EMG 81

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: I dunno...

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha Strat Copy
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Pickups
Artists using this pickup: METALLICA!
You musical style(s): Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change: Cuz my amp freaked out when I turned it up loud, plus I wanted a humbucker, so why not get the same one as my fav. band?

Perceived output level: LOUD... Um.. Yup
Tone: Crunchy... Severly, awesome!
Sonic evaluation: I gotta Strat copy with a Fender 90 and a Boss DS-1 and man, it rules! I love the sound, way better then with my buddys Ibanez... This humbucker rules!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Well its the same ones James and Kirk used so yeah it fits my style... haha

Comments: This pickup is the best! I would defenitly buy another one if it broke or somthing. No noise at all hey... Man I love it!

Pickup features: humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Dr3
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Designed (stock)
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-60
Artists using this pickup: lots
You musical style(s): Alternative, metal, etc
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups just sucked

Perceived output level:
Tone: very tight sounding with lots of clarity
Sonic evaluation: I just run my guitar straight into my Line 6 Flextone

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Alternative and metal and it's perfect for both. It has awesome rhythm and lead sounds.

Comments: All I have to say is that these pickups blow away any other pickups I've ever used. They sound twice as good as any Seymour Duncan pickups I've ever tried.

Pickup features: Humbucker,active
Impedence or other specs: i dont know,go to www.emginc.com

Model of guitar or bass: Bc.rich usa made jr.v
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: dimarzio distortion(ick)
Other pickups on guitar: Emg 60 at neck(see other post for this)
Artists using this pickup: Inflames,Hammer fall,metallica,Slayer,(do you really need to know all of them)
You musical style(s): thrash/speed mtal and death metal.
Reason for pickup change: dimarzios suck my ass!!!!

Perceived output level: It is so hat you can frie an egg on it.UMMMM tasty
Tone: not to bassy, great highs and great mids and lows.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a peavey 5150 head with a marshall cab and its probly the best tone i have ever had or heard.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play death thrash speed metal and it fits it to a T

Comments: I would buy one in an instent.If it ever got stolen i would really hurt the guy then shove it up his ass

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: -

Model of guitar or bass: '61 SG copy, custom Strat copy
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson, DiMarzio SD?
Other pickups on guitar: -
Artists using this pickup: Never heard of any ;)
You musical style(s): Prog-rock, experimental
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to build Metal guitar

Perceived output level: Extremely intense crunch into distortion
Tone: Cold and trebly in the extreme, hence the crunch
Sonic evaluation: I've been able to compare this pickup with hotrodded vintage Gibson humbuckers, and with P90s. I'm running into a very saturated guitar preamp DI into the board.
The startling thing about these pickups isn't so much the intense distortion, but how silent they become when you mute the strings. It's the first time I've ever heard a wildly distorted sound that could be muted effectively- you get a marked hiss but that's about it.
Part of the coldness and sterility of this pickup is an interaction with the lead wires you plug into it, and the controls- I ended up using custom wire to the controls and to the jack. Initially I put the pickup in my SG copy, using just the stock wire but no controls- it was a temporary thing. The SG with Gibson pickups (which are much lower output) is capable of a searingly hot glittering high-end... replacing the bridge pickup with the EMG 81 (with stock wire) iced up the high end completely. When I moved the EMG to its final guitar I built special copper multistrand wire like litz wire to carry the hot output signal- this went quite a way towards removing the icy quality. The volume pot ended up going bad on me, and I wound up installing just the pickup straight to the jack (specialised guitar, so I figured I could get away with this) and though this seems to have increased hiss level a bit, the pickup now comes across with a ruthless clarity that is beyond coldness or warmness- the funny thing is, though there is loads of crunch to the sound, it's so analytical that there's virtually no thickness to it, even when bass is happening. Ultra aggressive. Compare it to old Gibson humbuckers or 'PAFs': those have a creamy buttery sort of quality, these do NOT.
The clean sound is very interesting. I can only describe it by saying that it sounds like a metal banjo. The amount of focus is so intense that it's positively unmusical for almost any purpose- I could see using this sort of tone for quirky Tom Waitsish clean guitar parts, but other than that it's just a really weird clean tone. The amount of dynamic range it has is just unusable, way too much.
Naturally few people consider using EMG 81s as a clean pickup, so back to the distortion- another interesting trait is that you cannot play faster than the 81. My hands hurt pretty bad from discovering this ;) one less painful way you can evaluate that is by playing a melody with a really quick glissando down the frets. The EMG 81 will 'play' each individual note no matter how fast the glissando. (A downside is that you can't do a 'swoosh' sound, sweeping down the neck, anywhere near as nicely as for instance with Gibson alnico pickups).
Basically if you need distorted THRAGGGGGH, perfect clarity no matter how fast you play, and a flat-out aggressive distorted tone, this is the one. I suspected as much and now have proof :)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a lot of different types of music- this is for if I need a guitar part that is completely savage. Bridge position only, and even then tiny adjustments in location make a huge difference in the sound.

Comments: If this was destroyed or stolen I'd get another- possibly not in a great hurry. It is a very specialized pickup that I could never have as my only pickup- putting it on my Samick SG copy desecrated the poor thing and I quickly returned to Gibson pickups for that instrument. Since I have a guitar just for this pickup, all is well.
I've been playing for around 20 years or so and have a variety of homebrewed monster guitars of all different tonalities. The EMG's gone into a Franken-Strat copy I got hold of. I love how it can go completely over the top, and have never heard anything with that much crunch against a silent (ish) background. I'm not interested in looking at 85s because... well, for tone I use passive pickups, even rewind them myself. I've got that covered. This is for doing the things passive pickups just can't do- every note, every chord is razor edged and barbed-wire-bedecked. The tone of the guitar has some relevance but much of the character of the sound comes from super high frequency stuff that isn't from the wood at all- it's like a microscope on the surface of the strings, and you can 'get away' with much poorer guitars- what you will lose is quality of sustain if you don't have a good guitar body.
I'm using a maple neck- think I will build a Strat-style guitar neck and steal the maple neck for that, and find a neck for the EMG Guitar that has a rosewood fingerboard. It would help the edge be less glassy and shrill- the fingerboard's going to have about as much effect on the sound as the whole body of the guitar, because of how this pickup focusses the extreme highs.
I'm quite satisfied with this pickup. It only does one thing, but nothing else will do it this well. It's worth every penny- and a hell of a good addition to a session guy's axe arsenal.
The EMG 81 gets a ten for being, well, an EMG 81. You'd better want exactly what this pickup does or you'll be _miserable_. There's nothing euphonic or pretty about it- but there's no other way to get certain tones.

Pickup features: ACTIVE HUMBUCKER
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: SOME HUNK OF SHIT IBANEZ
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: STOCK
Other pickups on guitar: NONE
Artists using this pickup: LOTS
You musical style(s): DEATH METAL
Reason for pickup change: WANTED MORE OUTPUT

Perceived output level: LOTS OF OUTPUT W/NO MIDS
Tone: SCOOPED
Sonic evaluation: IBANE------DIGITECH WHAMMY---DOD GRUNGE-----PEAVEY STANDARD---AMPEG CAB

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: ITS GOOD FOR MY STYLE BUT SOUNDS LIKE SHIT THROUGH MY SETUP

Comments: IT SUCKS ON MY SETUP BUT SOUNDS 10 TIMES BETEER THROUGH MY FRIENDS

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Soloist
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: some duncan. possibly a distortion or something
Other pickups on guitar: It only has one pickup slot
Artists using this pickup: the usuals, + TIMO TOLKII, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Edguy, +others (brutaller metal, even some jazzers!) Children Of Bodom (it think)
You musical style(s): Metal, progressive/instrumental rock, something like jazz...
Reason for pickup change: thought the other pickup just didn't cut it, it was old, almost rusty in fact!
i wantedsomething with a big sound that would keep me covered for life with my needs

Perceived output level: Bloody Hot!
Tone: bassy, trebly, big, slightly muddy
Sonic evaluation: i am playing it through a zoom 505 and into a crappy but big solid state samick amp

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great for metal, jazz (but it would be better in the neck!), even some cleaner proggy chords...

