I'm considering having two 85's instead of an 85/81 setup, the 81 in the bridge is just not bassy enough for me and it isn't very good on clean settings as it sounds way too bright and twangy and it really lacks the bass frequencies even more on a clean setting
Hm.. I really like the 81 on the bridge, with a mahogany guitar, because it give me a more balanced sound, more definition of what you are doing.. I didn´t made this test myself.. but I´m afraid that the 85 in the bridge could be too bassy an unbalanced sound, the one that would you make angry at the tonestack of the amp..
The 85 have a lot more output than 81, the harmonics really show up
the emg 85 does have more output but the 81 has a tighter sound... it all depends on what kinda sound you want... btw if you want a killswitch engage type sound you wanna go with the 85 in the bridge
@TurdFurguson420 duur... im a moron... didnt realize the pup comes right out of the housing.. i tried to swap the entire thing... lol... good learning lesson
On my guitar i am having one hamback and 2 single,and i will buy emg81,but which single? I am playing metal core,and sometime i love megadeth and iron maiden idk,and love warm clean sound. Please help xd
Love all the metal stuff then all the Prince stuff hidden all around the room! haha. One Night Alone Great Live Album tho! Prince plays 85's in the bridge and SA in the neck.
when switching from passive to actives like the emg's does your style of picking change? ive heard you have to keep your hand closer to the strings and chage the way you pick. maybe you could shine some light on that for me. great videos love the mesa boogie!
@voxac30blues Your style of picking shouldn't change at all. The only thing that may adjust your style of picking is if yo change genre's of music or you change bridge styles. Pickup changes shouldn't adjust your attack method too much.
Just grab 89s in BOTH positions. By doing so, you can use the coil tap feature, giving you an even more massive array of tones. An 89 is actually a combination of the 85 and the SA, meaning that it is the most suitable for both positions.
Pretty much: the higher the #EMG, the brighter they sound. Thats why you dont want a really dark/ low EMG in the neck because that would sound like a fart, comming through a crappy sterio, in side a box, behind a wall. If you play rhythm, (considering you have a good amp to get a good sound) a good combo would be a 60/81. If you play lead, you need a little more mid and high end boost that comes from a 81/85 OR 81/89 combo. AN 89 is an 85 with a single-coil capability.
Yeah. Japan guitar from Japan. 6 months i will wait then guitar come to me. From japan, because in shops of Russia haven't this guitar. And it will come to Moscow, and after this it will come to Irkytsk (it is city when i live)
I just want to know why buy the m-ii from Japan when you can buy it here?
Where HERE? On youtube? Or from you? I can't undrstand where is this HERE.
And I bought m-ii for solo. I need a guitar opposite Gibson explorer (which i have). It must be alder with floyd rose and not with emg (because i play in standart tone (E) and i often play on clean sound and what is why i hate this f*cking EMG's). I choosed ESP. Because I have LTD EX-400 (but it is with emg) and the quilitty of ESP (LTD) is very
Wmhahaha. If I from Russia and 17 years old that I am not understand anything in guitar and guitar pickups ant etc? Man maybe you too think that I drink only Vodka and play with bears? xDDD
And here is my gear: i020*radikal*ru/1106/87/8918fb20476d*jpg
And in december my esp m-ii will come from Japan. This ESP: espguitars*ru/images/guitars/large/ESP_M-II_R_SD_BK*jpg
Wmhahahaha!!! You are idiot, man. You think that Hetfield use serial EMG? WMHAHAHA!!! It is just for idiots like you, baby, who thinks that: WOW I will buy EMG like Hetfield and I will play and have the sound like his!!! It is just advertisement. EMG pay Hetfield and Laiho and Hammet and others for they play on EMG pickups (but they have not serial EMG, they have super mega custom pickups with inscription EMG)
81 and 85 arent the best combo there just the most common but 85 bridge and 60 neck are a great combo it just all depends on what style you play and what not i have 85 60 combo on my dean caddy and 81 60 on my bcrich v the 60 is a great for the neck and 81 is good for a thrashy style and 85 bridge is good for a melo death style but like i said it just depends on what your playing style is
@popomonstor correct, plus the harmonic is always consistent, only thing is consistently hitting the squeal takes a bit of getting used to, if only because active pickups find overtones all over the place.
The EMG 81 is way better in the bridge than the 85, but I have both setups. An EMG 81/60 in my ESP and an EMG 85/60 in my Jackson. Both have the exact same specs (Custom Shop Models), and the EMG 81 out does the 85 in the bridge.
@SevrenSavage what is the wood of the guitars? is it mahogany?
cause i've been told the 85 sounds better in the bridge for mahogany guitars cause it adds some much-needed mids. but for guitars with alder or basswood that already have a lot of midrange from the wood, the 81's scoop is more appreciated.
what are your comments? i'm pretty curious cause i use an RG with basswood and love my 81 in the bridge, but am thinking about getting a mahogany guitar and want to know what's best for it.
@TheMetalHeaD256 Um, no, they are both Alder with AAA Flame Maple tops. Both sound AMAZING!!! If you get a Mahogany body guitar, the EMG 81 is best because the Mahogany body already has a warm sound and the 85 will add to that. The 81 would add a brighter tone to your sound, despite the the Mahogany body. Alder would be perfect for an 85 at the bridge because Alder gives off a brighter tone than Mahogany. But, both of my guitars give me my correct sound for rhythm and lead.
really cool vid bro,i used to use emg's i never thought of putting the '85 in the bridge,they both sound good,but i hear what your saying the '85 has a more punchier sound i like,i use passive pups now,i have the bill lawrence l-500-xl,but if i went back to active it always will be emg
i swapped my EMG pickups, put the 85 in the bridge and the 81 in the neck. and i was kinda dissapointed cuz it did not give a better sound then the 81 :/ i don't know if it's because of the guitar wood or something, but i didn't get as good tone as you Mizike.
