Guitar Gear - EMG Kerry King Pickup Set

[fireamracing]

do u have to change any pots or can u use standard pot on the guitar?

[toddsquadxyz]

@fireamracing It comes with it's own pots and they are quite good so I used them. It's a great kit.

Todd

[SpinalAlloy]

I want to get a B.C. Rich Kerry King Generation 2 V and have these pickups installed!

[toddsquadxyz]

@SpinalAlloy Should be a killer axe!

Todd

[666thrashmaster]

How do you put on the extra toggle switch

[toddsquadxyz]

@666thrashmaster I put it in a volume pot hole on my Minarik.

[TheSlayer4542]

I gotta get these installed on my Kerry King V. The ones on it now suck -_-

[DRCRUE1313]

does come with volume and tone knobs and all that?

[toddsquadxyz]

@DRCRUE1313 Yup ;) It's a complete kit. The tone/volume pots were an upgrade from what I pulled out of the guitar I used them on. Much smoother action. Just a KILLER kit. The best I"ve ever used without question.

[DRCRUE1313]

@toddsquadxyz how many pots does it come with?

[toddsquadxyz]

@DRCRUE1313 Comes with 4 great volume pots.

[myskull54]

dude alexi laiho's pickups are just as good but you can get them for like 60 bucks

[toddsquadxyz]

@myskull54 Sadly No. Those pickups are PASSIVE so they don't compare well to real ACTIVE EMG's. He used an external boost switch, just like the Kerry King set does. But these are ACTIVE in ADDITION to having the boost switch so they CRUSH the Alexi pickups.

[arabianmetalhead99]

Are these pretty good pickups? I have an ibanez been thinking about taking the pickups out but i am not sure if i should just buy one with em installed.

[toddsquadxyz]

@arabianmetalhead99 As I say over and over again in the video :) Yes! These are great pickups. You just can't go wrong with EMG pickups. They Rule.

Practice!

Todd

[arabianmetalhead99]

@arabianmetalhead99 Also where did you order em from? At gc online its only 129

[toddsquadxyz]

@arabianmetalhead99 Actually no. I just checked and they are $219. I think you got your numbers confused :) The set I'm talking about is two pickups and a booster. Not a single pickup. But it's an easy mistake.

[arabianmetalhead99]

@toddsquadxyz yeah sorry about that, can you take out a 5 way toggle and put in a 3 way toggle?

[toddsquadxyz]

@arabianmetalhead99 Mine are on a Les Paul so it's a 3 way toggle. For more detailed info, I'd say ask the bench tech where you plan on having them installed. If you are doing it yourself, I'd check the EMG forums online.

[arabianmetalhead99]

@toddsquadxyz Yeah I got a 3 way put in. And I am going to have a tech install it. Can't wait.

[arabianmetalhead99]

@arabianmetalhead99 Also where did you order em from? At gc online its only 129

[toddsquadxyz]

@arabianmetalhead99 Got my KERRY KING 81 85 set through Musicans Friend. Great folks over there :)

[7DeadleySyns]

Can guitar center install this set? pickup, booster, switch and all? im not a real techinical person haha, just a freshman in HS that wants to have this awsome sound xD

[toddsquadxyz]

@7DeadleySyns Probably, I'd try giving them a call and asking. They usually have good install guys on staff.

Todd

[metalowns02]

Also could you make a video going through the pickups and going through clean and using the booster switch

[toddsquadxyz]

@metalowns02 There are actually wads of videos that do this already so it seemed a bit redundant. Just search EMG Kerry King set.

Todd

[metalowns02]

Hey how does kerry put the pickups in the guitar is it 81 neck and 85 in the bridge?

[toddsquadxyz]

@metalowns02 He uses the standard configuration and then just adds the booster switch for extra punch.

Todd

[Axeslingersrevenge]

SWEET so if I buy the KFK I can just ignore the booster? Guitar center is telling me that I should use Zakk Wylde EMGS if I don't want the switch and I will get the same sound. Need to worry about ohms ? AWESOME REVIEW !!!

[toddsquadxyz]

@Axeslingersrevenge There is no reason to by the Kerry King set if you don't want the booster. After all, the only thing that makes it the Kerry King set is the booster. other than that it' a regular 81/85 EMG set. Basically the "Zakk Wylde" kit.

Todd

[EATMERICA]

Do you have to use the booster switch?

[toddsquadxyz]

@EATMERICA The booster switch is an optional extra. The pickups are active/battery powered. The booster switch just adds even more gain on top of that :)

Todd

[Dethbringer31]

i have passive bill lawrence pickups in my RR1 would it be possible to get these pickups installed?

