!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Is there an echo in here?? I'd suggest the 60 if your thinking about putting the 81 in the neck.

Comments: Stolen? I'd like to see the thief re-install them without the instructions =D. 3 years of wasted youth playing. OK, they're just alittle on the sterile side, but did I mention that their HOT!!!!! I'd considered some Duncans, but went the EMG way. Love the sound, but may consider Duncun Donuts for my next guitar. Who knows??

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Guild Les Paul copy
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio super distortion
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Every musician worth his salt
You musical style(s): Metal/blues
Reason for pickup change: Heard great things about the pick up. Metalica uses it. James Hetfield's guitar at one of the shows was the best sounding axe I have ever heard.

Perceived output level:
Tone: 81-Very bright and distorted, 85- warm and sustain filled
Sonic evaluation: Small fender amp and DOD musti-effects box

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: metal/blues

Comments: You know the old adage "If it ain't broke don't fix it"? Well I should of listened to it. Don't get me wrong, I like the EMG 81 and 85, which I also had installed. It's just that I like my old Dimarazio super D's better. Do you all remember those old disortion boxes of twenty years ago? Remember when you used too much? Well thats how these pickups sound. Too much.
I tried to like them. I really did, (especially after I went through great expense to get these put in.) The 85 in the neck position sounds very good. Even better than the old D's. The 81 in the bridge is- well- too distorted and high end. I hope I explained this well. Bottom line is if you are really disatisfied with your current pickup setup you probably will really like these. If however you are satisfied don't mess with what you got! By the way, if anyone ever stole my old Guild I'd go into major depression for a month. Than, than I would get what I have always dreamed of. A Cherry Sunburst LES PAUL!

Pickup features: Active
Impedence or other specs: i dont know and dont care

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Shitty Ibanez Powersound
Other pickups on guitar: EMG '85
Artists using this pickup: everybody knows
You musical style(s): Thrash, Metal
Reason for pickup change: U just have to hear the powersound, it will make you cry

Perceived output level: UltraHot
Tone: amazing
Sonic evaluation: Ibanez RG270DXBK - Jim Dunlop Cry baby - Metal Zone - Boss Super Chorus - Rocktron Rampage R80

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

Comments: AMAZING, when i got them installed i got the configuration mixed up, i asked 4 81Neck and 85Bridge, big mistake, so wen i got them home i had to swap, they sound amazing now

Pickup features: Its a pickup. Sound comes out of it.
Impedence or other specs: Its a pickup.

Model of guitar or bass: Charvel model 5
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock Jackson
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: who cares?
You musical style(s): Lead. Anything with lead
Reason for pickup change: If you have a decent guitar (not some Squire or fender mexico crap) this is the cheapest way to get a better sound. Old p/ups died anyway.

Perceived output level: It's so hot it drives my Crate practice amp's clean channel with the volume on 4
Tone: NO MIDS, NO BASS. This can be fixed with an EQ, though
Sonic evaluation: I'm running my neck-thru, old-school Charvel shredder into a Peavey or Marshall halfstack, depending on who i'm playing with. The 81 does all it claims to be, it has a piercing attack, lots of compressed gain and is virtually silent when you're not playing. This is a lead pickup. I play lead. Actually, from what I had heard I thought it was going to be some shrill, too trebly and nasty sounding pickup that 15 year old kids bought because Metallica uses them. I was wrong, it has a very good sound. For rythym it would be ok if you EQed the hell out of it, but the 85 I have in the neck would then be too bassy. I have yet to find an EMG that didn't sound good, I am very happy with this pickup. Don't try putting it in a crappy guitar to increase sustain, though. Although it has a very compressed sound pickups do not actually have anything to do with sustain and you could spend your money better buying something else. I'm sure you can get a wide variety of nice sounds out of it, but its no big secret that there's one thing its good at: fast solos. All the notes are clear, this thing has such tight distortion that it will even make awful practice amps sound better. Its also very good for squeaky clean stuff, you can nail that old metallica shit easily. One thing: the 81 has so much output that it will pick up EVERYTHING. If you suck, and want to buy it because your favorite guitar hero uses it, and you turn your gain up all the way on your amp, you will be disappointed. Every mistake you make that you never noticed before cause you had crap pickups will suddenly become blatantly obvious. Unless of course, you decide to clean up your style (or you only play 5th power chord progressions and hide behind a wall of distortion). Also, when i first got it I was worried that it would eat up batteries and I would constantly have to replace them. But the battery lasts 3000 hrs, unless you leave the plug in all the time it will take a long time. I have played 2-3 hours a day for a year on the same battery, its still going.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Lead. This is a lead pickup. It is also a high output pickup. So don't buy it if you play jazz.

Comments: I am happy with this pickup. I have yet to find a better value pickup. If you want to get amazing tones like Satriani or Steve Vai, you'll have to spend a lot just to get all their other gear too, so unless i come into money I won't be going back to passive pickups anytime soon. Like I said this is the easiest way to improve your sound if you're happy with your ability level. EMGs are notorious for having no mids and too much highs, but I found the balance on the 81 not as bad as I thought, and the 85 in the neck balances it out, it has great bottom end, and a rounder, warmer tone. In fact, that is basically the only real difference I can find between them. The 81 does seem to bring out harmonics better. I can now find them where I couldn't before, at odd places like the 9th and 10th fret. Pinch harmonics seem to jump out. It feeds back easily but not uncontrollably. Despite this I still wish it had a richer range of tone, but it's only one pickup! It has its advantages and disadvantages. I would give it a 9, but since I have yet to find a pickup i liked better (besides the 85) i give it a 10.