@DarkHazard Not heavy? seriously? it's a tone test, none gives a shit about you personnal preferences. And he's playing Thrash Metal riffs, don't know what kind of pussy faggot ass music you listen too, but that's as heavy as it gets.
I've been swapping for years. Every time I change strings, I swap pickups. The 81 has an attack for chugs that the 85 doesn't, but the 85 sounds miles better for pinches and open chord work. I wish I had a 60, because it's somewhere in the middle of those two. I bet it fuckin rocks in the bridge.
The 60 is reallly good in the neck.Sounds fat and warm but really clear,never bottoms out or gets muddy at all.I prefer the 85 in the bridge to the 81.It sounds fuller but lacks a tiny bit of the cutting edge of the 81...Nothing a good amp or eq couldn't rectify
i have charvel custom shop,alder body and flame maple freatboard with emg 81 in bridge and 85 in neck,the guitar sound bright,i put 85 in the bridge position and 81 in neck and now is a lot better,85 in bridge on my guitar sounds great,81 in bridge was not so good,but in neck position 81souds good
I think I would use 81 for rhythm guitar and 85 for solo. To me 85 has smoother, more organic tone, but 81 has that definition you hear in Metallica riffs (for example). 85 sounds closer to most passive pickups out there.
In all honesty, I've tried out about 20 different pairs of EMGs in the same guitar and they sound good, but if you want REALLY good tone, go with a pair of Bare Knuckle Pickups. Bare Knuckles are about 40 dollars more but they are ridiculously better.
The 81 won't do any good once you swap it into the neck. I would get ANOTHER 85 and plug it into the neck if I was you. This will give you an 85/85 combo, which gives out the classic smooth soloing tone (the 85 in the neck) and some greater attack on the bridge at the same time (another 85 in the bridge). This has been famously done by Marcus Henderson with his new Epiphone Apparition.
Great video man! I normally run the 81/60 set in my Explorers, but the Gibson I just got has the 85/60 and I'm actually liking it. Like you said, the differences are subtle, but there. Not sure which I prefer yet, but it was a pleasant surprise.
not a fair test . Do they have the same pots? Dean is a rock/metal guitar where as the gibson isnt PS CAN ANYONE TELL ME WICH IS BEST ACTIVE OR PASSIVE PICKUPS.
oh and, i have washburn x10 guitar, there is only 1 place i could put this mic in (bridge i quess) and then theres 2 mic spots on top of it for the smaller ones.. should i get 85 for bridge? or 81?
I think it makes more sense to have an 85 in the bridge and an 81 in the neck.
The 81 is really well defined in the upper mids whereas the 85 is more defined in the lower mids. As the neck position is usually more bassy the 81 seems like a better match.
@Dark515Rogue aha and u think it sucks with each guitar and each amp in the world? well, i say emg81 @ bridge sucks in most non-mahogany guitars on amps like 5150, savage120/savage60, invader, cobra/dragon, 2203/2204 etc bla bla ;)
@doktorlindblood The EMG 81 is really bright and wouldn't work that well in a guitar with a REALLY bright wood because it would probably sound "thin". The EMG 85 COULD be a good replacement, if the wood + EMG 81 combo doesn't work, because of its warmer tone. But it also has a totally different voicing that I personally don't like in bridge position: it's not tight enough.
Moreover I know some bands that use the EMG 81 + 5150 and it sounds sweet :) So your statement about the amp was wrong.
@Dark515Rogue yep but in which guitar do they use it? if i use my usa custom rr '97 or japan dinky concept or japan dinky professional which has an emg81 each it sounds too harsh for some speaker combination on the 5150 mkI script/block and ultra plus heads ... its even about string and stuff like that, you cant just face your own opinion or impression as a major rule
Depends on the wood in your guitar, as with everything else. you can't just say that it's "better", it depends on your situation. I personally like a well rounded tone, so I wouldn't want a bright 81 in the bridge of a guitar with an alder body, for instace. The tone would have absolutely no body at all, and that's exactly what I've noticed too (that's the current pup configuration in my alder-body jackson DKMG). So long story short, bright wood goes with bassy pup and vice versa.
@themodernguitarist agreed. the other day i restrung my guitar and put my 85 in the bridge. absolute win. sounds amazing. 13 - 56 in d standard? shit dude thats thick. i use 12 - 54 (not much difference) in drop C. do you go any lower than D standard? :) i agree that the EMG 85 is really tight in the bridge. the 81 also sounds pretty good in the neck! :)
The lowest I'll go is probably standard Db and maybe drop tune it. I also go to drop C, which feels perfect with the gauge i use, IMO. But I'm also using a 24.75'' necked guitar.
@themodernguitarist yeah i agree, im a fan of thick strings to be honest :P yeah, drop tuning at C# standard is like Drop B i think. awesome tuning :) ahh i see why. i also have a 24.75" neck so i understand where your coming from there. :)
i think the big difference is that the 81 has a different magnet, which gives it more bite, and more midrange and highs. you'll get some EXTREME highs with the 81, so it makes it, IMO, more well-rounded so you can use it for both rhythm and for solos. especially fast solos with a lot of highs, like thrash solos. the 85 has more of a "scooped" tone to it, meaning it has more lows, less midrange, and less highs, and it has a good tone for slower solos so i'm keeping mine in the neck.
