EMG 85

Pickup features: Active humbucker.........too bad it's not a "hissbucker" as well
Impedence or other specs: Bitch say WHAT?!?

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard (year 2000)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson, I believe a 498T
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 60 in the neck position
Artists using this pickup: I'm sure you know this by now, but does it really matter anyway?
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, and some Blues
Reason for pickup change: Well, it wasn't that the Gibsons sounded bad. In fact, they sounded terrific; it was just that I thought I might be able to get a little more, and I had heard that EMGs provided great tone coupled with reduced background noise, as well as being very clear and articulate.

Perceived output level: Although the general consensus is that EMGs are "super fucking hot", I found the output to be more or less equivalent to the stock Gibson 'bucker.
Tone: The tone was pretty dark sounding, actually quite muddy (especially on the low strings), rising to a cut on the higher registers comparable to a dull butter knife. It is pretty much a shitload of flabby bass with a fair helping of mids and a little high end thrown in as an afterthought. Overall the tone was very bland, a little dead, with nothing really special about it at all. I tweaked my EQ every way imaginable and still struggled to hear the tone that others here have described. No matter what I tried, it maintained its horrid, flabby sound.
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing my afore-mentioned Les Paul (which, by the way, is my pride and joy) through a Marshall combo. I really, really missed the life and sparkle of the Gibsons after trying the EMGs. The Gibsons just had more punch, crunch, and....well, just more TONE. The Gibsons actually inspired me to play, whereas the EMGs made me want to blow my fucking brains out for wasting my hard-earned money on them. I mean, the EMGs were terrible right from the beginning. The very first thing I heard when I turned on the amp was a loud and, frankly, disgusting hiss. Yeah, that's right, motherfucking HISS. One of the main selling points on EMGs for me was that I had heard they were quieter than passives. Wrong. The noise on these was literally about 2-3 times worse than the Gibsons. And things only went downhill from there when I started playing, because I ended up with that bullshit tone that could've brought tears to the eye. I'll take the Gibsons any day of the week, hands down.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I really have no fucking clue. I suppose they might work for nu-metal (if you're into that kind of thing). I can't imagine it sounding decent in the neck position after how muddy it sounded in the bridge.

Comments: I wish the damn things had been defective so that I could get a refund. I will never buy an EMG again; I'll stick to Gibsons and Seymour Duncans for my Strat. I've been playing for almost 5 years, and have played everything from cheap-ass budget guitars all the way up to expensive high-end guitars, and I have never heard any guitar sound as bad as my precious Les Paul with the EMGs. The only thing I liked about 'em was that they actually looked pretty sick, but that only gets you so far, especially on an INSTRUMENT. You know, an INSTRUMENT; they're supposed to make SOUND, and this SOUND is allegedly supposed to sound GOOD. I guess I should be thankful that they even worked at all, but come to think of it, it probably would've been a blessing if they didn't. I realize now that I had found "that" sound with the Gibsons, and I'm sticking to it. I'll give these things a 2. Why not a 1? Well, they looked cool and you might like 'em, but I thought they sucked. Just remember, this is only my two cents, and judging by the other reviews here, a lot of people like 'em. But, to each his own, I guess; I'll stick with my sound and you stick with yours. After all, I like variety in this world, we shouldn't all sound the same.

Pickup features: Humbucker: active; Alnico-V magnet material; wax-potted; epoxy-sealed.
Impedence or other specs: Very low impedance; very low noise; extremely sensitive to string vibrations with low string movement interruption due to low magnet strength.

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone G400
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81 (bridge)
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society; neck position with EMG-81 in bridge position)
You musical style(s): Hard/Classic Rock, 80's Metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were very weak, and I wanted a damn good, clean, powerful combo. Having saved money on my choice of guitar, price wasn't much of a matter for me. And it payed off. This is my favorite pickup in the world.

