EMG 85

Pickup features: active humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: carvin dc-127
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: duncan custom 5
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: lots... go to www.emginc.com for more info
You musical style(s): hard/heavy rock
Reason for pickup change: the carvin dc-127 is very bright guitar, and although duncan pickups sound great in general, they just weren't cutting it in this guitar (also tried pearly gates, pearly gates plus and a custom custom in the bridge of this guitar, in addition to the custom 5 )

Perceived output level: to my ears, the output is fairly comparable to a duncan jb, but definitely a bit louder than the jb.
Tone: very balanced... very clear. tighter and more focused bottom end than the 81 (in the bridge position, that is).
Sonic evaluation: carvin dc-127 into the following pedals: a dunlap 535q cry baby - line 6 modulation modeler - boss tuner - boss dd5 digital delay - boss digital reverb/delay into a mesa 2x12 trem-o-verb dual recto combo

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play in an all-originals band influenced by tool, deftones, a perfect circle and chevelle. this pickup works quite well in both the bridge and neck positions for heavy rock, metal and even classic rock when the mood hits.

Comments: this pickup would be replaced immediately if destroyed or stolen. i've been playing for 18 years now and only keep gear that i am currently using, which aside from an acoustic and a carvin sc-90, is what I mentioned above (although i've onwed/borrowed guitars and amps made by most of the major companies at one point or another).
what i love about this pickup is how clear and tonally balanced it sounds in my dc-127, which was in desperate need of some "beef". i bought the zakk wylde set which includes the 81 and i like them right where they are... 85 in the bridge and the 81 in the neck. for my ears, my gear and what i play, the 85 is definitely better in the bridge position.
my other carvin has a duncan jb in the bridge and a pearly gates in the neck and these pickups are much more clear in tone. (i've also owned numerous other duncan models, as well as dimarzio, gibson, fender & tom anderson replacement pickups) the emgs also have the edge in output. the jb happens to be one of my all-time favorite bridge pickups for an all-mahongany axe, but the emg 85 recently replaced it. (the jb still runs a close second, which why it hasn't been replaced by an 85 yet. it still gets the job done.)
this is hopefully the last bridge pickup that i'll put in this guitar for a long time. if i found a better bridge pickup for this ax, it'll be astounding.
for those think that emg pickups sound "sterile", check your technique. no offense, but that's the only sterile thing about these pickups, unless by "sterile" you really mean "transparent". (seriously... these pickups will bring out all of your flaws if you're not well-practiced, and i don't mean that in shredding context either. i'm talking good old-fashioned riffing here... fingering, picking, etc.) also, these pickups sound beautiful on the clean channel. with a slight touch of chorus and dab of delay, these things really sound good clean. i'm kinda puzzled by some of the "emgs sound like shit clean" remarks, but to each his own, i guess. i think that humbuckers, in general, really aren't ideal for a truly "great" clean sound as it is, but emgs are the best ones that i've played yet. see for yourself.
(i gave it a 9 instead of a 10 because nothing is perfect, but a 9 is pretty damn close to perfect in my book :)

Pickup features: active humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: gibson LP custom
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: replaced both original gibson pickups with 85's
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: zakk wylde, kirk hammond, and a whole lot of other people
You musical style(s): hardcore, metalcore
Reason for pickup change: original pickups sucked. They were super bright, had no tone depth, and made wierd noises when distorted.

Perceived output level: very loud, but clean at high levels.
Tone: a little bassy, but with a good amp, that can be fixed a bit.
Sonic evaluation: Using a marshall JCM800, and a Marshall 2x12 cab. Using the dirty channel on this thing made my guitar scream. These pickups sound amazing under any effects.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Perfect for metal/punk riffs. So much more character than the Strat sound.

Comments: If these were stolen i would replace right away, in the same guitar. I have been playing for 5 years, and have a few other guitars, and whole crap load of pedals. The only thing i might do if these were stolen, would be go with a 85 and 81 combo instead. The 81 is a little brighter than the 85, but still both sound amazing. I played guitars similar to mine with Seymour Duncan, and Dimarzio pickups, and NOTHING compared to these. Seymour Duncan pickups wounded like crap.. they were super bright with no lower tone character. I have found THAT sound, anbd will never play another brand of pickup ever. EMG make the best pickups money can buy, don't sell yourself short and get something that tries to imitate the real thing

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Low impedence boosted by active preamp.

Model of guitar or bass: 85' Carvin V220 All maple setneck Kahler trem ebony board
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Tonezone (B), Super Distortion (N)
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: alot
You musical style(s): All styles, specialized Hardrock, 80's metal, Prog metal shred, Alt. rock, Jazz fusion
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to try out EMGs. TZ and SD sounded unbalanced.Wanted a more dynamic 3d sound. Needed nore pinch harm goodness.

