EMG 81 vs. EMG 85?

[Mentat]

Per your experience, which would make a more useful pickup in the bridge position? Obviously, I'm looking for something that would work in a rock/metal context while avoiding that excessively scooped Pantera/Metallica type sound. I intend to put it in a late 80's/early 90's Kramer, Floyd Rose and all.

 

[AcidRain]

Traditionally. the 81 is the bridge pickup and the 85 the neck pickup, but that doesn't mean you can't use the 85 in the bridge...

 

[TheOneTrueMatt]

The 81 is known for getting exactly that Pantera/Metallica sound you're trying to avoid, so I'd try the 85. Its supposed to be thicker and looser than the 81. Though you could get a not-scooped sound with the 81 if your amp allows, and its a great metal pickup. I have one in a guitar and I get a good tone using a decent amount of mids. But if you're looking for more rock and less traditional metal, then 85 would be better. The 81 is pretty much a one trick pony.

 

[Kelly5150]

I got an EMG 81 in my ESP and its a great metal/rock pickup, it doesn't give you the scooped sound unless you scoop the mids out of your amp settings....

I like the scooped sound, but I have to set my amp that way, the pickup wont do it by itself....

I also have an EMG 85 in my Ibanez, it was in it when I bought it, I don't like it as much as the 81.....

 

[musicsdarkangel]

for metal, I'd go 81, but they are both great

 

[Nitronium Blood]

James Murphy [Ex-Death, Ex-Testament, Disincarnate etc] swears by the EMG 85.

Visit his own forum at Ultimate Metal to find out more

http://ultimatemetal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=145

 

[teetopkram]

Based on my experience, the 85 will get you a bit more tone and warmth, whereas the 81 just shreds. I found the 85 a little more versatile.

These were loaded in my '74 tobacco sunburst Les Paul...damn wish I hadn't sold that guitar back in college.

 

[post.aux.fader]

What kinda pickups would you guys reccomend for punch-you-in-the-face hardcrore breakdowns? You know the chug, chug, chug chugga chugga riffs in some rediculous tuning like drop A...

 

[Nitronium Blood]

What kinda pickups would you guys reccomend for punch-you-in-the-face hardcrore breakdowns? You know the chug, chug, chug chugga chugga riffs in some rediculous tuning like drop A...

85, in my humble opinion.