Perceived output level: A very well-defined crunch at lower notes, very smooth bell-like Santana-like sound on higher notes.
Tone: A very well-balanced sound, with a lovely massive bottom end, perfectly-shaped middle (not too few mids but not overly warm or muddy) and a beautifully large top end without being sharp, shrill, or tinny--every girl in the world should look the way this pickup sounds, clean and driven or distorted.
Sonic evaluation: Crate BV120H/Crate 100W 4x12" head/cab amp combo; Vox Wah-Wah pedal; Ibanez TS7; Digitech Metal Master. With no effects, just decent EQ'ing and the right gain level, if I play a succession of quick 18p17p15's on the high-E string, then into a 18b20 and tremolo-pick while holding the bend, I get something that sounds phenomenally like Santana. This pickup is perfect for a balanced, bell-like shimmeringly-smooth clean sound, a lower, more mellow jazz sound, and an excellent bright-and-clear distorted/driven sound with that Les Paul-like punch at the forward edge of every pick attack and violin-like sustain. In short, with the right amp, you can get that wonderful sound like Slash's intro on GNR's Sweet Child O' Mine very easy, with each note having that sound that I can only put into one word: doong. That's just how it sounds, you get a strong little punch when you pick it, it rings out and sounds very clear and bell-like, then just fades away ever so slowly as you let it sustain like a violin. I'll probably be getting a Jackson DK1 Dinky soon, which has the exact same pickups as what I have now: an EMG-81 (bridge) and EMG-85 (neck). Due to the fact that these pickups have convenient little three-prong connectors instead of solder joints connecting the pickups to their wires, I'll be able to swap pickups around very easy, putting both 85's or both 81's in either guitar and switching them around as I like. I'm very much looking forward to this, plus being able to hear them in an alder/maple bodied guitar as well as being able to hear the 81 in the neck position and the 85 in the bridge position.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hard rock, classic rock, 80's metal, some newer metal--this pickup, plus an EMG-81, can easily cover miles of territory.

Comments: This pickup is the love of my life, simply put. Buy this pickup, but an EMG-81 to go with it, and you can easily cover miles of musical and tonal territory just by choosing the right amp. Hot, active pickups like these go very well with Mesa/Boogie amps; I'm currently saving for a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifer head. If strong, hard, heavy metal is your thing, then get a 2x15" amp cabinet. I'm not sure what the advantages of a 4x12" cab are over a 2x15", if there are any, but a 2x15" will give you a very loud low-end thump. I have a Crate BFX15 15W bass amp, and with this pickup in the neck position, I still get a low-end thump that rivals the lowriders that cruise my street on a daily basis. Them: 2-75W 15" subwoofers. Me: 1-15W 8" speaker + EMG-85. Winner: ME! This is testament to the power of this pickup with the right amp.

Pickup features: Humbucking,active
Impedence or other specs: Dont know exactly,but comprable the 81

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Pacer American
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Bill Lawrence XL-500
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SA
Artists using this pickup: Who gives a crap
You musical style(s): 80's metal,Classic Rock,Classical
Reason for pickup change: wanted a all active setup in this guitar and friend needed a xl-500 pretty fast so it was deal for both of us.

Perceived output level: Vey Hot like 81 almost
Tone: perfectly rounded from low to high e
Sonic evaluation: I love the clearness of the pickup even though its really hot it reacts well to all adjustments.It's my favorite active and the Xl-500 is still my favorite passive.It's like a super distortion on steroids in my opinion.Heck of alot better than 81,I plan to get a baretta w/ just a 85.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I love the 80's meta and of the the classic rock and classical.

Comments: Hell ya in split second .My search is finally over.

Pickup features: Humbucker, active one
Impedence or other specs: have no idea, not really interesting though

Model of guitar or bass: Charvel 750xl, which is really a one of a kind issue, because it is not made of mahogany w/maple top, but made of basswood with a maple top.
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: it was a test, replaced a tonezone and jackson J50BC, which will be put back in due time
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: don't give a rats' ass, but if one wants to know, Steve Lukather and a lot of metalguys
You musical style(s): differen
Reason for pickup change:

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

Comments:

Pickup features: Active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Dinky
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Norton
Other pickups on guitar: stock single coils
Artists using this pickup: Steve Lukather
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: I was tired of the Norton it was very verstaile but not specially good for metal

Perceived output level: very hot
Tone: bass and low mids galore
Sonic evaluation: Jackson 6 string to ENGL Fireball to 4x12 ENGL V-60 cab.
Let me tell you I wasn't expecting such a dramatic change in my sound but it was for the better, just awesome, exactly what I wanted.
I heard a difference as soon as I hit the first chord, very agressive, big sounding and clear.
This pickup sounds huge, it's got a lot of bass and low mids and is a little lighter on the treble side. This is the best pickup I've tried for high gain heavy riffing period.