[toddsquadxyz]

@Dethbringer31 You could easily install just the booster. As for the pickups, talk with the bench tech at your local guitar store. He will be able to tell you if it's a good idea for your particular axe.

Practice!

Todd

[tylersabourin12]

what guitar is that?

[toddsquadxyz]

@tylersabourin12 It's a Minarik Lotus. Love that guitar. I'm endorsed by those guys and they have been great.

Practice!

Todd

[SJB666]

What about the Fernandes Sustainer Kerry King uses as well? Does that come in the set too? That would make a great package.

[toddsquadxyz]

@SJB666 Doesn't come with this package, but I bet it would be sweet :)

Practice!

Todd

[VonHendrixTV]

i play like brutal death metal and shit like that.....should i get these pickups. or should i just get a regular 81/85 set? Cause my seymour duncans blackouts dont sound brutal enough.

[toddsquadxyz]

@VonHendrixTV I'd say get these. The booster switch gives them more gain than any other pickup set on the market bar none. Both pickups have an active pre amp and then you add the booster, so three pre amps on your guitar before you get to your amp. Crazy gain. I'm endorsed by EMG and I stand by their products 100%

Practice!

[hellboy6662009]

hey what do i do im about to order KFK Emg's but my Jackson Kelly only has one volume control what do i do

[MetallicA95fbh]

anyone who knows how much it costs to get them putted in by a pro???

[toddsquadxyz]

@MetallicA95fbh Great question. It varies but expect to pay about $100 or so to have a full set of EMG's installed. If it's a complicated procedure requiring the guy to drill or saw a new hole/slot in your guitar it goes up. It isn't cheap, but it's worth it.

[JohnathenDavis]

What pickup set would you recomend me to get? 81, 85, 89, 60? Those are the ones I am chosing from, since they're solderless now I can swap the neck and bridge in 15 minutes on my SG. Thank you.

[toddsquadxyz]

@JohnathenDavis I'm a big fan of the 81/85 set but try to go to a guitar shop and try various sets on different guitars before you make a purchase. should sound great in your SG!

Practice!

Todd

[Shayden1994]

hey, would you be able to put these in an epiphone sg?

and if you could, would it sound the same as they are supposed to, and would it cost much to install?

[JPROCKER09]

just got them for my bc rich . . . . well worth it people

[nebilmetalhead11]

can i switch to passive to active pickups

[toddsquadxyz]

@nebilmetalhead11 If you have Passive Pickups, you can always install EMGs and go active. Much more gain and better overall tone.

Practice!

Todd

[jesterash]

If anybody has these pick ups can you post a video with the boost on and off

for I can see how they sound thanks also these are 81 & 85

emg zack wyld type just with a boost right ?

[toddsquadxyz]

@jesterash There are several vids demonstrating this all over youtube. Just run a search for Kerry King EMG or Zakk Wylde Afterburner. Yeah, this set is the same as the Zakk set, just includes an extra boost switch which is what makes it the Kerry King set. Just love em!

Practice!

Todd

[thefender98]

i want those sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooo bad

[toddsquadxyz]

Worth Every Penny! Get Them!

Practice!

Todd

[Dermitzgermeister]

yeah i got a set in my Warlock its just a cheap metal master warlock the one with the red flames bolt on construction but with these EMG's it sounds amazing best part was i didn't get reemed by some shop cus i knew how to set these up the tone knob is optional so i just use Volume 3 way selector and the overdrive switch and my warlock sounds like a couple thousand dollar guitar best investment so far

[fox12trot]

i wanna put these in my warlock

[Mornk96]

what is the difference between this pickups and B.C Rich pickups?

[toddsquadxyz]

@Mornk96 Well, that's easy. These are better :) Seriously, the stock BC rich pickups are great but the active KK set with the additional booster is amazing.

Todd

[freddy5435]

i bought these is it realy worth it

[JohnathenDavis]

Sir will you help me?

I'm gonna drop in an EMG 81 X in my BC Rich SOB Avenge, and it's only got one pickup and one volume for that pickup. What I wanna know does this model have a push pull knob or will I have to hide the tone knob in my electronics.

Please reply!

[toddsquadxyz]

@JohnathenDavis This model uses a flip switch so you would have to bury your tone knob. That's what I did in my Minarik. However, you could buy a regular EMG and then buy a separate booster from them that is also a push button volume knob.

Practice!

Todd

[avant105]

just got em for my B.C rich warlock!!!!!