Pickup features: humbucking active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: Emg 85 in neck position
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde
You musical style(s): Misfits, ramones, stones, clash, sabbath
Reason for pickup change: bored

Perceived output level: Actually to hot
Tone: trebly
Sonic evaluation: THe EMG delivers what it says it does - output. I wired my 81/85 EMG's at 18 volts and I think I'm going to go down to 9 as my amp distorts when just plugging th guitar into the clean channel. If I were just playing Rammstein I would love this setup as it delivers that sort of sound. I suspected the EMG's would take away from the warmth of my LP and they did. While the EMG does pickup strings more evenly than the stock pickups the stock pickups sounded much warmer. However, again, if I was playing just metal theres no way the stock pickups could get the same distortion of the EMG's. Personaly, I dont care for that buzz buzz metal sound. I prefer a crunchier, warmer tone. Clean sounds are impossible wired at 18 volts. I cannot stress this enough that the pickup is so hot that it distorts plugged into the clean channel with no gain on the amp. This is overkill in my opinion but I guess this is why metal guys love this pickup. Is there anyone but metal guys using this pickup? If the drop to 9 volts doest reduce the gain I may go back to stock. THis is my own preference and not EMG's fault. I knew the EMG's were going to be hot and especially at 18 volts but I wanted to try it and it probably is not right for me. Zakke Wylde seems to pull it off. I suspect he is wired at 9 volts. If anyone knows please email me.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Misfits, Iggy Pop, etc. This pickup is suitable for the heavier stuff. Probably not the best match. I find the pickup to dry and bumble bee sounding.

Comments: Probably try something else if destroyed. I've been playing 17 years and owned countless guitars. Also worked as a dealer for years and played the best vintage and new guitars. I am probably to old style for this pickup. I choose it for an experiment in tone. I got what I expected. I was very impressed that EMG budles the pickup with volume and tone pots and the required input jack, wire, washers, everything needed for install is in the box. While you should get this king of stuff bundled many companies dont do this to save money. EMG also supllied adequate wiring instructions in the box. IF you can wire than its pretty easy. If you've never wired before pay someone pro to do it. Trust me, get it done right.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Mockingbird
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: BC Rich stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 in neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Hard Rock/Metal
Reason for pickup change: In my previous review I stated I wouldn't dream of putting an EMG-81 anywhere except the neck. I meant to say I wouldn't dream of putting an EMG-81 anywhere except the bridge.

Perceived output level: Same as my last review.
Tone: Same as my last review.
Sonic evaluation: Hasn't changed since my last review and probably won't anytime soon.

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

Comments: This is a follow up to correct the inaccurate statement I made in my first review concerning the suitable position to put an EMG-81(bridge).

Pickup features: Humbucking-Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Mockingbird
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: BC Rich stock DiMarzio
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85 in neck
Artists using this pickup: Metallica
You musical style(s): Rock,Metal,Blues
Reason for pickup change: Hotter pickup. EMG-81 EMG-85 pickup change is my standard procedure everytime I buy a new electric guitar.

Perceived output level: Very high output pickup. Difference between the EMG and the stock DiMarzio is night and day.
Tone: Gives a very thick, balanced beautiful tone.
Sonic evaluation: I run various BC Rich guitars(all have an EMG-81 in the bridge) into a Morley A/B switch(A = chromatic tuner B= live signal) , into a Morley Bad Horsie Wah, into a switchbox true bypass, into a BBE Sonic Maximizer 362, into a DOD graphic EQ, into an Alesis Quadraverb GT, into a Marshall TSL100, into a Marshall 4X12 cabinet. If I'm playing a gig, a Shure SM57, into a Peavy 16 Channel Board, into another BBE Sonic Maximizer (362NR), into a DOD 31 band EQ, into whatever power amp we happen to be renting, into Peavy Sub's and Main's.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Hard Rock/Metal. The EMG-81 was made for this type of sound. The EMG-81 is a neck pickup, I wouldn't dream of putting it anywhere else.

Comments: It would almost be impossible to steal my EMG-81(s). However, if it did happen, the sun wouldn't set before I was replacing them with EMG-81(s). I've been playing 10 years and I've already mentioned almost every piece of gear I own except some various Marshall combo's and a couple of Crate heads and a Crate Stealth Combo. What I love about the EMG-81 is the outstanding tone. I haven't yet found anything I hate about the EMG-81. If I had to say anything negative, it would be it gets a little noisy when playing at home near a TV or Computer, but that isn't the EMG-81's fault. I love my tone and the EMG-81 is a big part of it. It took me 8 years to find the perfect sound. With the EMG-81 and the above metioned equipment, my tone and sound is everything I've ever wanted. If you play metal and want to improve you tone without investing in different guitars or amps, the EMG-81 is a must have.