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

Comments: Excellent pickup the best 100 ? I've ever spent in guitar gear.

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs: .2 decibles higher than the emg 81

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson archtop soloist pro
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: EMG 81
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: James Hetfield, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage
You musical style(s): Speed Thrash Metal
Reason for pickup change: Just wanted to try it

Perceived output level: Just a little more than the 81
Tone: balanced with a low mid presence
Sonic evaluation: My Jackson thru a Boss NS-S and a Tube Works Real Tube Overdrive into a Ampeg VH-140C halfstack.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Excellent for metal and probably for other styles as well.

Comments: Now Im not going to diss the EMG-81 because that is a kick ass pickup in a different way. The EMG-85 is beefy as all hell and pretty defined as well. Not as defined as the 81 though, the 85 just screams in the bridge. I find that the harmonics jump out just like the 81. I know that the 85 has more low end and the 81 has more high end, but the highs are still there in the 85. Not muddy what so ever. Great pickup over all. Plus the 81 in the neck is badass, but thats another review.

Pickup features: humbucking active
Impedence or other specs: no clue

Model of guitar or bass: dean evo dragster
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: seymour duncan distortion
Other pickups on guitar: none.
Artists using this pickup: who cares
You musical style(s): metal, metalcore, hardcore
Reason for pickup change: just wanted to see what all the hype was about.

Perceived output level: fricken insane.
Tone: bassy....very cutting...
Sonic evaluation: sounds insane....be warned...it has lots of cut....i couldn't get a good sound out of it for a week or so....then i discovered the presence knob on my amp....put that baby down to about 1-2 and it fixed my problem...it had a problem with the highs...it just hurt my ears and i couldn't get any chunk...turned down that little knob....now my amp sounds like god...i have a marshall avt150h by the way.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: hardcore, metal, metalcore,suits my style perfectly

Comments: i would by it again in no-time flat. i've been playing for two years and am in a recently signed hardcore band...this is THE pick-up for heavy music, that's all there is to it....check out my band...www.destined2fight.cjb.net

Pickup features: Active Pickups
Impedence or other specs: www.emginc.com check the site for info

Model of guitar or bass: CV Custom soloist (Local Montreal Luthier)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: EMG 81
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SA
Artists using this pickup: Soilwork, In Flames, KIllswitch Engage
You musical style(s): Progressive, Death, Thrash, Black Metal
Reason for pickup change: 81 was too thin sounding, wanted a more balsy bassy heavy sound

Perceived output level: pretty fucking hot
Tone: balanced and bassy,
Sonic evaluation: Right now i am using a Crate GFX120 Solidstate Head but i am soon to be buying a Koch Powertone 2(since i have a dislike for solidstates). The EMG 81 is a great pickup, so great in fact i'm having it put into my Les Paul's neck position but for a meaty heavy sound that i am looking for the 85 was perfect for me, i heard an immediate difference.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play different styles of metal, ranging from Progressive, Death and Black metal as well as some jazzy stuff as well. This isn't the best pickup for jazz tho BUT it does a WONDERFUL job at the rest!

Comments: I've been playing for 8 years and this is my first custom made guitar (based on a Jackson Soloist and Caparison Dillenger) and the EMGs make this beauty sing, i am very happy with my choice of using this pickup. I think i have found my sound, i thought i found it with my Les Paul but it gives too much excess noise where as the EMGs are virtually noiseless and gives a more fuller heavy sound, thats why i am fitting my Les Paul with the Zakk Wylde setup