Comments: Well, i like it alot.
it works for most everything i play (see above).
the output is really great, and the lead really shines. the rythm kicks ass too, its pretty brutal etc. whoever said it sucks for rythm doesn't play good enough rythm! and i have a jb in my strat, and this thing does everything that one doesn't for rythm. the jb has no rythm presence, but this one is really there!
it actually works for chordy clean stuff, though depending on your setup you'll probably have to adjustthe tone or volume. But generally its a very warm and loud sort of sound, bringing the most out of the weird chords i like (generally with a lot of seconds, etc, they have a sort of progressive jazzy sound)...
metal solos, it is just great
you can sustain forever.
with good strings, i can hold ANY not forever!!!

my only complaint is that its slightly muddy when you're tuned a step down, like me...
i have 10-52;s on, all tuned a step down and for chords or rythm it can be muddy at times...
but that could be my crappy setup
i heard there was no noise, but i still hear a little. MUCH less than on my jb though.
if it was stolen, i'd probably have the guitar stolen too and get a more general guitar with a neck pickup. and id be furious.
ifi lost it, i'd get another one
i've played almost five years now, electric less than 3, and have a strat and the jackson
if only i could make it a bit brighter, though i have a feeling strings and amp and eq have an effect

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

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Gothic Flying V
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock 500T
Other pickups on guitar: stock 496R (disconnected)
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, Zakk Wylde, Mudvayne, you know the list...
You musical style(s): Anything metal
Reason for pickup change: I was at a Mudvayne show and all the warmup bands had the same equipment. Marshall or Mesa half-stacks with esp or gibson guitars. Then, Mudvayne hit the stage and "Gurgg" had the exact same rig except for an EMG81 in his Gothic Les Paul, and his sound killed everybody else's!

Perceived output level: Much more than any passive I have every heard, destroys the 500T in clarity and output.
Tone: Quite trebly, but in a very good way. I mean, who wants a bassy pickup? Great crunch.
Sonic evaluation: I have another Gibson V (Standard Black) which will be getting this mod soon. I run straight through a crybaby into my Marshall JCM900 half-stack with a DOD graphic EQ in the effects loop. Amazing distortion sounds before the pickup change, after the mod I was totally amazed! I've a/b'd the two guitars and notice a marked drop in clarity going from the EMG to the 500T. 500's more bassy, more muddy, almost no crunch in comparison.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great match for metal, little raspy for blues lead, but different strokes... Probably not good for the neck position, but people do it.

Comments: In short, if you like crunch, buy this pickup. I read a lot of the harmony-central reviews and was kind-of torn between getting the mod, but anyone who says the 500T sounds better is insane. Improve your guitar sound 100-fold (anyway, the mod's 100% reversible if you don't like it) Only downside is that the Gibson Gothic series doesn't leave enough routing for the battery, therefore a pot or two must be removed, but it's a small sacrifice for tone that will split you in two! Email me if you have any questions. Thanks Mudvayne

Pickup features: Humbucking/Active
Impedence or other specs: Low-Z

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul Studio DC
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Pearly Gates
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock and Roll, Worship
Reason for pickup change: Stock Gibsons were weak/poor sounding. Switched to Duncan's which sounded good but wanted to try EMG's.

Perceived output level: Hot. A little bit hotter than the Duncans.
Tone: Very in your face and raunchy in a cool way. Screams!
Sonic evaluation: 2000 Emerald Green Gibson LP DC Studio; Line6 AX2; Mesa .50+ Cal. LP needed a something to take it up a notch. The 81 is a GREAT bridge pickup. Kind of like a cross between the Pearly Gates it replaced and a Gibson 500T ceramic but hotter and with tons more dfinition. This pickup SCREAMS!!!! Matches well with the EMG 85 which is killer as an LP neck pickup! The EMG's definitely took the sound of the LP up a notch. I was originally kind of hesitant about the 81/85 combo and thought that the 81 might be a bit much. I was going to do a 60 in the neck and the 85 in the bridge which I may still try. It's very easy to change the pickups around thanks to the connector on the pickup body. You just unplug the pickup and plug in another. I may grab a 60 and just to have a different tone combo for different situations. Very cool. All in all the 85 neck / 81 bridge is an excellent combination for a Les Paul. A definite improvement over the Duncans and a MAJOR improvement over the stockers. By the way - the 85 sounds great clean too. The 85/81 combo sounds cool clean but the 81 definitely has an attitude and wants to scream, which is what makes it a great bridge pickup IMHO :-)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great Rock and Roll pickup. Did I mention that this pickup SCREAMS! Don't think I would use it in the neck position but it would probably work there as well.

Comments: Been playing for 25 years. I love this pickup! Have owned and used tons of gear. I owned an axe a few years ago with Duncan Live Wires in it and remember that it was very over the top and "over-powered". The EMGs are a bit more subtle and "REAL" to my tastes - still ver powerful and hot in there own right though. I am very pleased with this purchase. I just may put them on some of my other guitars.
God Bless. Frank Silano Higher Ground Band Rockin' for Jesus! Tampa Bay, Florida http://www.rockin-4-jesus.com ><>

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Distortion (SH-6)
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-60
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammet . . . anybody who knows what good tone is
You musical style(s): Metal, hard rock
Reason for pickup change: I have changed pickups numerous times in both positions and I still hadn't found what I was looking for.

Perceived output level: Very Hot ! ! (you really don't need an amp, literally)
Tone: Very balanced, bright sound and pick attack
Sonic evaluation: I run my guitar through a Bad Horsie wah, then to a Boss chours, then to the High Gain input on my 5150 head. In the loop there is a 482 Sonic Maximizer, then a Boss DD-3 delay. My setup actually screams! Liquid Fire!! This is the best sound I have ever heard. I can't believe what a difference these pickups do compared to my old passive ones. I run an EMG-81 in the bridge, and an EMG-60 in the neck. I run 18 volts instead of the normal 9 for super clarity. Even with maximum 5150 gain, I can still hear every single picked note!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hard rocking metal with a lot of lead work, not speed metal (suitable for all positions, although not a great neck pickup because it's bright)

Comments: I would buy these pickups in a heartbeat! I don't know why in the hell I didn't put these in the first time I replaced pickups?? I've been playing almost 7 years now and I finally LOVE the way my Les sounds. I have an active-mid-boost on the guitar too, but my amp has so much frickin gain in the first place that I don't even need to use it. I don't hate ONE thing about these pickups! This pickup is what gives me THE sound! The 81 isn't the greatest clean pickup, but it does the job. I always use the 60 in the neck for clean. (check out my EMG-60 review too) This is the only bridge pickup as far as I'm concerned. This pickup does super heavy dropped-D riffs as well as screaming lead work!! This is the best overall bridge pickup!!

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ESP M II
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock picukps
Other pickups on guitar: ESP hotrail (has been changed for an EMG SA)
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammet
You musical style(s): Hard Rock and Rock.
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a kickass pickup for burning solos, this is the one for that.

Perceived output level: Make sure youre amp isnt at too high a level when you dont have anything in your ears, this pickup will blow them away.
Tone: Hard, not good for clean in bridge, this isnt designed for that anyway.
Sonic evaluation: I am running it through a cheap amp and it sounds good already, but I am saving up for an bigger amp, and then It will sound great, I have tryed it.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: The only choice for really kickass rock.

Comments: This all I wanted of my bridge pickup, I use the neck for the quiet songs. One day I will try an EMG 85, just to see the difference, but it will probably be in another guitar, since I love the sound in this one to much.

Pickup features: HB, active
Impedence or other specs: see www.emginc.com

Model of guitar or bass: Custom strat-type - mahogany+maple body, maple neck & fretboard, Khaller trem (not a diving machine, still the best thing I've ever used), Sperzels, and so on. Much better and cheaper than the "professional" overpriced shit on the market.
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Coming from passive (DiMarzio Breed + Evo), so it would be pointless to compare.
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SA (neck) + 89 (middle); also with a EMG VMC - that's their Variable Midrange Control, sort of a parametric equalizer - the Holy Grail of versatility
Artists using this pickup: Lots of metal freaks, I assume.
You musical style(s): Rock, Hard Rock, Grunge, Blues.
Reason for pickup change: The DiMarzios were relocated on another guitar.