Pickup features: Active high Output humbucker
Impedence or other specs: All I know is low impedance

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Jag-Stang
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SA-1 Active single coil or stacked humbucker (Not sure which)
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammett, Eddie Van-Halen, Slipknots Guitarists, Randy Rhoades
You musical style(s): Jazz, Metal, Blues, and New Wave (or old wave if you wanna be mean about it)
Reason for pickup change: I bought this guitar because of it's pickups, I have never changed them, and probably never will. I think they sound awesome, especially in this particular guitar.

Perceived output level: Really high output, more than the passive pickups on my Kramer (2 EMG Selects and a Harmony). The output is high but weakened slightly by the short scale and the massive bassiness of the pickup (Jag-Stangs are really really heavy with this particular pickup in the lead position).
Tone: FAT FAT FAT!!!! This thing is as thick as a couch potato's ass. The sound is fat and thick with Jangly highs reminicent of a Fender Jaguar on steroids. With the right settings, my guitar has that Kurt Cobainish tone in which the only difference is that it is louder and more clear. An addition of mids on the amplifier gives the guitar a Randy Rhodes like tone.
Sonic evaluation: I usually use my Jag-Stang with my Epiphone SC28 Stereo chorus with the effects provided by a BOSS ME-6 Multi Effects pedalboard. The sounds I get with this combination give me a really original tone. Its really thick with alot of high end bite thats pleasing to the ears.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is an excellent match for Metal, for Jazz it's a little too stingy, and for New Wave (unless you mean post 1985 New Wave) it sounds too heavy. The pickup (as with all humbuckers) would not be a good choice for the middle position because of the tone, humbuckers just don't sound that great in the middle position, thats why I don't like some of the 3 pickup Gibson guitars.

Comments: I am buying this pickup for many of my various home-made guitars, I have a multi lamanate Explorer that wil have a pair of these in it. After playing for six years and sometimes spending whole day's in music stores playing every different guitar they carry and have in stock I find that EMG, Seymour Duncan, and some DiMarzio's make good pickups. I also have a liking for some of the original style pickups cheap guitar manufacturers make, some of them have some really cool tones (though they usually squeal). I have been and always will be searching for new sounds (usually guitar/pickup/effect/amp combinations that few have ever tried if anyone).

Pickup features: Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Washburn A-5 Stage Series Reissue
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock open-coil humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Slayer, Metallica(like I care)
You musical style(s): Metal, Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups became muddy and unclear at higher volumes

Perceived output level: Much louder at low-volume amp settings, and very clear at high volumes
Tone: the neck 81 is bassy, the bridge 81 is trebly. big shock there
Sonic evaluation: Washburn A-5 -- Boss FZ-2 Hyperfuzz -- Boss MT-2 Metal Zone -- Zoom 3030(processor) -- Marshall VS102R(100watt 2x12 combo) -- Boss GE-7 EQ(in the loop). I mostly use the bridge pickup with the lead overdrive channel on the Marshall combined with a gain boost from the FZ-2 and a V shape on the EQ pedal. Using this setup with the stock pickups resulting in a muddy sound at higher volumes. I picked EMG's because I read that they handle high volume, high gain settings very well, and that they kept everything crystal clear. Don't need none of this Dropped B muddied-up Korn stuff. I want to be able to hear every note I play, especially with palm muting. The neck 81 still gets a little muddy with this setup, so I use the Metal Zone with it instead, and its a nice contrast. As far as people saying these pickups are sterile, I'll agree and disagree. I'll agree that they aren't the warmest pickup in the world, however, they're not supposed to be, so its ok. As far as range of tone is concerned, I can get an awesome blues from the neck 81 if I crank the reverb on the clean channel. Its no SRV tone, but c'mon, they're made for metal(Hello, Slayer uses them).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal. They're great for metal.

Comments: Hehe, stolen. right. As far as being satisfied with this pickup, yes I am. I think I'll eventually pick up an Ibanez from the RG series, and I maybe try the 81/85 combo in that. I've got a Strat copy that I'd like to try a Seymor Duncan JB with as well. But for metal, I think EMG's are the best I've tried so far.

Pickup features: Humbuckins, Active
Impedence or other specs: Special sockets in the back that allow you to easily swap EMG's without the need to re-wire!

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Striker
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Quad-Rail Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Dual-Rails
Artists using this pickup: ZAKK WYLDE!!!! Kirk Hammett, thats all I know
You musical style(s): 80's Metal, classic rock, fusion, blues
Reason for pickup change: I always wanted to try out an EMG and so I asked my teacher, turns
out he was just about to sell his on EBay so I nabbed it for a steal!
$50!!!

Perceived output level: Excellent response, everything you play can be picked up. No wonder it needs a battery..............
Tone: Has enough treb, bass, and mids to suit any desire, I wouldnt recommend using the EMG's position for clean playing because there is still gain, like they say, VERY HIGH OUTPUT
Sonic evaluation: I'm running my Striker through a freakin Crate practice amp, haha. You know, the one with the DSP Onboard. And ocassionally I'll use my ZOOM 505 or my 95Q Dunlop.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal, it is fucking gold for metal playing, but it is still suitable for all other styles. But keep in mind, EMG makes pickups for EEEEEEEEeeeeeevvvvverrrrrybody's playing!