Dude! I have a question, i play metalcore music, alot of As I Lay dying, bullet for my valentine and bring the horizon ish stuff, is emg 81/85 better or 81/60?
@UnderCrimsonSkies i don't play metalcore but i do play thrash metal, a big route for metalcore. i have honestly never used the 60 but i can say that i am completely satisfied with my 85. it depends on what kind of things you do with it. i use the 85 in the neck because that's just what i bought. i think it's great for clean sounds, and gives a really bassy, very clear sound on a clean tone, and it has a great P.A.F. kinda sound when used in slower solos. i dont think you'll get that with the 60
@UnderCrimsonSkies To be honest, it wouldn't matter which one is in the neck because there's hardly any clean in any of the bands you listed, you generally use the neck for clean sounds, or a solo if you want thicker more defined notes.
@129jasaxos try a 24 volt mod.theres kits on ebay for like $10.Ive heard it really opens up EMGs.Other than that,it may be your amp.what are you playin through?
My guitar guy did that to one of my guitars. Next week Im getting my other guitars done with the 85 at the bridge and the 81 at the neck and having 11's put on and dropped to B.
The 81 sounds meaner... the 85 is a little too muddy IMO. I think I just like the way the 81 is voiced better in the bridge. They both sound good though.
hey i bough a schecter omen 6 on a pawn shop with an emg on the bridge, the question is how do i know if its an 85 or 81 etc etc just opening from the back of the guitar or from the front? i dont want to mess up things
@zhad0wf0x The 81 has EMG written on it in silver. The 85 has EMG written in Gold. EMGs passive pickups are the HZ series, and do not apply to this demo.
@SerratedSmiles thnx for the info man, i have an 81 on the bridge then, as far as i know 81 is better on neck and 85 on bridge isnt it? i,ll save money for an 85 :p
Hey man you have to do a lot more to compare them fairly. You need to do some lead playing, and some heavy palm mute stuff.... I think the advantage of the 81 is in those areas. It has more clarity in palm muted rhythms. But the 85 is more full on chords.
Mizike thanks for the video man, U seved me a lot of time I just purchased a used guitar and I checked the wiring diagram from EMG's Site and noticed they where swaped I was just about to swap them the way they suposed to be.
But no wonder why they where that way lol I guess the previous owner had the same taste man I totaly agree with you the 85 on the bridge sound's A LOT better than the 81.
Hey Mizike... Thanks for the great videos! Do you like Seymour Duncan Blackouts? I have been trying to decide whether to get EMG's or Seymour Duncan Blackout. Some people love the Seymours, some love the EMG's... I've also been considering the Mick Thomson Blackouts as well. What's your opinion??? Keep up the good work!
Hey Mizike... Thanks for the great videos! Do you like Seymour Duncan Blackouts? I have been trying to decide whether to get EMG's or Seymour Duncan Blackout. Some people love the Seymours, some love the EMG's... I've also been considering the Mick Thomson Blackouts as well. What's your opinion??? Keep up the good work!
Emg 81 pick up's have more out put for leads, harmonics, and has longer sustain. 85's are made for rhythm, and has more balls for sure. I have a pair a 81z in my Esp ltd M-300Fm, it definitly screams lead guitar.
Im thinking about getting new pickups and im stuck with idea of getting 85-X/60-X. Did anyone try this configuration? Are they really what the company says (more headroom and organic sound bullcrap)?
The 81/60 set beats the 81/85 set for me, and it also beats the dual 85's u say you use. I tried dual 85's if a friends guitar and switched to the 81/60, the 81/60 has it hands down. The 60 gives more sustain in the neck and a little more gain than the 85.
I have an ESP Viper Standard 7 string that comes stock with 85's and after I added the 18 volt mod it became my pet beast. Thnx for the vid.
Ikillpeopleforfree 1 day ago
I'm considering having two 85's instead of an 85/81 setup, the 81 in the bridge is just not bassy enough for me and it isn't very good on clean settings as it sounds way too bright and twangy and it really lacks the bass frequencies even more on a clean setting
oT0MJHo 1 day ago
VERY GOOD REVIEW! Thanks Finally someone who gets down to business. I am switching my 81/85 too.
frogjim 5 days ago
Hm.. I really like the 81 on the bridge, with a mahogany guitar, because it give me a more balanced sound, more definition of what you are doing.. I didn´t made this test myself.. but I´m afraid that the 85 in the bridge could be too bassy an unbalanced sound, the one that would you make angry at the tonestack of the amp..
The 85 have a lot more output than 81, the harmonics really show up
visioncb 1 week ago
Thanks dude- great vid! The 81 almost sounds phased and the 85 sounds like a beefy PAF.- I'm going 85.
sean1121970 1 week ago
the emg 85 does have more output but the 81 has a tighter sound... it all depends on what kinda sound you want... btw if you want a killswitch engage type sound you wanna go with the 85 in the bridge
brandonmarks13279 1 week ago
tried this... until i realized the 81 sits much higher then the 85 and sits above the fretboard... so no 81 in the neck for me... lol..
TurdFurguson420 1 week ago
@TurdFurguson420 duur... im a moron... didnt realize the pup comes right out of the housing.. i tried to swap the entire thing... lol... good learning lesson
TurdFurguson420 1 week ago
On my guitar i am having one hamback and 2 single,and i will buy emg81,but which single? I am playing metal core,and sometime i love megadeth and iron maiden idk,and love warm clean sound. Please help xd
ivankovicdaki 1 month ago
Love all the metal stuff then all the Prince stuff hidden all around the room! haha. One Night Alone Great Live Album tho! Prince plays 85's in the bridge and SA in the neck.