Perceived output level: High enough to saturate any decent tube amp, in my opinion.
Tone: Terribly trebly: that baby loves to cry high.
Sonic evaluation: Guitar: see above. It's a good one.
Amp 1: Line6 Flextone II + external power amp & 2 4x12".
Amp 2: Fender Bassman.
Plus an old Yamaha FX 900 effects processor (bought it in 1992, love it because of its _superb_ harmonizer).
Whatever amp I use & tweak, the 81 is _much_ too trebly imho. You must really turn middle on to get a "bodeed" sound, still artificial. The 81 is constantly willing to throw harmonics in your ears, whether you like it or not. I didn't manage to get a _nice_ trebly sound (the sort you get with a slightly delayed octaver): this thing sounds artificial in my ears. I'm better with an 85 - a more creamy, while enough agressive beast.
Note: also tried the 81 i mid position. That's also a no-no.
So, in my opinion, the 81 is an excellent pickup, but I dislike it.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As said before, I play mostrly Rock, Hard Rock, Grunge, Blues. The 81 is certainly good for very trebly metal sounds (remember, when you're lost and can't be melodic anymore, get high!). Crap for anything else. Better try an 89 (= 85 HUM + SA single in the same pic).

Comments: Well, the shop was kind enough to take it back after 3 months (yes, I've been trying that long). They gave me a 85 instead, and I like it much better.
To answer a question, I'm not searching for _that_ sound, as I believe there is no such thing as _that_ sound in the universe. There are certainly good sounds and bad sounds, but the point is to find a sound that fits your mood and your song. you won't achieve that with a single guitar and cheap gear!

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer pacer
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: schwag stock junk
Other pickups on guitar: don't need any
Artists using this pickup: everybody that matters
You musical style(s): speed metal
Reason for pickup change: Why do you breathe air? Because it is better than all the other alternatives...

Perceived output level: All that and a bag of chips
Tone: Treblely, but in a good way
Sonic evaluation: I'm not screwing around: M/B Triaxis, M/B Strategy 500, Four 4x12 Rectifier Cabinets, and a Boss SE-70 for that little something different

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I like it fast, LOUD, and rude

Comments: People who say this pickup is anything other than AWESOME, are running some cheesedick solid state amp, or were just born without ears. I've been running these since the early 80's. Nothing else I've ever heard even comes close. If a Ferrari only cost $80 you would buy one, right?
March your boney ass down to the store and buy one of these TODAY. If you don't like it, your a knownothing moron, who doesn't know the first thing about "THE SOUND" period, end of story.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: built in pre amp

Model of guitar or bass: esp ltd explorer
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock esp humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: emg 60
Artists using this pickup: james hetfield , kirk hammet
You musical style(s): metal
Reason for pickup change: metallica uses them and i wanted their sound

Perceived output level: hot
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: i use a marshall mg80rcd solid state amp. a digitch valve fx preamp/effects rack unit. esp ltd explorer with emg's and a jackson rhodes with stock pickups.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play metallica . i only have it in the bridge.

Comments: i would buy these again. i want to get dual 81's for my jackson. i get the sound i have been searching a couple years for.

Pickup features: humbucking
Impedence or other specs: www.emginc.com

Model of guitar or bass: jackson jdr 94
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: stock single and humbucking
Artists using this pickup: a lot
You musical style(s): metal
Reason for pickup change: i want to improve my tone and think i have to start from the guitar

Perceived output level: i read a lot of this one before i bought it and i think the most is true. really you have to adjust your effects and amp to adecuate to the new output
Tone: i think is a little trebly but i bought it today and really have to adjus the eq
Sonic evaluation: jackson jdr 94---cry baby----zoom 1010---marshall vs 265.

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

Comments: i?m starting to experiment whit this one but the first impresion was great. i expected more sustain. i have a cuestion: as the other two pu?s were passive the luthier tell me that they going to sound deaf and thin so he wired together which means that he replace the tone control for the active volume and keep the old volume for the passive ones. is possible this is the cause for the less sustain?. sorry for my english i?m starting to learn.if you have a cheap guitar and basic set up go, buy it and improve your tone 100%

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

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 496R and 500T open coil humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Kerry King, Zakk Wylde, Me
You musical style(s): Metal/Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: I decided to change the pickups because I wanted a my guitar to sound like it had a little extra kick in the balls from the stock pickups. If you want more info on this question check my review from a year ago. This is more of a follow-up after a year of use.

Perceived output level: These Pickups are loud but sound best when you crank the amp. Thatz when the juice starts flowing..
Tone: These Pickups arent gonna sound amazingly heavy out of the box. However, if u play metal and have the guitar and amp setup which is designed or tweaked for that heavy ballsy sound than your pickup search is over..
Sonic evaluation: I have mostly been using my EMG-81 equipped Les Paul plugged into a Korg Hyper Distortion Pedal and then directly into my Mesa/Boogie Studio Caliber 25-watt 1 speaker combo.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly Metal and Hard Rock and this pickup is a dream to use. If you have the priveledge of owning a Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head and having these pickups to accompany it than i salute you..hehe..It is a Metal Maniacs Dream Sound..

Comments: If my pickups were stolen or destroyed I would no doubt get them again because everytime I plug into them to practice it is like opening up a big can o' whoopass onto my amps speaker and the tone is awesome. I have been playing for 9 years and i have gone through about 6 guitars and 3 amps and every piece of gear i have in my current setup is everything i have wanted for my sound. My next piece of gear will be a Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier Rect-O-Verb 50 watt Combo amp and that, i can imagine, will only add to my thrill of picking up my guitar everyday and play and enjoy every chord I get out of my music. Overall I am very happy with these pickups and would recommend them to anyone who wants a nice loud pickup with balls for heavy crunch. This pickup is everything and I dont see anything else i could want in it. I finally do have my sound and I like it! Good Goin' EMG!!

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Go to their website

Model of guitar or bass: ESP KH-2
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: None they were stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81 in the neck
Artists using this pickup: Read another review
You musical style(s): Metal/Grunge/Rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock!

Perceived output level: Very Hot, hotter than a 500T and every other pickup
Tone: Trebly and Middy, nice crunch though
Sonic evaluation: I go from the Kh-2 through a crybaby and a tubescreamer into a Fender frontman amp. These pickups are SO loud! Excelent lead tones man, very cool.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Rock/Grunge/Metal and this pickup is awesome for lead, but falls short on rythym. Why would you buy EMG's LEAD pickup to play rythym?

Comments: This pickups rules! -> ANYONE WHO SAYS THIS PICKUP ISN'T HOT MUST HAVE FORGOTTEN THE 9V BATTERY!!! <- 2 or 3 people writing reviews for this pickup have said it has no output and sux, well man I think you forgot the battery :) Great sound no problem, very loud. Best lead pickup out there!

Pickup features: humbucking. active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: jackson soloist
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: SEYMOUR DUCAN JB
Other pickups on guitar: 85
Artists using this pickup: kirk hammett james hettfeld
You musical style(s): metal
Reason for pickup change: i like the JB but everybody says to try this oickup

Perceived output level: very low. this pickup sucks. it sounds like it is for jazz or blues
Tone: very bassy and muddy. no mids at all
Sonic evaluation: mesa boogie dual rectifier and 4 x 12 cab. jackson solosist

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: metal. if you play metal don't buy this pickup. it sucks. sounds like crap. it is suitable for nothing really.