Comments: Its kind of hard to steal pickups unless you have plenty of free time, lol. I've been playing for 6 years, I'm 16 now, so do the math. I am currently putting together a custom Fender strat right now, and honestly I am going to stick to the roots of Fender for those pickups, but for metal, hey, this should be first in line. I really dont know why you cant buy these things anywhere, like Musician's Friend or Mars Music. I have this '81 custom wired, haha, and it took me all day to do! 2 knobs, the gain knob for the EMG and the master volume for guitar. If you dont want to buy one right off the bat, I highly recommend trying one out first, or just listen to No More Tears or Metallica-Black Album. You will be convinced!!!!!

Pickup features: Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Hamer Explorer
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Designed
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, Slayer
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: I heard that EMG's were nice, so I decided to try them out.

Perceived output level:
Tone: perfect
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Hamer Standard Explorer with dual 81's, going into a Metal Zone, with a Marshall Mg80 amp. The first thing I noticed was that the notes sounded 100% more clear. Every palm muted note could be heard, instead of a wall of mud. I would definately recommend these pickups.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pickups are made for metal. And the clean sound also sounds great, so I don't know why people say they don't.

Comments: I definately going to replace the EMG-hz's in my KH-502 with 81's, I can see why they are so popular. I dont hate anything about them, I think they are great.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Bridge, High Output,

Model of guitar or bass: Custom Rod Rodded Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pickups
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 (Neck)
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, AND ME!
You musical style(s): Classic Metal, Tough Rock, Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups sucked!!! Too much noise, no output!!!

Perceived output level: You could fry up breakfast on this thing!!!
Tone: Balanced Mids, Highs, and Lows, to the EXTREME!!!
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a VHT 50/CL Stack, and this pickup will handle everything that I throw at it, (which is a lot)!!!! Will not mud up when you tune your guitar really low, will not crap out with extreme highs!!! Just a great pickup!!! VERY CLEAR AND CLEAN!!! BUT VERY, VERY, VERY HOT!!!! Even a great pickup for a more classic rock style!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Classic Metal, Tough Rock, Heavy Metal,

Comments: If this pickup was stolen, I'd laugh, 'cause the moron took more time to steal my $50 dollar pickup then he did to steal my $3,000 dollar Les Paul that the '81 was in!!! Then, I'd probably hunt him down and have him meet my uncle, Corporal Punishment!!!
As far as an overall rating, this pickup just kicks major ass!!! This gives me the right sound that I LOVE!!!
(Of course, "they've" always said that great tone comes through great fingers!!!

Pickup features: Humbucking Active
Impedence or other specs: Who knows?

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Explorer
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: PRS Dragon 2
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60
Artists using this pickup: Unfortunately Metallica. But far to many others to mention..
You musical style(s): Metal, rock, blues..etc
Reason for pickup change: PRS Dragons are great pickups but I wanted to return this guitar to its original configuration. And I love EMGs (read my 89 review :)) Also I wanted to see what all the fuss was about with the 81 model.

Perceived output level: As others have said its a very powerful pickup.
Tone: Very balanced sound, nice crunch terrific high end. And more bass then I expected.
Sonic evaluation: This pickup kills! I had people tell me that it was too trebly and more of a high end lead sound. WRONG!!! Although it has tremendous lead potential this thing can deliver great rhythm tones and nice bottom end. I use a Crate GX 212 and its great sounding. I think some people don't use the controls on the amp, because this thing does it all for me. It has a high end no doubt about it, but it also has a wonderfully hard and solid overall sound as well. Great tone for metal and hard rock and I bet it could handle blues and R and B if tweaked right. Also people have been whining it sounds bad clean. I don't know, it has a "twang" to it but that can be used if you want to go for some intresting country style (although the average person using this is not a country player I'd bet :) ) Anyway its a brilliant pickup and don't let anyone tell you its too high end. Also there is a tone control remember. When I turn the tone all the way down and it rumbles like a belly full of Taco Bell!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Like I said it seems to me it could be used for anything but a guess for me would be Country (although a cowboy friend of mine heard it clean and said he loved it) maybe it could be too much for Jazz.

Comments: If it were stolen I'd cry and buy more. This thing is great I have 89s in my other guitar and love em I have 81 and 60 in this guitar and love em. I mean you cannot go wrong with EMG in the future any other guitars I have will always have EMGs in it.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Baretta
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Dual Quad Rails
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
You musical style(s): New Age, Hip Hop/Hard Rock, Punk
Reason for pickup change: Tom Morello Uses um and the quads were less hotter.

Perceived output level: output level is high and mighty.
Tone: tone is all around and balanced
Sonic evaluation: Its run through my guitar(the Baretta, with the wiring done to perform the kill switch effect)Dunlop GCB-95, Digitech Whammy, Ibanez TK999 Tube King, Boss DD-2 Delay, Ibanez CF7, and put into a really old Marlboro 540A(maybe 40 watts)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For any type of hard rock basically, this pick up has endless possibilities for hip hop(Rage style)

Comments: If they were stolen i would get new ones. I love these EMGs, they are cool. You can do that Bulls On Parade solo, thats cool. Great Sustain. I could get the wiring re soldered. I am completely satisfied with these monsters, they can do anything, shred, scratch, toggle do anything. You want to play R.A.T.M., you need these.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: LTD ESP Viper 300
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Tone Zone
Other pickups on guitar: EMG HZ (disconnected)
Artists using this pickup: a lot of metal guitarists, too many to name
You musical style(s): hardcore/metal
Reason for pickup change: The Tone Zone is a good pick up but was too muddy in my Viper. Its mahogany body is very warm and the warm sound of the tone zone was just too much. Single notes got burried and were undefined. I wanted to have more definition even at high gain. The tone zone got removed into an ESP H-200 which has a alder/ash body and there it's fine.