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul Classic
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock 496R and 500T to Zack Wylde set then replaced the 81 with 85
Other pickups on guitar: 85 NECK 85 BRIDGE
Artists using this pickup: many
You musical style(s): Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: Searching for the tone to call my own...The stock Gibsons are pretty darn sweet but I found them to be fuzzy in live performace I found I could get them to sound pretty great in the studio. I started to jam with a band who was tuned a whole step down and the Gibsons just turned to mud. so I went for the Zack Wylde set. The 81 is so scooped with barely any bass output. Though with a LP and Dual rectifier I was able to EQ it and coax bass it was not the presence I wanted. The 81 is a straight up sick pick up. But it made me sound like a metal lead guitarist and not much more...It is a great lead pick up...with the output of the 85 in the neck I could not resist trying that out in the bridge. It is almost overpowering sometimes in the neck which is great ... It is the sweetest sounding pickup I have ever played in the bridge position.

Perceived output level: Many brindge pickups have aharshenss in the high end to my ear that has to be backed off and eq'd. The 85 doesn't do that. great for modern distortion, classic, or clean
Tone: Equal...I don't find it bassy at all. The highs are exactly what I want. It is the perfect weapon for my LP
Sonic evaluation: Les Paul to Morley Bad Horsey (depending on my mood either no FX at all or Line6 stomp Filter and/or Modulation modeler) The future holds analog pedals only. INTO the 2001 Dual Rectifier halfstack. DR EH-11 tight fit. Duncan SH5 in another guitar that smokes the 500T but not my 85...
As candid as I can be. I love the 85 in the bridge and neck.
They work well together for me....for now anyway

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hard Rock, Metal, Funk, Jazz, Rythm and Blues

Comments: IMAO - I have to agree with those who say that if you don't like EMG's you might want to check your technique. These pickups honestly report exactly what they hear. I kind of like that because it makes me practice more. I have a Duncan SH5 in the brindge on a Heritage LP and as amazing as that sounds the 85 in my LP beats it. I put one on play a riff or proggression...take it off put the other on play the same riff or proggression. I did it for my band and a couple of strangers ... 85 wins...If I were reviewing the SH5 Custom I would be singing its praises. I love the thing BUT ... The EMG 85 matches it in character and there is an added presense and sweetness. There is a thicker sound. It gets a 9 because there is no 10. But if I found a pickup that sounded better I would be so surprised...
www.nurturedinpurple.com - band site

Pickup features: active humbucker (non splittable)
Impedence or other specs: see other reviews

Model of guitar or bass: Charvel 750xl archtop soloist (rare one of a kind since mine is made of basswood and maple instead of the mahogany and maple standard). rather well built guitar
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: EMG 81 and 60
Other pickups on guitar: both are 85s
Artists using this pickup: lots of. most famous are Steve Lukather (developer of this PU if I'm correct) and Zakk Wylde
You musical style(s): everything between jazz and metal
Reason for pickup change: the 81 is really not my cup of tea and the 60 was also to shrill IMO. actually nothing changed here (see rest of the review)

Perceived output level: rather hot, not really hotter than a high output passice HB. something like the DiMarzio Steve's Special or Tonezone
Tone: rather high voiced to my ears
Sonic evaluation: Charvel 750xl -> Mesa quad/fifty:fifty -> 1*12" cab with eminence spearker.
I really am disappointed in the sound. My amp is already rather tuned with a focus on the darker sounds to balance my other guitar better, but this guitar with EMGS still sounds shrill. I tried it on other amps and alway I had to roll back almost all the highs and a lot of mids. I mean how can you ever get a decent tone out of this when you have other guitars as well?

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: play lots of styles. mostly rock and metal, but I have a coverband which goes from country to metal so rather broad. I don't know. If one only has EMG equiped guitars it might sound great for a lot of styles, but to my ears it does not fit anything special

Comments: these babies are going to be replaced. Totally dissapointed. The sterile thing EMGs are always accused of is not really true, it is clean, but not sterile. thats the first point I want to make.
As said it might be a really cool PU with the right guitar/amp combination and right dialling of the amp, but not with mine. This does not mean it is a bad PU, just nog my thing.
most likely it is going to be replaced by a Tonezone - Air Norton set. this suits me better.
I'd give it a 7 for it does what it promises: quiet, clear tone, but a 5 to my ears so that makes a 6