Comments: if it were stolen i would find the person that did it and thank him. i have been playing for 10 years. i own gibson les paul, jackson king v. i hate that the fact it sounds like crap. one word of advice for all. WHATEVER YOU DO DO NOT BUY THIS PICKUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD Explorer
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan's
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett (Metallica baby!!), Zakk Wylde...others
You musical style(s): metal, hard rock
Reason for pickup change: I wanted a better all around pickup...distortion and clean wise...more active too

Perceived output level: Very hot....picks up almost any noise you make on the strings or fretboard
Tone: pretty balanced...nice heavy tone
Sonic evaluation: Well, as most of the EMG reviews say no this page, I bought the pickups to find the sound Hetfield and Hammett get. So i have two ESP explorers and i run it through some Boss effects, Dunlop Crybaby, and into a Mesa/Boogie 50 Caliber+ combo amp...what can I say? it just fuckin rocks..best sound I've ever had...I'm going to put a 60/81 combination of EMG's in my other ESP explorer

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metallica!!!!! Pantera, Ozzy...the heavy shit!

Comments: If someone ripped the pickups out of my guitar I'd have to track the fucker down and castrate him with a spoon, they're that good!

Pickup features: active bucker
Impedence or other specs: 25k impedance

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD M-250
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymore Duncan designed humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60, and a Duncan designed single coil which isnt in the circuit
Artists using this pickup: lots
You musical style(s): varies, but i never stray too long from heavy metal
Reason for pickup change: I wanted better sound, better sustain, better harmonics etc. In
short I wanted a better pickup.

Perceived output level: pretty damn hot. The hottest on the market i think.
Tone: The tone is more centred in the mids to highs, excellant for lead.
Sonic evaluation: The ESP into a peavey bandit 112, various effects incl. crybaby wah, boss mt2 ect. *NOTE* these pickups were designed to be driven by a tube amp. Though they sound great through my existing rig, play them through a tube amp up to volume and they will truly show themselves for the awesome pickups that they are.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: bridge or neck, it can be used for both.

Comments: good

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: RG470 Ibanez
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Cheap ass stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar: 85
Artists using this pickup: Deicide ,Cannibal Corpse ,DyingFetus ,Slayer, Deeds of flesh,tons of artist
You musical style(s): Brutal Death Metal
Reason for pickup change: The Stock pickups were weak low output I wanted something with mass power

Perceived output level: F#cking Hot I didnt expect what i would here Great harmonics crazy sustain but Quit
Tone: Really high but pretty balanced
Sonic evaluation: Right now i play through a JCM2000 rocktron Gainanic Preamp With A smashbox I get the most balls out sound

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Death metal and this pickup Is one hell of a macth best in Bridge

Comments: Ive Been Playing For About 7 years and if it were to be stolen or broke I would definately replace it this pickup wont let you down Ive got my sound Its abit steril though

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: I use 1 in a Gibson Explorer and 1 in a heavily customized Ibanez
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 500T and cheap ass Ibanez pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson - EMG 85, Ibanez - EMG S (neck and middle)
Artists using this pickup: Tons
You musical style(s): Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, some slow rock stuff too
Reason for pickup change: Well, I wanted EMG's cause I wanted distortion out of my Ibanez... so I bought the S/S/81 setup; on the Gibson, I didnt like the scratchy output of the 500T

Perceived output level: hotter than the Ibanez bucker, but not quite as much as the 500T
Tone: Its pretty much focused on the mids, but in a good way
Sonic evaluation: This pickup IS NOT A CLEAN PICKUP... I dont know why anyone would buy it thinking it is. It does work in some situations though. I can get a cool eriee sounding clean that works for breaks in heavy metal stuff... think the tone on sanitarium from metallica. But if you want clean, the 85 works pretty good, and so do the single coil S's. This thing fuels a very tight distortion on my setup of guitar->A-B switch->POD recording preamp and Mesa/Boogie V-Twin preamp->Mesa SimulClass 2:90 90watt/channel stereo Power Amp->Mesa Rectifier 4x12 cab with custom 90 watt celestions. This setup pretty much takes care of any lack of bass I may have. I really dig the sound I get out of this rig... it suits me perfectly. I remember seeing a review that says this thing sucks for solos... I dont know what he is talking about, it seems to me this pickup is at its best for solos.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a good match for hard rock... tried it in the neck with another 81 in bridge, and has a superb distortion sound, but clean left something to be desired, so I went back to the 85 in the neck

Comments: I seem to go against the general consensus that everybody digs them at first but then think they are too "sterile" after a while. I hated them at first... but thought I payed the money for it, so I will stick with it for a while. The more I play with it, the more I like it. I have had these pickups for a while now, and really love them. Passive humbuckers just dont have the "sound" I am looking for anymore. I have been playing a little over 2 years, and gigging for 6 months, and it just has that tone that gets a crowd riled up. So I give it a 9

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: go to their website

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD E-100
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock LTD humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar: none, just the two EMG-81s
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Jeff Hannemann
You musical style(s): Metal, Classic Rock
Reason for pickup change: The old pickups sucked.

Perceived output level: A lot more than the old ones, I had to turn down the volume on my effects processor
Tone: balanced, but you have to mess with your EQ settings when you first get them
Sonic evaluation: I play this guitar through a Korg AG1000 effects processor to a Crate GX-65 amp. It is a lethal combination.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal so this pickup is perfect. This pickup is great for both positions, but best in the bridge.

Comments: I've been playing for more than two years and this was my third guitar. I thought about trading it in toward a new one, but forget it now, the only reason I have to get another guitar now, is for different tunings when I play live.

Pickup features: Active Humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Rg320 Dx (now custom)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Those crappy ibanez stock pickups (ibanez powersound)
Other pickups on guitar: Another EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield (Metallica), anyone who knows what a great pick-up is!!!!
You musical style(s): Metal, Punk, Rock
Reason for pickup change: EMG's are sooooooooo much better than what I had. Its hard to beleive that they were made on the same planet

Perceived output level: These are the hottest of the hot. These pick-up are ultra load, have no noise, and are sooooooo good you'll kill before you ever buy a guitar without some!!!
Tone: The tone is amazing, they are the most versitile I have ever seen. They sound great with the heaviest distortion and even as clean as you can make them.
Sonic evaluation: Right now My setup is... Ibanez Rg320 DX Custom--> Dunlop Crybaby Wah-->Ibanez SM-7 smashbox-->Crate gx80 Amp. It sound great, really it's kind undiscribable!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pick-sound great for any style of music from Metal to Country to Eric Clapton :)

Comments: On a scale of 1 to 10, this pickup is a 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Pickup features: humbucker,active
Impedence or other specs: don't know man

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG-550
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock Ibanez humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: Kerry King(Slayer),Eric & Brian Hoffman(Deicide),Steve Lukather
You musical style(s): progressive death metal/jazz/sonic weirdness
Reason for pickup change: old pickup di'nt have enough beef for metal.Pretty nice
old 80's rock sound though.

Perceived output level: These are way to f@#king hot man! No warmth at all,very ridiculious.When I'm on clean it distorts bad
Tone: TOO much low-end,way way to much highs.Impossible to get nice,sustaining harmonics when playing lead
Sonic evaluation: I am using a Digitech RP-20 into a Crate Stealth(both of these together sound like trash!! Digitech SUCKS!) into a Gallien-Krueger 4X12 cab.It may be becuase of the terrible sound of Crate/Digitech(PUKE!) but I tried this guitar in a nice amp,it is just too much.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: for death metal it works,but it's just too high output and notes don't have much definition.Would be very stoopid in neck position(emphasis on stoopid)

Comments: If someone stole it they would be pretty good! I'd say,"geez,you took all the time of unwiring the battery,the hot leads and take the strings off to pull it out! If somoene percievably could steal a pickup,they'd be very good in my book! I'm just gonna get a damned
Dimarzio X2N 'cuz I know they sound great,I was gonna get one in
the first place but said "oh,everyone's talking about these,I'll try
it!"I saw a lot of death metal bands usin' 'em,but I like the warmth
of passives better.Used to have Bill Lawrences in another guitar(Jackson Dinky Reverse) and those sound great(the LX-500).With a preamp on a pickup that is not switchable,I find it's too much,and
having to replace the battery on a pickguard-style guitar is VERY
annoying! Also,I like to coil-tap the pickups in clean mode and you cannot coil-tap EMG's.VERY annoying.EMG's are great if you have a good
amp that's not too high gain but try using a Metal Zone(forget it).They sound too thin and fuzzy.Need more low-end cut man!