Perceived output level: not much hotter than passive hot humbuckers of other manufacturers but of course still very hot. and it's damn loud !!!
Tone: very tight and aggressive, a little bit on the trebly side but balanced. enables you to dial in more bass
Sonic evaluation: guitar > Peavey Ultra Plus > Engl 4x12 standard cabinet, monster speaker cable. The Peavey has different tubes (J.J.'s instead of Ruby) and has a killer sound now. I'm not using effects yet I have been reluctant to use effects for years but I changed my opinion and I tink it will enable more soundpossibilities, I'm desperately trying to get a used pitchshifter pedal and a flanger at a reasonable price.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mainly metal and hardcore at high gain and the pick up is perfect for these styles. I only tried it in the bridge position, I guess the EMG 81 wouldn't be too good for clean stuff in the neck, the 85 or 60 would be better.

Comments: Yes, I would get it again. I don't think it would get lost easyly but I would consider getting it for another guitar. The reason why I got it was because I wanted to have a metal guitar which gives me a clear and defined sound even at high gain settings. This pick up does this job perfectly and no other pick up can. You can hear every note you pick. The positive side effect is that you HAVE to play cleanly, this pick up is unforgiving and will show if you play shitty but this only helps you to progress even more.
I have been playing for 7 years now and have been reluctant to get an
active pick up for such a long time because I didn't like the idea of using a battery. But batteries are supposed to last 3000 hours which is a lot and hey, guitarists invest thousands into gear and you're afraid to invest $ 2.50 into a 9V block battery which gives you a so much better sound? Be real.
Lots of people complain about the processed sound of the EMG's but I don't think they sound very processed on a tube amp. It does sound different, it's very focused and brutal aggressive which is what I love about this pick up. It does sound a little bit processed when using solid state amps though, I have to agree but there are ways of getting rid of that problem.
And I don't find it having a bad clean sound, of course it's no blues pick up. It doesn't distort very much and doesn't sound much different clean than any other high gain pick up. Besides that it hasn't been constructed for clean stuff anyway, it's a high output pick up.
The only thing I don't understand is: why does EMG pre-solder the pots at the lugs where they don't belong so that you think that it doesn't matter where you put them? That's stupid. It was a pain in the ass to have them installed because the pots are so flimsy and I ended up wiring it at the wrong lugs at first which totally messed it up.
I soldered my passive pick ups before and never had problems. After I changed it it still wasn't working right. when turning down the tone pot and then backing off the volume made the fulls signal come back. In the end I gave it to a tech who took care of it and who told me has never seen anything like that before. Seems like some soldering joints got connected somehow even though I double checked and couldn't find anything. But that's why a pro is a pro and he could find the mistake.
Now it's perfect and sound killer.
If you play metal(!) and wanna have a great sound you owe yourself one of these pick ups. I think this it what makes the difference between a good and a great sound.
Some people complain about their sound being muffled and undefined and start buying effects like sonic maximizers and other stuff, when all they should do is start at the source of the problem and get other pick ups.

Pickup features: one hot ass active humbucker!!!
Impedence or other specs: very nice.

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Elegant (best guitar on the planet)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 57 classic
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 in neck
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, James, Kirk, and so on and so on..........
You musical style(s): Dream Theater, Ozzy, Metallica, Van Halen, Lynch Mob, Bon Jovi.....
Reason for pickup change: The 57's had nice warmth, but for the music I play, I needed more of an edge to my sound.

Perceived output level: Pretty Hot!
Tone: The bass is cut a little bit, but then just boost the lows on your amp damn it!!!
Sonic evaluation: Mesa Boogie MK IV, Rectifier Cab, Tons of boss pedals, dbx compressor, behringer EQ, and some other god boxes.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great Rock Pickup, and yes, it can play other styles! you just need a good amp!

Comments: If it were stolen, I would hurt the man, and I mean fuckin HURT! You see, first I would bring out my old 12 gauge (I live on a farm by the way) and I would spend the majority of the day blowing off his limbs, and then let my chickens peck peck peck untill he was a pile of bones that even mice couldn't get a meal out of!!!!!!!! STEALERS WILL PAY!!!

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: High Output

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Open Coil stock humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett
You musical style(s): Metal/Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups werent giving me the kind of crunch sound I was looking for.

Perceived output level: High Output
Tone: Nice tight mids, Thick low end, defined high end.
Sonic evaluation: I have already written 2 reviews on this pickup about 2 years ago but since then I have upgraded my amp setup to a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Tremoverb. This is 100 watts with 2 channels and a Vintage and Modern High Gain mode. It is all-tube run through a pair of Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Metal and Hard Rock and this is equally suited for both but not so much for softer music styles.