ChrisVGuitarist 1 month ago
Lol nigga got EMG's in his pocket, Thats how you know he getting paid lol
WhoSunkTheMaine 1 month ago
SEVENDUST !!! my favorite Band!!!
DAMetalCover 2 months ago
85 vs 81? dimarzio crunch lab ftw lol
ccoker95 2 months ago
Thanks for the vid - cool comparison and really helpful. Thanks for taking the time!
clague 2 months ago
Man your video comparison is the best one I found on youtube, great job!!
egin3 2 months ago
when switching from passive to actives like the emg's does your style of picking change? ive heard you have to keep your hand closer to the strings and chage the way you pick. maybe you could shine some light on that for me. great videos love the mesa boogie!
voxac30blues 2 months ago
@voxac30blues Your style of picking shouldn't change at all. The only thing that may adjust your style of picking is if yo change genre's of music or you change bridge styles. Pickup changes shouldn't adjust your attack method too much.
brownhog72 2 months ago
that a les paul?
dipu94321 3 months ago
@dipu94321 Yes.
brownhog72 3 months ago
@brownhog72 anyone playing les paul is ultra cool in my book. \.../
dipu94321 3 months ago
If I have an EMG in my pocket...
Xyngular 4 months ago
85 deff sounds better, also I've got the same adidas trainers mate :)
dnlrvltn 5 months ago
not sure which pile of fizz i prefer
spentonmediocrity 5 months ago
Just grab 89s in BOTH positions. By doing so, you can use the coil tap feature, giving you an even more massive array of tones. An 89 is actually a combination of the 85 and the SA, meaning that it is the most suitable for both positions.
race1717 6 months ago
Comment removed
race1717 6 months ago
Dude, nice Mesa boogie(:
granto425 6 months ago
85 in the bridge, 60 in the neck!
DYZSYX 6 months ago
ugh, an 85 in the bridge. . . thats what the "hardcore kids" do
guitarshreder91 6 months ago
Pretty much: the higher the #EMG, the brighter they sound. Thats why you dont want a really dark/ low EMG in the neck because that would sound like a fart, comming through a crappy sterio, in side a box, behind a wall. If you play rhythm, (considering you have a good amp to get a good sound) a good combo would be a 60/81. If you play lead, you need a little more mid and high end boost that comes from a 81/85 OR 81/89 combo. AN 89 is an 85 with a single-coil capability.
hmcg020 6 months ago
I shall call him bubble gum Mikie
...it looks like hes chewing gum while hes playing
xxpivdxx 6 months ago
man good vid dude,i didnt even know u could put the 85 in the bridge,nice the 85's got a brighter sound i like
MrCmd29 7 months ago
your videos are big help man...
magicthunder666 7 months ago
Rather hear a tone comparison using a cleaner tone. I know I know that's boring.
rjpilot 7 months ago
"Why, this camera mic audio, recorded 10 feet away from the amplifier, will be a perfect way to demonstrate some subtle differences between pickups!"
doogdoogdoog 7 months ago
Ах ты нигер тупой мой риф украл пидр,немного переделав,сучонок
KyPrAH1 7 months ago
@Martallika666
Yeah. Japan guitar from Japan. 6 months i will wait then guitar come to me. From japan, because in shops of Russia haven't this guitar. And it will come to Moscow, and after this it will come to Irkytsk (it is city when i live)
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
Comment removed
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
@Martallika666
...good and i prefer japan guitar (i can buy Jackson, or b.c.rich, but i choose japan guitar)
ESP is expensive, but the quilitty of they guitars is very good. That is why i bought ESP.
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
I just want to know why buy the m-ii from Japan when you can buy it here?
Where HERE? On youtube? Or from you? I can't undrstand where is this HERE.
And I bought m-ii for solo. I need a guitar opposite Gibson explorer (which i have). It must be alder with floyd rose and not with emg (because i play in standart tone (E) and i often play on clean sound and what is why i hate this f*cking EMG's). I choosed ESP. Because I have LTD EX-400 (but it is with emg) and the quilitty of ESP (LTD) is very
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
@Martallika666
What? Hey, my english is not so good to understand your sarcasm.
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
@Martallika666
Wmhahaha. If I from Russia and 17 years old that I am not understand anything in guitar and guitar pickups ant etc? Man maybe you too think that I drink only Vodka and play with bears? xDDD
And here is my gear: i020*radikal*ru/1106/87/8918fb20476d*jpg
And in december my esp m-ii will come from Japan. This ESP: espguitars*ru/images/guitars/large/ESP_M-II_R_SD_BK*jpg
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
@Martallika666
Wmhahahaha!!! You are idiot, man. You think that Hetfield use serial EMG? WMHAHAHA!!! It is just for idiots like you, baby, who thinks that: WOW I will buy EMG like Hetfield and I will play and have the sound like his!!! It is just advertisement. EMG pay Hetfield and Laiho and Hammet and others for they play on EMG pickups (but they have not serial EMG, they have super mega custom pickups with inscription EMG)
SIRupKyTcK 7 months ago
EMG on Gibson?! Only idiot can do this =))
SIRupKyTcK 8 months ago
81 and 85 arent the best combo there just the most common but 85 bridge and 60 neck are a great combo it just all depends on what style you play and what not i have 85 60 combo on my dean caddy and 81 60 on my bcrich v the 60 is a great for the neck and 81 is good for a thrashy style and 85 bridge is good for a melo death style but like i said it just depends on what your playing style is
bcrich2690 8 months ago
i dont really like the 81 in either position, i like the 85 in the bridge and 60 in the neck
Seraphim777961 8 months ago
Hm cool Ima swapp my emgs for fun
Jasaxos 9 months ago
That maybe a really stupid but people tell me active pickups really bring out pinch harmonics....Tis true or false?
popomonstor 9 months ago
@popomonstor correct, plus the harmonic is always consistent, only thing is consistently hitting the squeal takes a bit of getting used to, if only because active pickups find overtones all over the place.