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: THIS IS A REPLY TO SOME OTHER FOLK'S REVIEWS
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

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

Comments: Why in the world would anyone complain that this p/u has bad clean tones? Come on people, think a little... ALNICO V magnets... active... PREAMP PREAMP PREAMP... obviously this is a pickup made for crunch tones. That's why EMG makes single coil pickups. If you want clean, buy them. If you want enough dirt to crunch your amp to dust, buy the 81. It's that simple. Common sense man

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

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG520 Transparent Blue
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Ibanez V7 and V8 buckers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: so many
You musical style(s): extremely heavy rock/metal and blues
Reason for pickup change: wanted to try emgs

Perceived output level: Not any hotter than the stock pickups...they just sound a little louder because they are much clearer.
Tone: Its hard to say cause its an ibanez with a floating trem and its a bolt on so it doesn't have a whole lot of bottom end but my amp doesn't either so its more trebly yet very crunchy sounding.
Sonic evaluation: Im using My ibanez straight into a crate bluevoodoo half stack. I have a bunch of effects but i usually just plug straight in.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think you could use these pickups for anystyle of musical...honestly. Alot of people think the clean on these really suck but not in my opnion. I have the 81 in the neck and bridge and in the neck it has a great clean sound....its a little less fuller sounding than some passive pickups in the neck but its very sharp and clear when distorted. Same with the bridge very dark yet clear and crunchy. My explorer has a much deeper sound and id love to see what they sound like in that guitar.

Comments: My only problem now is that i want to put these in my Gibson Goth explorer too. There awesome and ive found the perfect pickup for me. So many people say these sound sterile and i find that totally un-true. To me they sound just as warm as passives and i love how responsive they are.

Pickup features: Humbucking active
Impedence or other specs: unknown

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Standard Strat w/aluminum pickguard, Kramer Floyd Rose signature model
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fender-stock single coils, Kramer-stock
Other pickups on guitar: Fender-none, Kramer-EMG 85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: Me
You musical style(s): Punk, 80's Metal, Power-pop
Reason for pickup change: I bought the Kramer custom build from NOS Kramer parts with the EMG's installed from Drum City Guitarland in Denver, and loved the sound, but didn't want to beat the unique guitar up on stage, so i built up a cheap alternative to gig with and still get the sound

Perceived output level: Hot as Hell. (whattaya expect? they're active!) Be careful about overloading your amp's preamp stage if you don't have a low sensitivity input.
Tone: Full sound with a definite cutting "edge". These definitely stand out in a mix.
Sonic evaluation: On stage i use the Fender Strat through a Boss DS-1 to a Hot Rod Deville or straight to a JCM900 model 4100 1/2stack. Either set up is overdriven easily by the EMG for a great rock tone. I don't use a clean tone for any songs we do live, and this pickup gives me the "presence" i need to cut through a thick mix and be heard. As everyone else has pretty much stated, these pickups definately have a heavy tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup seems to work great for any heavier type of music, i've never tried it in the neck.

Comments: I have Duncan JB's in two other guitars, and a DiMarzio Super Distortion in another, and a set of Rio Grande's in a Les Paul, and i find myself using the EMG's the most often when i want a gritty tone. I plan on buying some other pickups for some other guitars to experiment, but i'm definitely happy with the EMG's and would need at least one guitar with an 81 at all times. If stolen, i'd probably drink myself into oblivion, then go replace them as soon as i sobered up.

Pickup features: Humbuckers Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Rg520q and an ESP M-300
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Ibanez crapy pickups
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammett
You musical style(s): Metal, Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: they sound awesome, they look cool and one of the best guitar players of all time uses them

Perceived output level: lots of output with no feedback
Tone: they sound great its an equal mix
Sonic evaluation: I use my Ibanez and ESP listed above through a zoom 505, a bad horsie wah, and a crate gfx212 amp. i am thinking about putting these pickups on my jackson randy rhoads model but i am not sure.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mostly Hard Rock like Metallica, sounds best on the bridge pickup

Comments: If it were stolen i would definitly buy it again. I also own a randy rhoads jackson, a gibson explorer and a yamaha electric. i am definitly satisfied with it and i will continue to put it on my guitars in the future.

Pickup features: Active humbucking
Impedence or other specs: www.emginc.com

Model of guitar or bass: Ibenez RG770
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: EMG81 at neck
Artists using this pickup: ...
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Ultra hot
Tone: Balanced!
Sonic evaluation: Played through wah pedal and Carvin tube amp. I am quite impressed with this pickup, and with the company. The pickups were in a used guitar I purchased and were wired very badly. It took some serious work to fix what the previous owner had done, and the tech help at EMG was great. Hooray for good customer service.
The 81's are great through a distorted amp, and they do NOT seem sterile to me. I think the technology used in their design just gives them different characteristics than the passive pickups most of us are so used to. But after fiddling with the amp's controls, as well as the EMG tone control (NOT the tone shaping options you can get from EMG), I thought I got some great distorted sounds. In particular, the actual sound of each note in chords remained easily definable even when the amp was totally opened up. I have never had such success with even my most beloved passive pu's. The EMGs just have a different character to them, which I think many people first perceive as sterile.
The clean sounds are also pretty good, but not as impressive to my ears as the distorted sounds. However, I bet the EMG85 at the neck would help this considerable.
If you are interested in finding a new sound, I'd suggest giving these a try. Plus, as I said, the customer service is first rate. It's worth supporting a company like that.
Good luck in your pursuit of tonal bliss.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock. I'd like to get into more progressive rock and jazz. I think that a 'rounder' sound at the neck would be helpful. again, I think the 85 has it.

Comments: I am thinking hard about dropping the 81/85 combination in another guitar, so I'm impressed.
I've been playing 10 years.
I've compared these to Seymour Duncan JB and '59 (also great pu's in their own right). Each serves a different purpose.
I would like to see another version of the splitable 89 (the 85 with an SA) that would be the 81 with an SA.
If the aforementioned pickup existed, I'd use the 89 and splitable 81 to get the best of both humbucking and single coil sounds.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 1.25 RMS output, thats a spicy meatball!

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock single coil
Other pickups on guitar: stock
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammet, tons of fans like me
You musical style(s): Rock, metal, alternative
Reason for pickup change: Wanted heavy metallic distortion with plenty of output
And hey, Metallica uses them!

Perceived output level: Hottest pickup I've ever heard
Tone: A lot of bass, but it has plenty of the high end crunch also
Sonic evaluation: Fender Strat w/ Fender 25R

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's perfect for metal, any kind of rock, not for squeaky clean sounds

Comments: Oh of coarse I'd buy it again if it was lost or stolen.
I've been playing for 4 years and this is a step up for me.
I LOVE the distortion, I havent yet tweaked the clean to my liking.
Until EMG invents a pickup of this quality without a battery attachment, it's perfect for what it's worth.

Pickup features: Humbucker/Ceramic Magnets/Active, Powered Preamp/Quick-disconnect jack
Impedence or other specs: Very low impedance... output is amazing

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Focus 1000
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Kramer pickups, most likely
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: Name your favorite metal band and there's an 80% chance they use it.
You musical style(s): Rock, Metal, Jazz, anything
Reason for pickup change: Bought the guitar used. However, I have played stock KF1K before. The 'bucker was pretty hot, more than a Duncan but less than a soapbar. I'd say lukewarm performance for my tastes.

Perceived output level: Imagine something so hot it burns out your practice amp after less than 15 mins of playing. I am speaking from experience.
Tone: Soaring highs and impressive lows. Not as good lows as EMG-85 but excellent at any rate. The overall sound is amazing... wear earplugs if you're using processors and a big amp.
Sonic evaluation: I am currently using a M/B 100 watt amp and a Digitech RP-12 with my Kramer. I have a stock Kramer with 3 single coil pickups, I am currently routing for a 'bucker in the bridge/neck pos so I can improve my sound. The KF1K blows the stock hands down... I want another EMG! I am also going to use an SAV b/c you can't mix active and passive pickups. At any rate - the 81 rocks. Hard. That's all there is to it.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock, Metal, what have you. This pickup is suitable for any position.