Comments: Needless to say this pickup/amp setup gives me the best crunch sound i've ever heard. People always tell me that Bogners or Engls have the best crunch sound but i have yet to see even one bogner amphead in any stores within a 200 mile radius so i cant judge that. This pickup has a reputation for being too harsh with the treble sounds but that is only for people who dont know how to fiddle with the bass knob on their amp. Try scooping the mids and backing off on the treble control guys!! I have a very heavy, very loud sound and i wouldnt want to change one thing about it. It is so out-of-control that i had to buy a Noise Gate to get rid of all the noise from all the distortion. If you want an active pickup which will give you tight roaring crunch tones then this is your best bet.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 25 K

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Stock hum
Artists using this pickup: Slayer, Zakk Wylde, Metallica
You musical style(s): Speed/Thrash
Reason for pickup change: The old one sounded like crap

Perceived output level: Get ready to blow someone's head off..
Tone: trebly
Sonic evaluation: I'm using this baby on my Gibson Les Paul, run through a JCM 900 2100 (The 100 Watt Hi-Gain), with a Dunlop Roto. I mostly play heavy/speed/thrash metal like Slayer, Pantera and Metallica (before they got weird), and for this kinda music, it's to die for. The added thickness (and weight) of the Les Paul evens out the trebly character of the pickup. Output really drives my amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's great for speed/thrash/heavy metal, so I wouldn't recommend it if Eric Clapton is your cup of tea.

Comments: If someone stole my guitar, I first would hunt them down, cover them in razor cuts and dip them in acetone, then burn them alive. Then I'd get my insurance company to buy me a new one. This thing is reliable as hell, but always keep spare batteries in case of emergencies. Although I already had a decent sound, this one added a lot of punch.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Huh?

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter S1 Plus
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: ones that want a heavier, clearer sound
You musical style(s): Metal, Hard Rock, and some Classic Rock
Reason for pickup change: EMG's were installed before I had the chance to try the stock Duncan Design pickups originally in my Schecter S1 Plus, but I wanted a hot pickup to play METAL!

Perceived output level: HOT! but not too much hotter than my Seymour Duncan Custom
Tone: Seems slightly trebly, and scooped, has that nice/nasty raw tone too it-Just what I wanted to play METAL!
Sonic evaluation: Right now i'm using a Schecter S1 Plus with this 81 and an 85 in the neck through a Metal Zone into a Crate GFX212 w\Celestion Vintage 30's all connected by Monster Cable StudioPro1000 instrument cable. I'm getting a real tube amp this month and selling this gear cause Boss and Crate products can only get you so far. I really like the articulation and how this pickup will let you hear EVERY sound you make across the fretboard! The Monster Cable really allows this pickups qualities to shine through even through this solid state amp! The only other pickups I can compare it too is the Seymour Duncan Custom which is in my Les Paul Studio in the bridge position. Duncans have their own unique qualities and sound that I like and use for stuff other than Metal but to get balls to the wall scooped mayhem I would definetely recommend the EMG 81! I can't wait to use this on a tube amp and hear how hard it is gonna push the amp! It makes me laugh to see some people leave comments and remarks about this pickup that are very negative and then to see their style of music is something like classic rock or jazz or anything that doesn't require a hot pickup. Bottom line HOT PICKUP = HARDER TONE at least thats what I percive. I agree with the clean sounds not being that good but that what you have a neck pickup for right?! Also the sterile sound everybody talks about is actually what I like about this 81, It makes it sound more raw and defined, just what a Metalhead like me needs.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I use my Schecter w\EMG's for metal and my Les Paul with Seymour Duncans for lighter stuff. I would definetly recommend this pickup in the bridge for anyone who plays metal.

Comments: Stolen? Yeah right, next question. I've been playing for about 3 years and own a 1995 Gibson Les Paul Studio and a Line 6 POD version 2. This is definetly a pickup for metal and I assume it could be used for other styles but I don't use it for other styles. It's kinda annoying to know there's a battery but I don't really worry about it. Changing the battery is easy if you know what you are doing when you install the pickups. This pickup give me a sound I really like but THAT sound has yet to pass by me. I give this pickup a 9 because nothing is perfect and its a good value.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Washburn P3
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Duncan '59s
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Everybody who counts (and their mothers)
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: Duncan '59s are decent pickups, but were a little too thin-sounding for the beefy, heavy crunch I was looking for.

Perceived output level: Think Elizabeth-from-Survivor-Hot and you'll get the idea
Tone: I find the tone to be very balanced; if you choose to EQ the hell out of it, it'll sound good no matter what
Sonic evaluation: I'm currently running my guitar through a Mesa/Boogie Mark III, which is super high-gain, but could use a more responsive graphic EQ. While it definitely rapes the ass off the sound I had before, I am always looking for a tighter, deeper sound that still has a nice top-end crunch and is very well defined (think Justice-era Metallica, Children of Bodom, Meshuggah on "Future Breed Machine", and John Petrucci and you get the idea.) The shortcoming of the setup is definitely not the pickup; it is incredibly clear and crunchy, although it lacks some of the general thickness you'll hear on a Fear Factory or EARLY Metallica record. I think a lot of the people on this board are full of shit when they question its versatility, because I have no problem pulling a wide range of convincing tones from it, and in the neck position, it proves to be just as warm, although clearer and maybe glassier, than the '59 was. People who suck and hide behind excessive distortion should not consider this pickup as it is merciless in exposing the shortcomings of your playing: every finger squeak, slide, and misplayed anything is amplified 1000x because the pickup is so responsive. For anyone who doesn't suck, save yourself the trouble and buy it now.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play lots of metal and balls-out rock (esp. G N'R); it's perfect

Comments: I think i'll always be searching for THAT sound, but this is as close as I'm gonna get until i get my POD Pro to use as a front end for my amp; possibly a Sonic Maximizer, and i'll be in shred heaven.