Perceived output level: It's hot but doesn't sound like it due to low they're impedence pups boost by a built in preamp. The SD sounded hotter than the EMGs.
Tone: Balanced, Just enough of everything.
Sonic evaluation: Again, this is a 1985 Carvin V220, all maple, set neck, ebony fretboard, kahler trem. I do not use any effect pedals. I run straight into either a Fender Deluxe 90 or a Marshall JCM800 combo. The neck 85 is the best neck humbucker i've ever use. the clean and distorted tones out of this thing is amazing. the perfect shred neck tone. you can nail slash's tone with it too. You can also nail some nu-metal tones with it. it's a really nice pup to solo with as it's fat but also clear and articulate. Clean it's very glassy and just beautiful sounding, has a lot of depth to it. the bridge 85 is alright. it's definitely better than the TZ but it's nothing really to drool about like the neck. Clean it's alright, honestly i've never heard a godly sounding bridge humbucker on clean. And the 85 is better than most pups on clean. like the neck pup, it's very articulate and clear. The bass is very tight on it. people who want that nu-metal sound woun't like it as it doesn't provide that palm muted sound they're looking for. also sometimes the emg in the bridge can sound too distorted for some styles of music so it's not as versatile either. I use a lot of sweeps, tapping and other technique in my playing and these pups can definitely handle them. I find that passives are too sloppy sounding for shred stuff dimarzios or duncans. I've tried a lot of pups and the 85s i have on this guitar are the best combo i've ever tried. BTW. these pups definitely do not sound sterile especially the neck pup. probably the 81 would sound sterile but not the 85s. I get a very consistent sound with these pups on whatever amp i'm using, live or at home. The clarity of these pups can't be beat. Also it's not totally quiet, but it's definitely much quieter than passives. Regardless what you use. there will always be some noise. that's the nature of using distortion.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pup it's good for all type of music except maybe stuff with lighter distortion. You can definitely nail some great jazz tones with these.

Comments: I would def purchase these again. Once i went active i can't think about going back to passives. i've been playing for a while and owned some gear. I'm a very simple guy. All i need is just an guitar and a amp for playing gigs or whatever. these pickups are very clean sounding, very clear and articulate. If your playing sucks, you're gonna hate them. Active pickups are the only thing i found that can keep up with my playing speed and technique. these are the perfect pair of pups i've ever tried and you really need to hear how the 85 sounds in the neck. best neck pup ever. the bridge met my expectations and nothing more to it. if you're just using a 85 in the bridge however it surely won't justify going active unless you hate the noise that passive pups put out. overall i'm happy with these pups and i def. recommend them to people with discriminating ears. you won't be dissapointed. i'll give these a 9 as the bridge pup coul sound a little better, i'm just picky.

Pickup features: humbucking active
Impedence or other specs: check the specs on www.emginc.com

Model of guitar or bass: Mayones SePro lizard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup: Iike I care
You musical style(s): anything but techno
Reason for pickup change: I did not change the pickup, at least not then

Perceived output level: it's not much louder than a passive pickup but it likes gain.
Tone: quite clear but somewhat muffled with relatively slow attack, rather middy
Sonic evaluation: I use POD v2.1 line 6 and Laney HCM120R. When distorted the pickup sounds shit with my amp, but clean- is a whole different story. It sounds very clear with every string having the same output. It really needs no effects. It's an excellent pickup but it must be set correctly otherwise you'll be disappointed.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: funk, rock, metal, pop, classical anything really. If you prefer to play rhythm it's ok to put it in neck, but it sounds cool in brigde as well. Wouldn't recommend it in bridge if you like metal solos.

Comments: If someone was stupid enough to steal the pickup without the guitar then I'd probably buy seymour duncan for a change. But if someone stole my PRECIOUS guitar I'd kill the bloody bastard!

Pickup features: Active Humbucking Pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Special "Bonneville" (My Signature guitar!!!)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone Special Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 Active Humbucking Pickup In The Bridge
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wydle
You musical style(s): Metal/ Southern Metal
Reason for pickup change: The Epiphone Special Neck Humbucker was really muddy and not very bright or clear. It lacked tone big time. The bridge was okay but that still had to go.

Perceived output level: Very very high output pickup.
Tone: This thing is okay. There are times when it's a little to "Overdriven" sounding. I don't want to say "Muddy" because that's not exactly the tone, but otherwise it's a perfect neck pickup
Sonic evaluation: Epiphone Les Pauls with BOSS Pedals and Randall Amps. A very wide range of tones can be made from these pickups with any setup.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This thing does exceptionally well with blues style solos.