Comments: I NEED this pickup. It's awesome. Buy one now and rock till the cows come home.

Pickup features: Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Matthias Jabs Strat
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: JB
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SA--(neck and middle)
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, Tom Morello, Wank Hamlet
You musical style(s): Heavy Blues/Blues/classic rock
Reason for pickup change: Wanted an all out "rock guitar"

Perceived output level: very high....more than the JB
Tone: SLightly trebly
Sonic evaluation: assorted amps....Marshall JCM 800, Peavey CLassic 30, Vox AC 30

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good pickup for loud distorted styles. Not a jazz or country pickup

Comments: Haven't decided if I like this or not just yet, I have always wanted to try EMG and so I made up a pickguard assembly with the 81 and a couple SA's. The 81 is very hot and drives all my amps straight away. Tone is a little sterile clean but pretty big when driven, especially with my Guv'nor and the Peavey or the Marshall. Let's just say the jury's still out on this one.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: -

Model of guitar or bass: Handmade guitar
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: From the birth of the guitar
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 89
Artists using this pickup: -
You musical style(s): 70 Rock ....
Reason for pickup change: I had it on another guitar that I was rebuilding, so I took this pickups to the new guitar

Perceived output level: HOT. My JTM45 combo (Bluesbreaker) start to distort real early with this pickups
Tone: Middy
Sonic evaluation: Guitar: Body- Mahogany with a top of Oak. Neck Mahogany with a fretboard of Ebony.
Amp: JTM45 combo (Bluesbreaker) and a Marshall Powerbrake
Effects: TS9 and a Marshall Guv'Nor

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: The sound I get with my amp and this Pickups is tight and punchy. Fun to play with.

Comments: I have heard that this pickups (Active Pickups) sounds the same whatever guitar they are in, it dosen't matter how the guitar sound whitout an amp. This is not thrue, when I moved this pickups to the new guitar (The guitar has nearly the same sound as an LesPaul if you compared it without an amp) it sound different than on the other guitar

Pickup features: Active 'Bucker
Impedence or other specs: Can't be arsed finding the book.

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Dinky
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock piece of sheizen
Other pickups on guitar: Stock single coils
Artists using this pickup: Damaged, Sepultura, Fear Factory, Souls at Zero, Jim Martin, Tom Morello, Machine Head, New Page Hamilton, Old Biohazard
You musical style(s): Grind-Jazz-Multi-Thrash-Crust-Pop
Reason for pickup change: I heard these were the heaviest pickups you could get.
I wanted the cleanliness and picking definition you can only get from active humbuckers.
They look ultra-bad-arsed.

Perceived output level: The hottest I've ever heard. I plugged headphones into my guitar's jack and even heard volume variations with different picking strengths.
Tone: Very balanced, bassy, a little tinny up real high on the neck ( lucky I hardly ever go there)
Sonic evaluation: I use a Jackson Dinky through a 20' Spectraflex QUAD cable into a Transtube Bandit combo. Having taught myself how to play, I needed something really clean when I switched pickups, tapdanced stompys, rolled off volume, gate-muted my sound, or did anything else wacky. I wasn't disappointed with the cleanliness. It's crystal clear all the time. Pinch harmonics and palm muting are exceptionally sweet. I use quite heavy strings (0.13 - 0.56) and find there is a little bit of dropout when I hit the third (wound) string when there is a lower rumble also happening. But this hardly ever happens. I can switch my amp all the way to 10 (pre- and post-gain) and it stays vey quiet. I'm impressed. The best grind tone I've ever played with is this combo with all bass, no mids, half treble, half presence and 2 reverb. Is also extremely articulate with complicated chords at high gain. I can also roll off the volume on the guitar at this "JOONT" setting and get a clear, singing, bluesy clean tone. Once again, very impressive.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I would recommend this pickup to anyone playing any style of music who is looking for their own sound.

Comments: Although this pickup was expensive and a c**t to install, I'd never use anything else. It's just so versatile. And as heavy as Todd Strange, Evan Seinfeld and Dino Cazares rolling in a '34 Ford ute. If my guitar got stolen, well, I'd have to get another, wouldn't I? I've been teaching myself to play for 6 years and have been using this pickup for the last 2.5. If anyone thinks they're heavy and don't own one of these, they're lying. This pickup absolutely LEVELS.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker, requires 9V battery
Impedence or other specs: Not sure...see someone else's review

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG-270
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Powersound pickup
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-85, also have EXG, PA-2 installed
Artists using this pickup: Me, Metallica, Slayer
You musical style(s): Hard Rock, Metal, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Original pickups sucked ass, heard EMG was good, did my homework, bought some, and installed them myself

Perceived output level: Probably one of the hottest on the market, better than any passive pickup!!!
Tone: Lots of mids and highs...
Sonic evaluation: Play through Roland GP-100 as a preamp, and through Crate GXT-410 as a poweramp. Excellent clean sound when combined with the EMG-EXG, sometimes a little too hot, as the digital clip light comes on the GP often. Awesome distortion and harmonics. Great for lead work.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good for any style, depending on the rest of your gear, might make OK neck pickup

Comments: Not many active pickups on the market to compare it to. EMG knows what they're doing, and they're doing it well. If my axe was stolen, I'd find the little bastard that took it, shine it up nice and pretty, turn it sideways, and well, you know the rest!! Awesome sounding pickup, just make sure you know what you're doing before you install it yourself!! The online EMG techs are very helpful, so if you have any questions ask them.

Pickup features: active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Joe satch 100
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: cheap stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar: Emg 85 (also replaced the necks cheap pickup)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Speed metal, Heavy Metal, Death Metal, Power metal, etc...
Reason for pickup change: Wanted more sustain, clearity, and bottom end (big umph!)

Perceived output level: Heavy
Tone: Bassy, trebly, and little mids
Sonic evaluation: For an amp i'm usind a Randall RG-150, and 2 Randall 4X12 cabs

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good match for many types of metal, i hear jazz musicians like using active pickups because they are crystal clean, and they are in my opinion

Comments: I've been playing for almost all my life (since I was five, im 17 now)
and i have been through alot of diffrent pickups
The ones that are comparable are the Bill Lawerence XL-500's, the only difference is the Emgs require a new battery about once a year, and the Emg's are more clean than the Lawerence's. To bad they cost $90, but still I dont think I will be changing pickups any time soon

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 1,250 millivolts of output

Model of guitar or bass: cheap-ass warlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock BC Rich
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Metallica (James&Kirk), Slayer (Kerry&Jeff)
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups licked a deep one.

Perceived output level: 1.25 volts, damn near 4 times the average pu
Tone: It boosts some middle freq. to give it a not quite so harsh feel to it
Sonic evaluation: Cheap-ass BC Rich Warlock, Dunlop Crybaby, Boss Metal Zone, 1991 Peavey Envoy 1x10.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal, and its the best match I know of.

Comments: I would definitely buy this bad mother fucker again. I've been playing since I was either 14 or 15 (2-3 years), and I don't think another pickup has quite the output of this one, and that's all I really care about. I was thinking of giving it a 9 because of the bullshit I had to go through to install it (had to give my guitar a goddamn route canal for all the output jack wires to fit through), but that's really BC Rich's fault. If your favorite band is Metallica, Pantera, Ozzy, Megadeth, Slayer, or whatever, it really doesn't matter, I recomend this li'l bastard. I've read other reviews that say it doesn't give a good clean sound, but that ain't my opinion. I'd like to get one for the neck, but I'd just as soon save up for an ESP EXP standard for that. I love, that's th bottom line.

Pickup features: Humbucking/Active
Impedence or other specs: I dont know...

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Dinky Reverse Pro
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pickups
Other pickups on guitar: two SA's... one in the mid position and one in the neck
Artists using this pickup: Metallica... I dont know who else... who cares?!?!
You musical style(s): Speed Metal, Harmony Metal, Classical
Reason for pickup change: I heard that these were kick ass pickups and I wanted to
try active because I had no clue what they did. Also Metallica
uses them... should there be another reason??