Pickup features: active humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs: read another review for specs

Model of guitar or bass: b.c. rich worlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: bridge pickup
Other pickups on guitar: emg 60 at neck
Artists using this pickup: kirk hammett, james hetfield (the james hetfield special)
You musical style(s): metallica
Reason for pickup change: The pickups that come with the lower end model wolock are very weak, nothing compared to an 81 or 60.

Perceived output level: the output leval is very high, the highest i've heard so far.
Tone: This pickup can do it all, from bassy to trebly, from rythm to lead.
Sonic evaluation: I am using the james hetfield special pickup combo, with a boss me-30, and a marshall valvestate amp, very clean destortion, and very loud solos.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metallica, and if you want that extra punch in your metal crunch, this is a pickup you can't be without, this pickup can go anywhere from neck to bridge

Comments: If it were stolen i would buy it again, I've been playing for going on a year this march, people say i am telented, but i just know that i can understand the guitar a bit better then some people, i also own a fender telecaster, esp kh-2, and a esp jh-2, a marshall stack, and a pod 2.0, everything is good about this pickup, nothing is bad, i compared it to many other products from gibson to fender, this pickup took first place. I choose this one because of it'sloud output, and it's abillity to sound like what i want it to sound like, it already has everything i could ever need in a pickup, i am very satisfied with this pickup and i think i'll stay with it for as long as i play guitar.This is the pick up that's just like turning your amp up to eleven.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: don't remember

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Imperial (explorer shape)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Kramer Quadrail
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, ?
You musical style(s): blues, rock, metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickup was actually not bad, but it didn't have enough crunch for really heavy and heavy palm muted stuff. My basswood Jackson with an EMG85 in the bridge left the Kramer in the dust.

Perceived output level: a little hotter than the original pickup, normal for an Active EMG humbucker
Tone: fairly balanced, not a lot of bass though
Sonic evaluation: Kramer Imperial (Explorer shape) solid alder body, Floyd Rose bridge, rosewood fretboard into a BOSS ME-30 in either a Fender Princeton Chorus amp or direct into a computer with 50W speaker system for recording purposes. Very good for high gain metal and blistering leads. Not quite as much low end as I'd like, but that may just be a setting problem with the ME-30. However, I would not use it clean as it sounds sort of trebly and almost has a kind of "quacky" sound (not like a Fender single coil).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play blues, rock, metal. This pickup is great for metal applications. I only use this in the bridge but a friend uses them in the neck too and it sounds ok there as well, so either is probably fine.

Comments: If it disappeared out of my guitar I would definitely buy another one. I have been playing for about 6 years and also own a Jackson JSX-94. I really love the high gain output this pickup has for heavy metal use. The only thing I don't like about it, and I've noticed this with all the EMG's I have, is that they pre-solder the wire braiding around the center conductor and so you can't pull the braid off and solder it separately. I have followed their diagrams which show to solder it just like that still wrapped around the core to the volume knob casing and haven't, I hope, melted the inside insulation yet, but I'm always nervous after an install as to if that's happened or not. Otherwise it would get a 10. Sounds like a small thing maybe, but being an active pickup, what happens if those two short together due to melted insulation? The only thing I have to compare to is my Jackson which has an 85 in the bridge and is also a basswood body. I chose this pickup because while that 85 sounds good, I wanted something that that was even higher gain. Nice because both guitars sound different slightly so I have more versatility that way. I am definitely satisfied with this pickup.

Pickup features: active
Impedence or other specs: low

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde Pantera Metallica Slayer Dying Fetus Sepultura Isacaarum
You musical style(s): hard rock to death grind metal
Reason for pickup change: stock pickups were poor and noisy

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: PLEASE HELP ME!!!! IS IT POSSIBLE TO DAMAGE PICKUP BY REVERSE POLARITY
FROM 9V BATTERY?? MY EMGs ARE VERY NOISY!! CAN IT BE CAUSED BY THIS?
PLEASE HELP ME!!
goldfinch@atlas.cz

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: washburn hm20v
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: this is stock or washburn passive pickup
Other pickups on guitar: emg 85
Artists using this pickup: too many
You musical style(s): mostly metal, death metal
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: probably the hottest one out there maybe a live wire from seymour duncan can compete...
Tone: pretty even to me....
Sonic evaluation: no effects straight to a peavey rage 158... yeah it's not all fancy yet... anyway this pickup is mediocre... it's hot as hell... balanced tone wise... but it has a poor clean, but cool if you want that eerie sound, not something i would use all the time.. also it's very "sterile" sounding you can tell it's active i don't like that... if you're into active pickups you can have that sterile sound if you haven't tried 'em i do suggest trying it... it could be for you...