271189a 9 months ago
@271189a Thanks for the answer man.
popomonstor 9 months ago
jnicq
funyun000 9 months ago
nahh 81 in bridge ;)
aledbj 9 months ago
EMG have now introduced a solder free system, most likely an install doesn't require any soldering.
spoddie 9 months ago
Thanks for taking the time to make the video, saves money at the music store.
cutandweld67 10 months ago
I think his name is Mike. Lolz.
BL00DThirsty3 10 months ago
You just saved me a LOT of hassle! Great advice!
stonedlove18 10 months ago
The EMG 81 is way better in the bridge than the 85, but I have both setups. An EMG 81/60 in my ESP and an EMG 85/60 in my Jackson. Both have the exact same specs (Custom Shop Models), and the EMG 81 out does the 85 in the bridge.
SevrenSavage 10 months ago
@SevrenSavage what is the wood of the guitars? is it mahogany?
cause i've been told the 85 sounds better in the bridge for mahogany guitars cause it adds some much-needed mids. but for guitars with alder or basswood that already have a lot of midrange from the wood, the 81's scoop is more appreciated.
what are your comments? i'm pretty curious cause i use an RG with basswood and love my 81 in the bridge, but am thinking about getting a mahogany guitar and want to know what's best for it.
TheMetalHeaD256 9 months ago
@TheMetalHeaD256 Um, no, they are both Alder with AAA Flame Maple tops. Both sound AMAZING!!! If you get a Mahogany body guitar, the EMG 81 is best because the Mahogany body already has a warm sound and the 85 will add to that. The 81 would add a brighter tone to your sound, despite the the Mahogany body. Alder would be perfect for an 85 at the bridge because Alder gives off a brighter tone than Mahogany. But, both of my guitars give me my correct sound for rhythm and lead.
SevrenSavage 9 months ago 4
have to say you got yourself a sweet collection of axes there mate
RUTGERMORTENSEN 11 months ago
Great Combo ? 85/85 ! or/ 85 bridge/60 neck ! These are THE BEST combo's for EMG's. Sorry, but the 81 is TOO Noisy ! Period. Sell it or/ chunk it !~*
TURBO2U2 11 months ago
really cool vid bro,i used to use emg's i never thought of putting the '85 in the bridge,they both sound good,but i hear what your saying the '85 has a more punchier sound i like,i use passive pups now,i have the bill lawrence l-500-xl,but if i went back to active it always will be emg
MrCmd29 11 months ago
I need help..I just bought an 85 from guitar center..do I put it on the bridge or neck????
jmeproductions0 11 months ago
i swapped my EMG pickups, put the 85 in the bridge and the 81 in the neck. and i was kinda dissapointed cuz it did not give a better sound then the 81 :/ i don't know if it's because of the guitar wood or something, but i didn't get as good tone as you Mizike.
RatedRKO92 11 months ago
whoah no wires!
SOLD!
Harrysound 11 months ago
i get tired of your lame surf rock riffs, why don't you play something heavier and cooler for your examples
DarkHazard 11 months ago
@DarkHazard Not heavy? seriously? it's a tone test, none gives a shit about you personnal preferences. And he's playing Thrash Metal riffs, don't know what kind of pussy faggot ass music you listen too, but that's as heavy as it gets.
mcren1985 10 months ago
@mcren1985 surf rock isnt heavy you fucking geek. go hang yourself you basement dwelling faggot.
DarkHazard 10 months ago
Are two emg 81s better than an emg 81 and 60 for metal? Please let me know. Thx :)
The5HR3DD3R 1 year ago
I've been swapping for years. Every time I change strings, I swap pickups. The 81 has an attack for chugs that the 85 doesn't, but the 85 sounds miles better for pinches and open chord work. I wish I had a 60, because it's somewhere in the middle of those two. I bet it fuckin rocks in the bridge.
bedofrazorsqwerty 1 year ago
@bedofrazorsqwerty
The 60 is reallly good in the neck.Sounds fat and warm but really clear,never bottoms out or gets muddy at all.I prefer the 85 in the bridge to the 81.It sounds fuller but lacks a tiny bit of the cutting edge of the 81...Nothing a good amp or eq couldn't rectify
kerruptor6 11 months ago
the 85 blows away the 81 hands down...I own both :P
nickerz65 1 year ago
i think some one needs to invest in a audio interface... because you can really tell the difference
cedrikDGAF 1 year ago
i have charvel custom shop,alder body and flame maple freatboard with emg 81 in bridge and 85 in neck,the guitar sound bright,i put 85 in the bridge position and 81 in neck and now is a lot better,85 in bridge on my guitar sounds great,81 in bridge was not so good,but in neck position 81souds good
iggyleee 1 year ago
I think I would use 81 for rhythm guitar and 85 for solo. To me 85 has smoother, more organic tone, but 81 has that definition you hear in Metallica riffs (for example). 85 sounds closer to most passive pickups out there.