Perceived output level: Loud output level
Tone: It has balanced bass and treble sound with the mids sucked out
Sonic evaluation: I am using a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier as my power amp. I have a Mesa Triaxis preamp rack, a BBE Sonic Maximizer, a Rocktron EQ rack
some nameless tuner and other unimportant shit like compression and stuff.... It works extremely well for what type of mysic I play and if you are into Metallica and have a really good setup (or even just a decent one) you should upgrade you will really appreciate what active pickups can do for your tone. Dont expect miracles though!!! These things will not suddenly make you play better.. but if you are big on tone or a "tone junky" like me, then these pickups will really help you maximize your sound!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a little bit more agressive music and this is a very good match. I dont think this pickup is really unsuitable for any position.

Comments: If this thing were destroyed I would absolutely go buy another one.. and I am going to say what other people say because I think that it is funny when I read it... If someone stole this thing I would have to hunt him down like the little piggy that he is and I would first chop off his nuts and then I would slowly roast him on a barbecue in front of my new EMG's so that they could see the "murderer" of their brothers brought to a slow death :) Ok anyway! I have been playing about 4 or 5 years and I already said what gear that I use. I love the way that these pickups have the ability to clear up the distortion so that it is not all muffled.. I dont know if that is the "activeness" or what but I like it... when I first got them on my guitar I hated the tone that I got out of them. It seemed that they sounded very sterile and that they could not hold a note and that there was no warmth to them... but after I gave them a chance I really grew to like them and now it seems that I cant play a guitar without these things on them... I think it was all mental or something. I am very satisfied with this pickup and if I ever got a record deal and got famous I would plug this humbucker for EMG in a heartbeat... just like Metallica! That is all i Guess.. all questions are welcome and comments are appreciated.

Pickup features: Humbucker, active
Impedence or other specs: low impedance?

Model of guitar or bass: Larivee
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: guitar came with emg's
Other pickups on guitar: emg s in middle, 81 in neck
Artists using this pickup: Metallica, Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde
You musical style(s): Rock, Classic Rock, Metal
Reason for pickup change: N/A

Perceived output level: The 81 is a REALLY hot pickup, the hottest i ever heard and ive heard a few
Tone: Nicely balenced, especially nice in the highs i find
Sonic evaluation: I got a 50w laney all tube head and a 2*12 cab with 12" celestions.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Really good pickup for rock and metal, great for leads, a little to hot for clean stuff.

Comments: I love EMGs. I would never go back to passive pickups. They do take awhile to get used to though. Snap harmonics are really easy with EMGs so if you that is part of your style youll love 'em. Dont expect miracles however. Theyll change your sound for the better but you probably wont sound like Metallica.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Custom made ESP Eclipse
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Kirk Hammet, James Hetfield
You musical style(s): METALLICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Sabbath, Megadeath
Reason for pickup change: I Didn't change the pickup, it came on my guitar

Perceived output level: They are really fuckin hot, hotter than any other pickup out there
Tone: The tone of these pickups are verry balanced. You can get a good bassy sound for those bottom friendly rythms and great lead tones
Sonic evaluation: I play my ESP through a Digitech VGS2112 then into a Peavey Ultra Plus and it sound great, You can get any sound you want out of this setup.

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

Comments: If you want a great metal pickup that is also very versatile, then this pickup is for you

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: look at someone elses review, im too lazy to say.

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Horizon
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: ESP LH-200 (stock pickup)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: dying fetus, metallica, slayer
You musical style(s): gore, death, black, speed metal
Reason for pickup change: these are the best pickups ever and i found them buy one get one free from an advertising error.

Perceived output level: look at someone elses, im too lazy to find the book.
Tone: the tone can be whatever you want it to. just need a good amp and effects processor.
Sonic evaluation: im using a peavy 50 watt all tube combo with 2 celestion speakers. i also have a digitech legend 2 effects processor. i can achieve any tone i want. it just takes a long time because the processor has soooo much to edit.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i told you my styles you dumb review, and i'd say this pickup is made for any style.

Comments: id do anything needed to get this pickup, i might even buy more for my other guitars if i could find another advertising error.
* * * * * *VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT EZPECT THIS PICKUP TO TURN THE WORST AMP INTO TOP OF THE LINE. THESE ACTIVE PIKUPS WORK BEST AND ONLY COME EXTREMELY ALIVE WHEN THEY ARE PLAYED WITH GOOD AMPLIFIERS AND GOOD EFFECTS. I HAVE NEVER CAME ACROSS AN EFFECTS PROCESSOR/PEDAL THAT WASNT RACKMOUNT THAT COULD MAKE THESE PICKUPS SOUND BRILIANT. IF YOU WANT THE CHUNKIEST DISORTIONS, DO NOT USE THESE PICKUPS UNLESS YOU HAVE A GOOD SETUP. I KNNOW THAT REGULAR PASSICE PICKUPS CAN GET MORE CHUNK THAN THESE IF THE PROCESSOR ISNT GOOD ENOUGH.
HERE IS MY LIST OF EFFECTS THAT DIDNT GET DEATH METAL DISTORTIONS:
DIGITECH RP-7
MARSHALL JCM 900 DISTORTION
BOSS METAL ZONE
NOTE: THIS PICKUP IS NOT MEANT FOR BEGINNER USE, UNLESS YOU ARE RICH AND CAN AFFORD A GOOD SETUP.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: needs a 9v battery to power it. (quite obvius but i didn?t know that)

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG-350 DX
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Ibanez Crappy Stock Pickup POWERSOUND-H
Other pickups on guitar: POWERSOUND-H(neck) POWERSOUND-S(middle)
Artists using this pickup: Metallica
You musical style(s): Heavy Metal, Classic Rock, Thrash
Reason for pickup change: Needed something better than the piece of shit I had.

Perceived output level: A lot more than the stock pickup
Tone: Very clear and excellent distortion, trebly tone.
Sonic evaluation: I?m using this with a Marshall VS230R (2x30w) (the most unversatile amp ever built)
This pickup sounds great with the distortion of my amp, excellent for heavy metallica, but then again, cause of my amp I can?t tell you how does this thing performs with other kinds of distortions and playing styles. It kinda frustates me, coz I am not always in the heavy metal mood.
The Clean sound is OK.

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

Comments: If it were destroyed I would give the head of the guy who destroyed the pickup to the store in exchange of another one. I?ve been playing for 3 years now and I think i will never change the pickup (at least when I?m playing metal). The tone of this thing is fuckin great I just love it, altought my strings need to be changed and my guitar calibrated, i just love to play with this thing.
Another thing, i?m a quite a novice about guitars, and I didn?t know what was the difference between active/passive pu?s.Besides actives need a 9v battery, they also use different circuits(pu switch and knobs, both included with the pickup), so, if you have passive pu?s, be sure to replace both of them with active ones. They guy who changed my pu?s left my the tone control working only in the active one. I am gonna get another active pickup in a month, does anyone knows of good EMG for the neck? please mail me.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Carvin 127
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: carvin C22
Other pickups on guitar: emg 89
Artists using this pickup: a lot of metal guys
You musical style(s): thrash metal
Reason for pickup change: Carvin was too weak for my style

Perceived output level: high output
Tone: more high end than bass with loads of crunch
Sonic evaluation: Carvin guitar through a Hughes & Kettner Triamp. only effects wah and a volume.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal/shred, unsuitable for jazz, blues, country

Comments: Been playing ten years. Recently turned on to emg's. There a great way to start developing your own tone. Some might say they are sterile, I believe that they allow you to color the sound with your technique and amp, I play through a ominous tube rig. Lots of punch and crunch. Can be played clean if you roll off the volume but sounds to glassy to me. I've matched it with an emg 89 which allows me to get rounder creamier tones. I've definitely have found my dream bridge pickup with the 81.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson PS 4
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Jackson J-90 (I think)
Other pickups on guitar: J-90 and something ???
Artists using this pickup: Everybody almost ...hmmm.... Metallica, Sin of Dismay (Andreas Jonsson) http://move.to/sin.of.dismay
You musical style(s): METAL METAL
Reason for pickup change: I needed a fat sound the J-90 was alittle bit crispy

Perceived output level: could be higher =)
Tone: clean and clear it allows me to turn up the bass
Sonic evaluation: JAckson - Zoom5000 (a killer i own a Rocktron Chameleon, but the rocktron sucks) - Marshall JCM 900 (ofcourse) and a Marshall Valvestate (sounds plastic but it?s good for the neighbours in the apartment)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal this is a pure metalpickup ........ you don?t fuck with it

Comments: I would buy it again if it were stolen I have played for 8 - 9 years
it?s the best metalpickup ever.

