Wd
The classic
Ordered this pickup a while ago for a project, used it in bridge position (with SA in the neck).
There are lot of stereotypes of EMG pickups on the internet, but screw them. Does it sound like a 59 Les Paul pup? Hell no.
But it is not supposed to. It is bright, aggressive, but can be tamed with volume pot. It balances well with active single coil in the neck too, giving the middle position a bit of extra depth and complexity.
Obviously, if you want best active pickups on the market, completely ignoring the cost, go for the Fishman Fluences. However, EMG 85 makes a compelling option both for bridge and neck positions.
There are lot of stereotypes of EMG pickups on the internet, but screw them. Does it sound like a 59 Les Paul pup? Hell no.
But it is not supposed to. It is bright, aggressive, but can be tamed with volume pot. It balances well with active single coil in the neck too, giving the middle position a bit of extra depth and complexity.
Obviously, if you want best active pickups on the market, completely ignoring the cost, go for the Fishman Fluences. However, EMG 85 makes a compelling option both for bridge and neck positions.
1
1
Report
TH
EMG 85
hi,
Fantastic active pickup for neck position.
Gives full and fat "neck sound" both overdriven and clean.
Tomasz
Fantastic active pickup for neck position.
Gives full and fat "neck sound" both overdriven and clean.
Tomasz
2
0
Report
A
Great pickups
I bought this pickup together with the 81 for my ESP Horizon from 2000, which had stock pickups. For the style we play in the band (thrash), the sound is a huge leap from previous pickups. For rock to brutal metal, it's highly recommended. Cleans on this one (neck) are also actually quite well defined and warm.
The second great thing is the solderless approach. It comes with the needed pots, and without having much guitar tech knowledge, I managed to install everything correctly, until I came to the point to solder them to the selection switch... this I got a tech to do, as I don't know how to solder. Nevertheless, very good idea from EMG.
The second great thing is the solderless approach. It comes with the needed pots, and without having much guitar tech knowledge, I managed to install everything correctly, until I came to the point to solder them to the selection switch... this I got a tech to do, as I don't know how to solder. Nevertheless, very good idea from EMG.
0
0
Report
J
Doubled the value of my guitar!
I bought this pickup to upgrade my matt black Epiphone SG Junior.
The pickup costs almost as much as the guitar but it was worth every cent. The sound is great with high sustain, excellent clarity.
Installation is very easy with this solderless design. Just make sure you have room for the 9V battery.
The pickup costs almost as much as the guitar but it was worth every cent. The sound is great with high sustain, excellent clarity.
Installation is very easy with this solderless design. Just make sure you have room for the 9V battery.
0
0
Report
Q
For my Les Paul
I love the sound of EMGs, some do and some don't, I do, clear, clean, noiseless, easy to install, what mre could you want? Stu :)>>>
0
0
Report
t
one of the best EMG pickups
I use it in the bridge position paired with 81 in the neck. sounds a bit fuller and more round than the 81, a more modern sound I would say. Its a nice change after using 81 in the bridge in all of my guitars for so many years.
very big thumbs up for EMG for including the pots and wiring, unlike SD pickups.
very big thumbs up for EMG for including the pots and wiring, unlike SD pickups.
0
0
Report
D
Best for bridge
My favorite for the bridge position.
Very aggressive and fat!
Very aggressive and fat!
0
0
Report
c
The perfect complement to the 81... but can stand alone
Classically paired with the 81, it ands a slightly fatter, more mellow tone, in the neck position (never tried it in the bridge position)? but could be used as a neck position in combination with another pickup, as it has a character of it's own.
0
0
Report
S
EEMMGG
No doubt ! its EMG !
The best Black Witch Ever !
The best Black Witch Ever !
0
0
Report
RN
Also very good
I paired this with a EMG 81, it worked beautifully. As expected , really. Still, both the 81 and the 85 are good microphones., read up and use them where they shine. (No coil switching, lower output impedance. neglible hum)
0
0
Report