Spiralmon 1 year ago
should i install these pickups in my fender squire strat? please reply
themoyadude 1 year ago
fuck em both. bareknuckle all the way
mrussum1 1 year ago
@mrussum1 WARPIGS RULE!!!!!
InsaneMovie 1 year ago
Holy shit that 85 just jumps out!
MetVids 1 year ago
would it be a good idea to move 81 to neck and dropping a 60 in the neck?
psyckla5 1 year ago
anyone have EMGs in an Ibanex ARX320? im lookin into gettin the 81/85 combo but im wondering which sounds better in the bridge. advice?
PS3WPRODUCTIONS 1 year ago
Since when did black guys play Metal o.O
DancingDead02 1 year ago
@DancingDead02 uhhhhhh... you mean suffocation didnt immediately come to mind ?
frostybob123 1 year ago
This is a bad ass video thanks!!!
colby7538 1 year ago
In all honesty, I've tried out about 20 different pairs of EMGs in the same guitar and they sound good, but if you want REALLY good tone, go with a pair of Bare Knuckle Pickups. Bare Knuckles are about 40 dollars more but they are ridiculously better.
1230hagen 1 year ago
Are you using a Peavey XXX for this comparison?
MrGuitarassassin 1 year ago
So.. yea, every time a friend ask me how EMG microphones are i say: "sec, i have one in my pocket, take a look"
elwelcom 1 year ago
The 81 won't do any good once you swap it into the neck. I would get ANOTHER 85 and plug it into the neck if I was you. This will give you an 85/85 combo, which gives out the classic smooth soloing tone (the 85 in the neck) and some greater attack on the bridge at the same time (another 85 in the bridge). This has been famously done by Marcus Henderson with his new Epiphone Apparition.
race1717 1 year ago
Great video man! I normally run the 81/60 set in my Explorers, but the Gibson I just got has the 85/60 and I'm actually liking it. Like you said, the differences are subtle, but there. Not sure which I prefer yet, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Bungholio281 1 year ago
not a fair test . Do they have the same pots? Dean is a rock/metal guitar where as the gibson isnt PS CAN ANYONE TELL ME WICH IS BEST ACTIVE OR PASSIVE PICKUPS.
dawshredder 1 year ago
i can't hear the different sound in 18 volt
naroto32 1 year ago
awesome review! you are the man
PNWjib 1 year ago
I think the 81 sounds better, 85 seemed brighter though
1badsteed 1 year ago
81 is better in bridge
96lolstar 1 year ago
Its an active mic, what does that mean?
oh and, i have washburn x10 guitar, there is only 1 place i could put this mic in (bridge i quess) and then theres 2 mic spots on top of it for the smaller ones.. should i get 85 for bridge? or 81?
Worzx 1 year ago
I think it makes more sense to have an 85 in the bridge and an 81 in the neck.
The 81 is really well defined in the upper mids whereas the 85 is more defined in the lower mids. As the neck position is usually more bassy the 81 seems like a better match.
Theyweredoingsome 1 year ago
Comment removed
Dark515Rogue 1 year ago 16
@Dark515Rogue The 81 has an INCREDIBLY thin, cold and meh sound.
LessthanJake14 1 year ago
@Dark515Rogue aha aha aha but does everyone want to have a MORE aggressive sound with MORE attack than a emg85 .... hell its active ...
doktorlindblood 1 year ago
@doktorlindblood yeah but it still sucks in bridge position :)
Dark515Rogue 1 year ago
@Dark515Rogue aha and u think it sucks with each guitar and each amp in the world? well, i say emg81 @ bridge sucks in most non-mahogany guitars on amps like 5150, savage120/savage60, invader, cobra/dragon, 2203/2204 etc bla bla ;)
doktorlindblood 1 year ago
@doktorlindblood The EMG 81 is really bright and wouldn't work that well in a guitar with a REALLY bright wood because it would probably sound "thin". The EMG 85 COULD be a good replacement, if the wood + EMG 81 combo doesn't work, because of its warmer tone. But it also has a totally different voicing that I personally don't like in bridge position: it's not tight enough.
Moreover I know some bands that use the EMG 81 + 5150 and it sounds sweet :) So your statement about the amp was wrong.
Dark515Rogue 1 year ago
@Dark515Rogue yep but in which guitar do they use it? if i use my usa custom rr '97 or japan dinky concept or japan dinky professional which has an emg81 each it sounds too harsh for some speaker combination on the 5150 mkI script/block and ultra plus heads ... its even about string and stuff like that, you cant just face your own opinion or impression as a major rule
doktorlindblood 1 year ago
@Dark515Rogue the 60 is better in the neck and the 85 sounds better in the bridge,
chrisiztheman1618 1 year ago
@Dark515Rogue i must be defth but i hear the opposite... i hear 81 more bassy
magicthunder666 7 months ago
@Dark515Rogue
Depends on the wood in your guitar, as with everything else. you can't just say that it's "better", it depends on your situation. I personally like a well rounded tone, so I wouldn't want a bright 81 in the bridge of a guitar with an alder body, for instace. The tone would have absolutely no body at all, and that's exactly what I've noticed too (that's the current pup configuration in my alder-body jackson DKMG). So long story short, bright wood goes with bassy pup and vice versa.
Ozterkvlt 5 months ago
@Ozterkvlt that's right. This is something that I learned some months after writing this comment.
Dark515Rogue 5 months ago
@Dark515Rogue
I have an EMG 85 in the bridge of my guitar, not anything muddy. In fact, its really tight and full sounding.