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ???

Model of guitar or bass: B.C. rich warlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: There were none in the body
Other pickups on guitar: emg-60(neck)
Artists using this pickup: Kirk hammet, James Hetfield, Zakk Wylde, too many to list
You musical style(s): Metal, blues
Reason for pickup change: There were no pickups in the guitar when I bought it.

Perceived output level: Pretty hot, hotter than most pickups
Tone: The tone is very bright, It sounds great through a boss metal-zone. I can get a really good "metallica tone." It is very balanced sounding. The rythyms sound heavy, and the leads are very sharp.
Sonic evaluation: I am playing a custom made bc rich warlock(assembled by me) through a crate blue voodoo 120w half stack. Sometimes I use a boss metalzone for distoprtion, but I usually play straight through the amp. I also use a Steve vai wah, dod ice box chorus, and a boss noise supressor.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly metal and classic rock. they aren't very good for anything else in the bridge position.

Comments: I have been playing for about 4 years, and this is one of the best sounding metal pickups I have tried. If it were stolen I would probably try a dimarzio X2N. Iheard they have the output of an emg but with more personality which is something the emg is lacking. I will probably get an x2n and out the emg in another one of my guitars.Overall, I am quite pleased with this pickup, and I would recomend it to anyone who plays agressive heavy metal. If you play jazz or blues this oicjup is not for you.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Loud muthafucka

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: hmmm...hammet/slayer/sepultura
You musical style(s): Metal/Grunge
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were pretty crappy

Perceived output level: Hotter than your average pickup......
Tone: balanced tone, very clear and defined
Sonic evaluation: Using a hot Fender Super Twin (loud fucka but distortion fucked) with boss effects that absolutely crunches with this pickup....makes this guitar sound more expensive than it actually is.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal eg Sepultura, Pantera and even travel to the lower realms of B and A and this pickup never loses it's definition and clarity. Excellent crunch pickup for bridge....recommend to be used with a stop tailpiece for excellent rhythm/ P.M

Comments: I've been playing for about 5 years and owned this baby for 4 of them :). If you are a rhythm guitarist this pickup is 4 u..combined with a stop tailpiece and a good distortion (metal-zone kicks ass!!) no sissy with his goddamm fender is gonna stand in your way..feel the ground shake with each stroke!!
If you are a soloist, this pickup has enough clarity and definition to satisfy any showoff. The sound is perfect for razor sharp, ultra-fast slayeresqe/pantera solos or smooth slashesque soloing with enough sustain to last you from here to china!!
Clean, this pickup has a nice tone that has plenty of sustain, excellent for those arpeggiated intros..
This pickup is a true metal pickup or a pickup that makes you heard above all those korn-wannabes...not 4 the tame-hearted.
This is definitely the BEST active humbucker pickup you can buy. It's worth every cent...

Pickup features: Active PU, internal preamp and grounding.
Impedence or other specs: Requires 9-18 volts to power it.

Model of guitar or bass: ESP M-2 custom neck-thru
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: ESP stock duncan design
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-S at neck
Artists using this pickup: Everyone that is loud! Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Dino Cavres used to, Me, ESP custom guitars, etc.
You musical style(s): Hard Rock, Metal, anything that is better played loud.
Reason for pickup change: Stock PU's were weak and un-articulate. Saw all the pro's that play them.

Perceived output level: Very noticable difference! If I play in my 5150's clean channel, it distorts in a kinda AC/CD way. If you play two guitars, get them both with it, cause my backup guitar doesn't, so when I switch, I have to turn up the pre and post gain.
Tone: High end crunch. Not very much low end. I had to crank the low and resonance controls to compensate.
Sonic evaluation: As of now, I run almost straight to the amp. I run through a Crybaby, and a Morly AB box which is powered so not to cut balls off the tone. I use the AB box to switch guitars. It all goes into my 5150, which I'm trying to sell, so I can buy a Triple Rectifier. I also wired the PU's to run off of 18 volts instead of the standard 9. Just wire another 9 volt in series. Bichin' tone's all I gotta say.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Hard Rock and metal. This PU fits like a stock car at an oval track. It is made for this music.

Comments: Being that its hard to steal a pickup out of a guitar, I'll assume they mean the guitar too. I ordered a ESP seven string and it shouold be hear the beginning of Nov. Needless to say I've already ordered the EMG-707's for it. Thats how much I love the tone. I go and spend $700 bucks on a backup guitar, and then spend another $200 on pickups. Damn I love EMG. Future owner's attn: Change the batteries! Don't get stuck at a concert and have the batteries run out. The pickups still emit sound, but its about a tenth the volume. Trust me, it has happened! Overall an awesome upgrade.

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

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Explorer
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pickups
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 89
Artists using this pickup: Any Real Metal Band. Slayer, shit too many to mention.
You musical style(s): Umm METAL, some other stuff
Reason for pickup change: EMG 81 is the only pickup Slayer has used for years. I love their sound, I love all the guys who use EMG 81's. This is the pickup God put in his Bridge position. No Doubt.

Perceived output level: It shits on everything "I" have ever heard.
Tone: Quite trebly but that is fine.
Sonic evaluation: My setup is pretty shit, but this pickup meant I didn't give up guitar. It turned my shit sound into something truly acceptable.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: not sure about having this in the bridge, but i have never tried it there.

Comments: This pickup was designed for metal, and metal has evolved around this pickup. The mightiest bands in metal use this little bastard and with good reason. It is the clearest, most awesome heavy metal bridge pickup out there.
I would get this pickup again in a heartbeat, or maybe two if I didn't have the cash for it at the time. I have only been playing for two years but I know what quality sounds like.
I love this pickup because it does its job. That may not seem much, but that is the one thing a guitarist should expect from his gear. The EMG 81 is the pickup I will use till i die, at least in the bridge. It was designed to be the ultimate high output, treble based pickup. Since this is what you should want in the bridge, it is the ultimate. I can't say enough good things about. If you think it sounds sterile go play a violin for natural sounds. It is the perfect Metal Bridge pickup/// GO BUY IT YOU FOOL!!!!

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Explorer
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: factory pickup
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-60 (Neck)
Artists using this pickup: Metallica of course
You musical style(s): anything but Country
Reason for pickup change: factory pickups just didn't have the sound I wanted

Perceived output level: Touch em and get burnt
Tone: the whole spectrum
Sonic evaluation: With the ESP and a Marshall MG100RCD head and 1936 2x12s it'll wakes the neighbors in the next block

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I love metal and this pickup I think is best for it. Any position is fine

Comments: If this pickup was stolen I'd probably be in jail cause I would Kill
After 9 years of playing guitar I own a Fender Strat and an ESP and a Marshall Valvestate 40 and a MG100RCD amp with 1936 2x12s
I wish I had bought it sooner
This is the only style of pickup I'll ever buy
Charry Rules!

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson PS-4
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81, stock middle single coil
Artists using this pickup: Kirk, of course. See other submissions for more artists-
You musical style(s): metal, rock, some alternative
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a high-output, non-feedbacking, long-sustaining pickup that will not be the cause of any bad sound out of my guitar.

Perceived output level: One of the hottest I've ever used. Overdrives almost any amp at low volumes.
Tone: Fairly balanced. Could use more mids, but is great as it is.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Jackson PS-4 with two of these, a digitech rp-7, and a peavey special 2-12 as my main rig right now. Works great!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great match for metal, but no blues or country here!!

Comments: If this pickup were stolen, I'd definately buy it again. I wouldn't be able to find a pickup of this high output and great sustain with such little feedback. It was difficult finding a place that had any in stock!