Comments: If it were stolen I might buy another one. The EMG 60 active pickup might be a better choice for the neck.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ernieball Luke
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: n\a
Other pickups on guitar: Emg slv
Artists using this pickup: Steve Lukather, In flames, Shadow's fall, Zakk Wylde
You musical style(s): Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change: n\a

Perceived output level: fairly hot, more output than my 81 in my other guitar
Tone: Very good bass response, nice balanced mids and highs
Sonic evaluation: I am using this pickup in my Luke through a Peavey Triple XXX into a Marshall 1960b cab. This pickup has tons of output, compared to my 81 it has a lot more lows and a lot less highs. The two pickups are voiced completely different. The 81 definitely has more of a metal sound, but the lows put out by the 85 are phenomenal. Also the midrange growl that this pickup produces really allow you to cut through the mix. As I said earlier there isn't a lot of highs coming out of this pickup, so pinch harmonics are a little tougher than on an 81. Overall I would say it is more suited for rythm.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play pretty heavy music and this pickup is great for this, I have it in the bridge of my guitar, but I am sure it would make an excellent neck pickup

Comments: Overall, I am very satisfied with this pickup. I have been playing for 13 years now and have owned a few guitars. I am a diehard EMG man as I haven't heard any other pickups that give you this much clarity. I know there are a lot of people out there that swear by passive's, but for my money EMG's are the only way to go.

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

Model of guitar or bass: Washburn WM100 Custom Shop Guitar
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan DD
Other pickups on guitar: None at this point.. I'm getting ready to stick in another EMG in the neck.. but haven't got around to it yet..
Artists using this pickup: Loads..
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues, Rock, Blues.. more BLues, more rock..
Reason for pickup change: I needed more harmonics, and this guitar is a tad dark, so this pickup has good articulation which is great.. You can reallly hear the notes in a distorted chord, etc. I like EMG's because they are very controlable pickups.. and don't color the sound of the guitar.. They just report what they pickup or hear..

Perceived output level: Very hot.. About like my Duncan Distortion, maybe a tad more, or less.. not sure.. seems to be hotter..
Tone: Middy, but not muddy, not ice pick trebly, yet nice treble
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Berhinger modeling amp going in to a PA,.. Wah wah pedal, etc.. and it sounds really really good. I've been playing for over 20 years, and I'm a huge tone nut.. I love this pickup.. I'll always use it from now on unless someone can show me a passive with this much output, and no noise, etc.. like the EMG..

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock,, Blues, etc.. This is a great bluesy rock pickup.. zepplin, etc..

Comments: Get one of these.. and then get the 60 for the neck.. EMG now has a 60 with an alinaco magnet for playing in the bridge.. It's not as trebly as the standard 60 with the ceramic magnet.. Get it and you'll love it too..

Pickup features: humbucking active pickup requires 9v battery
Impedence or other specs: justo look at the emg site

Model of guitar or bass: 93 american standard stratocaster
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock single coil
Other pickups on guitar: 2 emg sa(singles)
Artists using this pickup: i don't care
You musical style(s): blues rock hard rock
Reason for pickup change: being in a covers band i needed pickups with a wide range so i could cover any kind of song.......single coils can sound very nice for blues but when you need to cover whola lotta love by led zeppelin with your band they are absolutely useless

Perceived output level: its a hot humbucker but much more balanced than the emg81
Tone: i wouldn't say perfect but it's the best pickup i have come across in 13 years of playing and after many pickup changes
Sonic evaluation: I own the emg85 for 8 years now in my 93 american standard which comes equipped with 2 single coils EMG SA pickups and have used it through many amps....currently i use it with a marshall jcm800 and a mesa/boogie dual caliber dc5 combo.I know 90% of us guitarists are the most conservative beings on earth....so many of you reading this review will already have the misconceptions i used to have about active pickups.Me too used to think all the common places about actives....that they were cold sterile e.t.c.......untill i opened my mind and tried them....I have used and still use many pickups....lace sensors...many duncans(JB, DD, custom custom....) dimarzios e.t.c... and untill today the emg 85 is my favorite pickup.....it has the most perfect low mids i have encountered which make the sound very warm, nice low end and the right amount of treble(unlike most pickups which i think and i dont know why manufacturers use to make them with an excess of treble frequencies).No need to worry about the battery life...i am changing it twice a year and i gig a lot...One other misconception i would like to clear is that the emg 85 is a neck pickup and the emg 81 a bridge pickup.NO WAY....while the emg 81 is a very good bridge pickup(but i find it to be very much over the top)the 85 can do wonders in the bridge of your guitar....just give it a try.....it combines the high output and quiet operation typical of active pickups with the warm/hot sound of passive pickups.If i was to make a chart for this pickup it would be:
bass:6
lowmids:8(the most warm low mids i have encountered)
himids:6.5
treble:5.5

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly rock blues and hard rock and this pickup is perfect for this kind of music....nice warm sound that cuts through the mix,makes your solos sound hot as hell and when playing chords you can hear every string.