Its the opposite of the 81. The 81 is more thin and bright, the 85 is more mellow and full.
But bassy and muddy? I wouldn't describe the 85 as that. Hell, I even use .13 - .56 strings in D standard with an EMG 85, and its still really tight.
themodernguitarist 3 months ago
@themodernguitarist agreed. the other day i restrung my guitar and put my 85 in the bridge. absolute win. sounds amazing. 13 - 56 in d standard? shit dude thats thick. i use 12 - 54 (not much difference) in drop C. do you go any lower than D standard? :) i agree that the EMG 85 is really tight in the bridge. the 81 also sounds pretty good in the neck! :)
TriviumAscendancy1 3 months ago
@TriviumAscendancy1
The lowest I'll go is probably standard Db and maybe drop tune it. I also go to drop C, which feels perfect with the gauge i use, IMO. But I'm also using a 24.75'' necked guitar.
themodernguitarist 3 months ago
@themodernguitarist yeah i agree, im a fan of thick strings to be honest :P yeah, drop tuning at C# standard is like Drop B i think. awesome tuning :) ahh i see why. i also have a 24.75" neck so i understand where your coming from there. :)
TriviumAscendancy1 3 months ago
i think the big difference is that the 81 has a different magnet, which gives it more bite, and more midrange and highs. you'll get some EXTREME highs with the 81, so it makes it, IMO, more well-rounded so you can use it for both rhythm and for solos. especially fast solos with a lot of highs, like thrash solos. the 85 has more of a "scooped" tone to it, meaning it has more lows, less midrange, and less highs, and it has a good tone for slower solos so i'm keeping mine in the neck.
AirgunAddict256 1 year ago
@AirgunAddict256 Bridges: should be warm.
Neck: should be more cutting.
EMG 85: Alnico magnet = warm.
EMG 81: Articulate, defined notes.
LessthanJake14 1 year ago
i think the 81 are so good
Fily20 1 year ago
Is 81/sustainer/85 a good combination?
jeppioe 1 year ago
Dude! I have a question, i play metalcore music, alot of As I Lay dying, bullet for my valentine and bring the horizon ish stuff, is emg 81/85 better or 81/60?
UnderCrimsonSkies 1 year ago
@UnderCrimsonSkies i don't play metalcore but i do play thrash metal, a big route for metalcore. i have honestly never used the 60 but i can say that i am completely satisfied with my 85. it depends on what kind of things you do with it. i use the 85 in the neck because that's just what i bought. i think it's great for clean sounds, and gives a really bassy, very clear sound on a clean tone, and it has a great P.A.F. kinda sound when used in slower solos. i dont think you'll get that with the 60
AirgunAddict256 1 year ago
@UnderCrimsonSkies To be honest, it wouldn't matter which one is in the neck because there's hardly any clean in any of the bands you listed, you generally use the neck for clean sounds, or a solo if you want thicker more defined notes.
mynameisDavid92 1 year ago
@mynameisDavid92 How about those EMGs?
Bungholio281 1 year ago
@Bungholio281 How about go away.
mynameisDavid92 1 year ago
@Bungholio281 ;D
mynameisDavid92 1 year ago
that jackson rr1 is the shit, i should swap the 81 in my rr24 to an 85 and do the 18v mod
gmbob22 1 year ago
that jackson rr1 is the shit, i should probably swap the 81 in my rr24 to an 85
gmbob22 1 year ago
I like the 81 better it has a punkyer sound not as much cruch
rhrboy10 1 year ago
Hello different person here under same user (bro) so do I loosen the black thing holdng the pickup as well?
129jasaxos 1 year ago
dude!! great vid! thanks!!!! sounds like 85 has more low end. like it.
liquor1978 1 year ago
Hello peoples my emg 85 on the neck position sounds terribly muddy. Any help? I have a peavy vypyr and a schecter Damien elite. Nothing else
129jasaxos 1 year ago
@129jasaxos try a 24 volt mod.theres kits on ebay for like $10.Ive heard it really opens up EMGs.Other than that,it may be your amp.what are you playin through?
rockerdude29 1 year ago
@rockerdude29 oh ok ill look in took that. i run through a peavy vypyr 30watt.
129jasaxos 1 year ago
I wish i was walking round with Emgs coming out of my pockets lol!
furyfueled 1 year ago 26
I like the 81 one more, sorry for double.
Wojteo92 1 year ago
Best guitar tone i heard ^^
Wojteo92 1 year ago
My guitar guy did that to one of my guitars. Next week Im getting my other guitars done with the 85 at the bridge and the 81 at the neck and having 11's put on and dropped to B.
TempestaRiggs 1 year ago
The 81 sounds meaner... the 85 is a little too muddy IMO. I think I just like the way the 81 is voiced better in the bridge. They both sound good though.
tvelt17 1 year ago
For some reason I hate the 81 because every time I try to use one its so god damn thin and fizzy. I mean what the hell do I do wrong.
ninjabob3000 1 year ago
hey i bough a schecter omen 6 on a pawn shop with an emg on the bridge, the question is how do i know if its an 85 or 81 etc etc just opening from the back of the guitar or from the front? i dont want to mess up things
zhad0wf0x 1 year ago
@zhad0wf0x The 81 has EMG written on it in silver. The 85 has EMG written in Gold. EMGs passive pickups are the HZ series, and do not apply to this demo.