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this is good the only change i would want is for it to be warmer... and maybe a bit more bass... it's good for metal, but i'd prefer warm pickups

Comments: if it was lost... i would get one of these again, but only one, i'd get an x22n or an invader... i've been playing for 2 and a half years, i don't have much equipment just a rage 158 soon i'll have a nice halfstack... it's not that sound for but it could be for you

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 25k Ohm load

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Warlock, ESP LTD M-300
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: On Warlock crappy stock, On ESP EMG-HZ
Other pickups on guitar: On Warlock & ESP: EMG-85
Artists using this pickup: Slayer, old White Zombie, Sepultura, Soulfly, Fear Factory, Obituary, Deicide, Grateful Dead (yes, it's true!), Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, etc...
You musical style(s): Death Metal -- enough said.
Reason for pickup change: Always looking for more power. I played soooo many pickups over the years, and kept looking for more and more output. I finally started listening to all of the artists I respect and got EMG's. They gave me the tone I was looking for.

Perceived output level: Tons of output. Mega power.
Tone: Mid and treble. Bassy enough to crunch.
Sonic evaluation: All my 6 strings have EMG's in them - so everything sounds the same through my amp combo. I have a Crate 100w half stack, and several pedal effects. The Crate tube amps have a very heavy tendency to play with alot of treble and midrange, and lack bass. This pickup, being tonally mid and treble, absolutely screams through this amp. I will sometimes use the amp's distortion for a crunchy, grinding Soulfly-like distortion. Otherwise, I use a Boss Metal Zone, and with the killer output of the 81, that pedal just seeths.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play death metal, but it isn't out of my repetoir to play some classic rock. If you play jazz, or country; this pickup is too powerful or too bright. Perfect for anything played with distortion.

Comments: I have been using EMG products for over a year now, and can't say enough. I tried every kind of pickup available before finally stopping with EMG. Nothing can beat their sound. The 81 is only one pickup in their arsenal as well. EMG makes so many different pickups, it is possible for you to get ANY tone you want, and ANY amount of output you want. That's something passive pickups can't do.
I have dealt with EMG's technical department also. The guys there know everything about guitar electronics inside-out! They are the friendliest, most helpful people on the planet. Not just tone, but also customer service - I will NEVER use another competitor's pickup.
Please feel free to E-Mail me for any questions regarding EMG pickups. I would be more than happy to spend the time discussing these wonderful products, and any other questions.
I would rate these a 65, but the rating only goes to '10'.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Warlock and Godin G1000
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 on the neck for the Warlock, and stock neck pickups on the Godin
Artists using this pickup: Lots of Hard Rock and Metal musicians.
You musical style(s): Hard Rock and/or Metal
Reason for pickup change: Basically, I wanted a higher output, crunchier, stable distorted sound. I got exactly what I wanted with this pickup.

Perceived output level: Very high output pickup, well balanced
Tone: fairly well balanced, a little on the trebly side which is great
Sonic evaluation: Running it through a Marshall G80RCD 80 watt combo along with a Zoom GFX-707.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: An excellent match for hard music.

Comments: Had these pickups for a better part of a year, and I'm completely satisfied with the sound. Been playing for about 8 years, and used many pickups, and the 81 is one of the highest output pickups that I've heard. Once you've played these, you will not want to go passive again.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Charvel 750XL Soloist Archtop
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: EMG 85
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde!!!
You musical style(s): Rock/Metal
Reason for pickup change: Was happy with the 85 in the neck, but not so pleased with it in the bridge, decided to bite the bullet and go for the 81 in the bridge.

Perceived output level: High output but very smooth delivery, I like it a lot.
Tone: I think it's well balanced and perfect for rock styles.
Sonic evaluation: Using this pickup in the bridge of a Charvel 750XL (maple set-in neck on a mahogany body with carved maple top, oh yeah!!) into a Marshall TSL 100 yeild an awesome tone. It is the sound of rock. For years I was scared of getting this pickup cause of all the reviews of how powerfull and trebly it is, but all I've found is a superb tone, clear, powerful with a smooth delivery. I'm not sure how well it would do in lesser guitars and amp combos but good gear deserves good pickups and I now reckon these are the best. I like em so much I'm putting the same combo into my Les Paul, to replace the '59 I put in that a while ago.
It also sounds better thru practice amps with distortion pedals when I'm not lugging around the big stuff. For some reason the 85 in the bridge just sounded clinical and terrible there, even my friends cheap Ibanez with stock pickups sounded better, but the 81 is class all the way. Highly recommended.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play in the rock/metal vein and it's great, but I think it's a great pickup for all kinds of styles, as long as you have quality gear you can't go wrong. Just don't expect miracles if you have a crappy guitar and amp combo.

Comments: If it were stolen then my guitar would be gone too and I'd be devestated by that, but if I could get the guitar again I would definitely put the 81 in the bridge again.
I have a PCS Randy Rhoads which came standard with the Duncans Randy used and I'd like to change them to EMG's too but it's not the sort of guitar to stuff around with, so I won't.
Also have a '94 Gibson '67 Flying V of which the stock Gibsons are very high output and cool as they are so I'll leave them in and keep it orignal too.
My other guitar is a Fernandes Les Paul replica which will be getting the EMG treatment now too. I put in a Duncan '59 the other year but I think I've found the sound I want in the 81 so I'll put that and the 85 in it and it should be even better!!