Comments: i'm constantly buying pickups and i think my sound quest will never end but up to today the emg 85 remains my favorite pickup....i wouldn't change it unless i have found a decent replacement...forget all the common places about active pickups and try one for yourselves...i'm not saying passive are not good(infact in all my other guitars i use passive pickups) but if you need a wide array of sounds while maintaining that warm guitar tone(as i have said i'm in a covers band) this is the way to go.I'm giving it a 9.......ten does not exist........

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Dean ML-X
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-60
Artists using this pickup: Zakk Wylde, others
You musical style(s): Metalcore, Hardcore, Blues, Jazz, Funk
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups sounded muddy with 5150

Perceived output level: Not too much hotter than my stocks were. EMG-60 is hotter too.
Tone: Scooped tone leaning towards the bassier mid side.
Sonic evaluation: Playing a Dean ML-X through a Peavey 5150. I've got an EMG-60 in the neck. That takes care of my clean sounds, and the EMG does all my metal. Its sounds pretty damn brutal, that's all I have to say. Everyone told me to get an 81, but it sounded a little thin and on the treble side to me. I've always been a fan of crazy bass though.
The pickup sounds very thick and warm. My stocks were apparently pretty hot and bassy too, because there's wasn't a huge improvement as far as that went. But these EMGs are so damn articulate, that's where you hear the change. What was mud before is now shimmery ringy tone. I can play barre chords with my 5150's gain cranked, and still pick out individual strings. Very nice pickup. More people should try putting it in the bridge, that's where it sounds like it belongs to me.
But it doesn't stop at the metal, I can get some great blues tones out of it too. 85 for the blues and metal, 60 for the jazz and rock, and damn, I've got a versatile guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metalcore, Hardcore, Blues, Jazz, Funk

Comments: I've been playing 6 years and last year I finally made the move to a tube amp. My sound instantly improved with my 5150, but I felt like I wasn't getting all the tone I could be getting, so I upgraded my guitar. I wanted a tone similar to the guitar off of Living Sacrifice's "The Hammering Process", and I knew Bruce used an EMG 81/85 setup. I've always liked alot of bass though, and I wanted my axe to be a little more versatile, so I went the 85/60 route. I can't complain, it sounds unreal.
I did have to get used to the active pickups at first. They're very noiseless, and that just seemed unnatural to me. But once you get used to them you can play them just like any other pups, just need to figure out how and where to do your little nuances.

Pickup features: Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ltd F-200
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan SH-6
Other pickups on guitar: none at the moment
Artists using this pickup: um, don't know any off the top of my head, Zakk Wylde uses it in the neck position
You musical style(s): metal, punk, ska, rock
Reason for pickup change: Needed more sustain, and I originally bought the Duncan for a project guitar and it wasn't the trembucker model so the strings werent in line with pole caps because of the crap Floyd Rose. Also I would use that EMG Afterburner with it and it gave out more sustain but the sound wasn't too hot and it didn't give out very good sustain on it's own, but still great sounding pick up.

Perceived output level: not very high since it's active, no magnetic "burp" from strings when u press it against the pickup
Tone: very balanced
Sonic evaluation: I'm using my Ltd F-200 through my Morely Bad Horsie II wah pedal to a Zoom GFX-8 processor with Digitech Metal Master patched in for more tonal variation, and then to Marshall MG100Dfx

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly metal like old Metallica, Megadeth but I also play some punk and ska on the side, with a tone control, i can tap into the best of all three worlds, clean and distorted

Comments: I've playing about three years and went through three guitars. With this guitar, emg-85, and my rig, i'm starting to really get that sound I've been looking for. The clean sounds are just awesome on it. Since I still need to buy a neck pick-up (probably going to be an EMG-60) I can still use the 85 for clean and with the tone control turned to the bassier end, I actually get as much of a bassy sound as I did with the HZ in the neck, but it can also be turned to a more treble sound for more a ska type sound. I'm debating whether I want to even get a neck pick up because I get such beautiful sounds out of the bridge pick-up.