SerratedSmiles 1 year ago
@SerratedSmiles thnx for the info man, i have an 81 on the bridge then, as far as i know 81 is better on neck and 85 on bridge isnt it? i,ll save money for an 85 :p
zhad0wf0x 1 year ago
Very useful video! Thanks a lot!
elwelcom 1 year ago
good vid. was exactly what i was looking for.
xrockstrongox 1 year ago
dude ur rig is gorgeous
THExMOOSExGOTxLOOSE 1 year ago
is 85 or 81 better for soloing?
iRaiseTheDead 1 year ago
Mizike, what is your opinion on Seymour Duncan Blackouts? I play most of my time lead stuff, what you should think it's the best decision?
LordBaal616 1 year ago
Very very informative video - thanks brownhog72 : )
svenzia 1 year ago
it just seems like the 85 has more articulation than the 81. Thanks for the demo.
thomguerra 1 year ago
Hey man you have to do a lot more to compare them fairly. You need to do some lead playing, and some heavy palm mute stuff.... I think the advantage of the 81 is in those areas. It has more clarity in palm muted rhythms. But the 85 is more full on chords.
Norbix 1 year ago
Mizike thanks for the video man, U seved me a lot of time I just purchased a used guitar and I checked the wiring diagram from EMG's Site and noticed they where swaped I was just about to swap them the way they suposed to be.
But no wonder why they where that way lol I guess the previous owner had the same taste man I totaly agree with you the 85 on the bridge sound's A LOT better than the 81.
mikebike74 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hey Mizike... Thanks for the great videos! Do you like Seymour Duncan Blackouts? I have been trying to decide whether to get EMG's or Seymour Duncan Blackout. Some people love the Seymours, some love the EMG's... I've also been considering the Mick Thomson Blackouts as well. What's your opinion??? Keep up the good work!
mdwayne74 1 year ago
Hey Mizike... Thanks for the great videos! Do you like Seymour Duncan Blackouts? I have been trying to decide whether to get EMG's or Seymour Duncan Blackout. Some people love the Seymours, some love the EMG's... I've also been considering the Mick Thomson Blackouts as well. What's your opinion??? Keep up the good work!
mdwayne74 1 year ago
I wanna swap out my two 81's for a 85/60 set for my les paul
Shit would be so cash.
aligatorsandwitch72 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Emg 81 pick up's have more out put for leads, harmonics, and has longer sustain. 85's are made for rhythm, and has more balls for sure. I have a pair a 81z in my Esp ltd M-300Fm, it definitly screams lead guitar.
BboyArpeggios 1 year ago
Would you recommend the 85 in the bridge for drop C?
csmorgan 1 year ago
Comment removed
BboyArpeggios 1 year ago
85 has pretty nasty harmonics and a lot warmer sound whick kicks ass
dante2k8 1 year ago
@dante2k8 Yeah, it uses a Alnico V magnet which gives it a more Vintage sound.
GuitarRocks23455 1 year ago
it also depends if you like playing lead or rhythm the 85 should go in the neck if you like solos or the bridge if you like the rhythm
megadeth3151 1 year ago
@megadeth3151 ty for this input... cuz i LOVE rhythm and riffing :P
CoolParkourName 1 year ago
Awesome vid! Thanks for doing this!
PlayTilTheyBleed 1 year ago
my Tele has EMG 81 bridge and 60 in the neck I may try what you did
Gothman 1 year ago
play solo
sherman97103020 1 year ago
i saw the first 5 seconds of this video and SUBSCRIBED!
tokyosan1 1 year ago
Mizike you should mice your cab so we can hear better the difference in the sounds you are giving us, but as usual great job!
diegux9 1 year ago
60/81
pipeofdoom 1 year ago
81/81 i Like!
Clebertj 1 year ago
85/85
dekzan 1 year ago
i think the 85 sounds brighter in the bridge. doesnt metallica use EMG 81/81?
RockWillNvrDie 1 year ago
Im thinking about getting new pickups and im stuck with idea of getting 85-X/60-X. Did anyone try this configuration? Are they really what the company says (more headroom and organic sound bullcrap)?
Dziadoslav 1 year ago
You'd think if you got all that money for high quality gear, you'd have a decent microphone to record with
InFringeMent7 1 year ago
whats better for the neck 85 or 60? or better yet which one is rounder and more articulate.
rockerdude29 1 year ago
Nice comparison, you are a very good player btw :D
laloed33 1 year ago
Midnite,,MOFO!! How about both EMG 81/85..? thats what I got so Ive better like it
wisesatyr72 1 year ago
the 85 is for chunky riffs the 81 is for lead solos i have the 85 in the neck, but i switch pickups when plays different styles
DanBeynon1986 1 year ago
The 81/60 set beats the 81/85 set for me, and it also beats the dual 85's u say you use. I tried dual 85's if a friends guitar and switched to the 81/60, the 81/60 has it hands down. The 60 gives more sustain in the neck and a little more gain than the 85.
SevrenSavage 1 year ago
good job, thanks for test man
vileguile 1 year ago
The 81 seemed to have a little more bite which makes sense to put it in the bridge
muzikscud23 1 year ago
have you tried the 89 and 89r at all? and if so how useful is the single coil sound?
I know the 89 in humbucker mode is the same as the 85.
mickyhodge 1 year ago
Great video !Very useful.Thanks Dude!
carboncage 1 year ago
Great video bro
josefrancisco6969 1 year ago
are you playing with both pickups activated at the same time or JUST the 85 and the 81?
damillionmalania 1 year ago
que arte el negro cn la camisa de españa
pamatarnos8 1 year ago
thanks a lot man, now i know my decision!!
genocideist 1 year ago