[heartbroker44]

dude i have to a bc rich warlock and im thinking in puting that on

did u switched allready

it sounds good?

wainting for response thx men

[toddsquadxyz]

@heartbroker44  I switched out the pickups in my Minarik Lotus and I love it :)

Practice!

Todd

[blackberrydude1]

Im going to be putting these into my Ibanez Xiphos and i guess have to drill for the pickups

[toddsquadxyz]

@blackberrydude1 A fine point. If you have a good local luther who works with instruments, that would be your best bet. If not, guitar center may be your only option. I had mine installed at a very small guitar shop that does repairs and installations called Maple Street Guitars.

Practice!

Todd

[doucher2]

hello there =) im planning on getting them around the holiday season. these exact ones too. im installing them into my ibanez RG350DX. would guitar center be able to install them reasonably priced? im talking, drilling into my guitar for the switch, and into the body possibly for the electronics? what do you think about my plans for these pickups? i'm in a heavy metal band with some crazy guitar. and i need something like this to keep my guitar skills up to par. please respond soon, and thanks

[toddsquadxyz]

@doucher2 Well, thats a fine choice. I'm actually wanting to put a pair in my own ibanez RG 6 string. Guitar center usually has pretty good prices but check around. I don't think you will have to drill, but talk to the bench tech before you do the deal. I had to drill my Minarik Lotus to get them to fit. I have to say I love em.

Practice!

Todd

[fenderbuzzer]

i wld look for a guitar luther before going to guitar center, most the time a local luther will do much better .

[youngdimebag1993]

Great!!! I have been thinking about buying these for a couple of weeks but i wish u showed us how they sound lol =P

[toddsquadxyz]

I use them in most of my lessons :) I've got them in my MINARIK LOTUS.

Practice!

Todd

[jimrox9000]

I hope you review more gear. Your good at it!

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks ;) I"m talking with some new vendors and trying out new products. The best of breed are going to get reviewed very soon!

Practice

Todd

[juanharu3]

lolz xD from crazy to insane beasty saying...ima right that down

[toddsquadxyz]

Would make a great bumper sticker :)

Todd

[blobyka]

remember that people say that alder wood is better for heavy music

[toddsquadxyz]

I'd agree :) Heavy woods can help tone quite a bit. They can cause a bit of back strain, but they do give great tone.

Pracrtice!

Todd

[neuregel]

I never dealth with acitve pickups.

can you play without the battery. is the battery easy to replace or do you have to take apart the whole guitar?

[toddsquadxyz]

I've never tried to run them without the battery but I would not suggest it. The battery goes in the volume pot area so it pops out with a couple of screws. Guitars that are built with EMGs in mind usually have a little flip panel.

Practice!

Todd

[neuregel]

I never used active pickups we considering this set..  Was wondering how often if ever do you have to change the battery? or is that really a non issue?

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks for watching :) The battery issue isn't really a problem unless you leave your guitar plugged in. I usually change the batt once every few months. If you leave the cord plugged in to the guitar over night or something, it will drain much quicker.

Practice!

Todd

[skatekickflip123]

do you have to replace the battery in the pickups ???

[toddsquadxyz]

Yup. Once every few months or so.

Practice!

Todd

[toddsquadxyz]

Every few months or so generally.

Todd

[aj199508]

do all emgs have to be battery powered cos that would be inconvinient for me in the middle of a gig if it runs out of battery

[toddsquadxyz]

Giggle. You would probably change the batt if you had a gig :) the high end EMG's are all battery powered. Some of the cheaper ones (the passive ones) aren't.

Practice!

Todd

[munkych33z]

will these work in any guitar?

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks for watching :) Yup, these will go in pretty much anything. They had to actually Mod my Minarik a bit, but they went in.

Practice!

Todd

[munkych33z]

would these work in like a jackson or an ibanez?

[toddsquadxyz]

Perfectly :)

Todd

[spatchycat]

sounds like...you can;t use much gain with them?

[toddsquadxyz]

Actually it's the exact opposite. Only active (battery powered) pickups allow truly insane gain. Passive pickups just can't match it no matter what anyone tells ya.

Practice!

Todd

[amazingfantasy66]

300$???? i got mine for 200$

[toddsquadxyz]

Well done :) Three bills is closer to list price for this special set. It's not the standard set, it has an external pre-amp like Kerry King uses.

Practice!

Todd

[amazingfantasy66]

i know. i have the kerry kind set with the 20 db gain boost

[toddsquadxyz]

It's a kille set :)

Todd

[Tachikoma1111]

ok i'm thinking about buying a maple lp body and putting these in it. dose this come with EVERYTHING i would need for a lp style guitar. like 2 volume 2 tone and pickup toggle switch and everything?

[toddsquadxyz]

Great question. Yup. It's a complete kit. The knobs in my Minarik were not nearly as good as the ones that came in this kit. Just AMAZING.

Practice!

Todd

[Imasharkrawr]

I have an epiphone zakk wylde les paul. it has passive emg hz's. they are the passive version of the real active zakk wylde emg's. do you think I should up grade to the zakk wylde emg's? is there really a difference in the signature pickups like the zakk wylde, kerry king, and alexi laiho pickups. or are they basically the emg 81/85 with the artist name on it?

[toddsquadxyz]

Yes! Get the actives. They RAWK. The passive pickups just can't match them. As for the Kerry King Set, it is the 81/85 set but with an extra external pre-amp so it's not the stock set.

Practice!

Todd

[guitarguru167]

does it come with a pre amp?

[toddsquadxyz]

Yup ;) Actually 3 pre amps. One in each pickup and then the extra booster.

Todd

[guitarguru167]

how good are they clean

[toddsquadxyz]

As I've mentioned in other replies, they are AMAZING clean. Best clean tone I've ever heard actually. Bright yet full.

Todd

[Synysterjmz]

are the regular emg 81 and 85 just as good? i wna replace the rockfield pickups in my bc rich but im not sure which pickups with best suit it.

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks for the question. :) I have the 81 85 set in my Minarik Lotus. It's an AMAZING set. You can't go wrong with it.

Practice!

Todd

[Vicarouse]

dont you need a battery slot though? how do you put one in?

[toddsquadxyz]

The battery usually goes in the well with the volume knobs. Unless the guitar is EMG fitted from the factory in which case there may be a special slot just for the battery.

Todd

[kevin89060]

I was just talking to Ed Roman about this today. He told me that what you can do is, take the foam that protects the EMG's in the box, take that out, and put that around your 9 volt battery tape it with electrical tape, this way if you have alot of room in your volume/tone cavity, it won't damage anything, and if it's tight same thing, you won't do any damage to the volume(s)/tone(s) pods

[toddsquadxyz]

He is right :) During install, it's a good idea to isolate the battery with something. These pickups are just ruthless. The guys at EMG sent me some for my 7 String so I can't wait to put them in :)

Practice!

Todd

[TStouffer]

i'm using a empiphone les paul, am i going to have to drill a new hole for the toggle switch?

[toddsquadxyz]

You could do that. Instead, I took out the tone control for the neck pickup. Just left it all the way up. Didn't want to cut in to my guitar.

Practice!

Todd

[TwistedFlames23]

does it still sound good on clean??

[toddsquadxyz]

Actually yes. It sounds AMAZING clean. I should have put some clean tone in the video.

Todd

[drufle]

so there some of the best pickups youve ever heard?

[toddsquadxyz]

These really are the best of the best IMHO.

Practice!

Todd

[acrock21]

oh dude thanks for the help! =D

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks for watching :)

Practice!

Todd

[acrock21]

will it fit an Gib- SG?

[toddsquadxyz]

They didn't want to fit in my lotus. I had to have the installer cut the body a little. Go to their web site and see if your guitar will work without modification.

Practice!

Todd

[freeatlast1963]

Have never tried active pickups yet

Do Fender put them on guitars sometimes?

300 buck is a lot of loose change though in theses grim economic time

[toddsquadxyz]

Some fender guys do use active sets. It can really bring out the tone of any guitar. They aren't cheap but I must say they are worth every penny :)

Practice!

Todd

[julianistkrieg]

does the battery inside the pickup run out of energy?

[toddsquadxyz]

Eventually, every battery runs out of juice. So yeah. I have not had to change mine out yet though and they have been in for a few months.

Practice!

Todd

[ChilliandSpaghetti]

they are suppose to last 3000 hours

[Sjusovaren]

Sweet! I want a pair of really brutal pickups for this kinda wimpy-looking pink Eagle Flying V I found, can't find someone to take it off my hands, so I figure I'd throw some really heavy pups in it to give it a really un-expected sound, and the boost thing sounds really interesting, I love that sort of thing! I'll check these out, thanks for the tip. ;)

[toddsquadxyz]

These will do the trick. I've never tried a set with more gain and crunch, ever. Even the clean tone is amazing.

Practice!

Todd

[AtheistThrasher]

i want it!!!cant wait

[toddsquadxyz]

GO GET IT! :) It's worth it. They are Amazing.

Practice!

Todd

[AdamTheFenderBender]

i know they can't compare to cleans with oassive but is the clean sound bearable? i plan to do the 18v mod for more headroom so yeah.... please answer soon ,thank you

[toddsquadxyz]

The clean sound is better than any passive pickup I've ever tried. These are amazing.

Todd

[danbaker90]

cool i was going to get those, but for less money i got a set of seymor duncan blackouts that cancel 14 db of hum noise. i havent yet installed them but ill be glad to give you a full review when do!

[toddsquadxyz]

Gotta say, I love these. Don't get me wrong, duncan pickups are killer, for passive pickups. But it's hard to beat active electronics for playing heavy music.

Practice!

Todd

[SMackay23]

blackouts are active pickups... great segment.... i already own these pickups(twice), and i agree, they sound awesome whether you're on a clean setting or a crazy distorted one

[jammer9119]

Couldn't agree more!

How would you compare this to the Zakk Wylde set?

No doubt I'm going to buy a set of EMG this summer.

[toddsquadxyz]

The Zakk set is great, but is just the 81 85 set. This is that set with a 20db booster. :)

Practice!

Todd

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks ;) You can buy the MEH shirt on my channel page.

Practice!

Todd

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks :) I love that thing. The guys at Minarik have been great to me.

Practice!

Todd

[Tzuqris]

i know if i have to ask, i don't have enough money, but... how much does minarik like to charge for their stuff. their inferno v is amazing..

[toddsquadxyz]

They actually have great pricing. THe Minarik Lotus is very affordable. Go to their web site and let them know you are one of my students and they will give you a special deal.

Practice!

Todd

[toddsquadxyz]

This is also the 85-85 set, it just has the extra 20 db of boost from the Kerry King Switch. EMG's ROCK!

Practice!

Todd

[DarKEvil123]

Ok it's 2 85 85?. Because i was looking to probably change the other to get 2 85 on my guitar. Because i found this one sound better in the 2 position. i've tried to switch my pick up and i think next time ill put 2 85

[toddsquadxyz]

It's and 81 and an 85. The boost switch hits both.

Practice!

Todd

[pr0n3]

Todd, come on brother. Need more guitar shreddage of these pickups from ya. Can you plz make a video showing the difference with and without the switch activated? Take it easy and great videos.

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks for watching ;) This guitar is in lots of my lessons so I"ll make sure to demo it further as well go.

P.S. Get a "Practice!" T-Shirt on my channel page and you get a private custom lesson on any technique.

Practice!

Todd

[djteac]

Thats the same combination i run in my LP Custom, 81 and 85.

I love it, but i don't got the booster switch. Still they are amazing.

I'm thinking about another Guitar with 2 EMG 89.

I can't understand why so many people hate EMGs, and why they claim stuff like "oh they don't let you play dynamic"...

Maybee they are to dump to play (i can play Dynamic with them...) or never played them and just jump onto the train. Like all those windows basher people.. because its cool.

[toddsquadxyz]

Yeah, EMG's just flat out rule if you wanna play heavy music. If you wanna play country, then no. But for Metal, EMG all the way.

Practice!

Todd

[BlaQNeenjah]

the only thing you could have made better is if you had a before and after but yeah nice job explaining. hey, are you gonna get one of the new studio medusas? if you call minarik they still have like 2 guitars with a single digit serial number! those will sell for SO much later and they are the same price as the two or 3 digits

[toddsquadxyz]

I'll add something like that in upcoming lessons. Good call!

Practice!

Todd

[darknessenraged]

The 81 85 set is pretty awesome. You can get the 15 Db boost in most specialty shops, I have seen it where you can change out your volume knob to a push pull feature so you don't have to put in another toggle. I've been thinking about buying the boost for my ESP since I already am running a 81 set in my setup.

[toddsquadxyz]

Pop over to their site and and check it out. You can get the boost as a toggle or knob. Love these things.

Practice!

Todd

[coLapsDaDude]

Sure they're great :)

[toddsquadxyz]

Yes, waaaay great.

Todd

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks :) I accidently marked your other comment as spam :( Sorry about that. Yeah, the MINARIK is an amazing guitar. Go to their site and tell them you are my student and they will give you a great deal.

Practice!

Todd

[coLapsDaDude]

Oh, all right ! you're welcome :).

Actually i live in France and a don't have the money, but maybe one day..

I will love it :) Thanks for the advice guy, you're an amazing person !

[toddsquadxyz]

Thanks for watching :)

Practice!

Todd