@@jmcsquared18 Often times, I would bet it is echo-chamber nonsense. Sure some don't like it after they've actually tried it, but I'm pretty certain many or just play follow the leader and listen to whoever sounds "authoritative" to them and derive their opinions from other's opinions. It's basically just another type of logical fallacy, or stupidity. And stupidity is all around in many forms.
@@elliottd8329 Yes, running the pre X preamp series on a higher voltage certainly changes the sound and the response. As to which is better is, like anything else, down to personal taste.
@@SamBrockmannnot at all. I simply mean it's not the worst pickup, and doesn't deserve the hate it gets, especially considering it was used on the some of the most classic and influential metal records of all time. Should that stop up from looking for new pickups? No. Does the fact that there's new pickups mean this is the worst? No.
The emg sound was one of the reasons I got into guitar. Hearing Metallica, slipknot and black label society. Actually had my first guitar an Ibanez mikro modded with the 81/85. Because of mick Thompson. I will admit that I like the clarity and high mids that the fishman fluence moderns have. Since getting a Jackson dk ht6 ms. But there’s something classic and iconic about the low mid growl of the 81. Just sounds aggressive and menacing.
I never really considered the 81 to have "growl". I've always associated the 81 with a sharp attack, but somewhat nasal tone. Now the Duncan EMTY Mick Thomson bridge, which was obviously based on the 81, retains most of the famous attack and tight low, but changed the midrange for more growl. Unfortunately I've found the Duncan Blackouts preamps to be a bit fragile. The older EMG preamp that is built into the pre X series pickups is bulletproof.
I think the EMG 81 is one of the best sounding metal pickups out there. Something that I’d like to add to this discussion, is the fact that that these were made during a time where most rock/metal players were playing a Marshall 2203 or something similar. And these pickups are the perfect companion for a light to medium gain amp with a boost in front like a Tube Screamer or SD-1. So what might seem over compressed and not dynamic enough in front of a more modern voiced amp. Is just right for the amps from back in the day.
This pickup can save your life, because it doesn't require grounding to the bridge or strings. If you gig somewhere where the PA and guitar amp power are on a different circuit, you get a voltage transfer when your lips touch the microphone. If you are using a tube amp, you can possibly get the high voltage from the power tube capacitors. On top of that, you can put this pickup on a toilet seat, and still get the same sound. Personally, I liked it, but I used it on my Charvels while touring during the 90's, so I wouldn't get electrocuted. THAT is what it's actually for.
81 is a classic at this point. It has a thing and it does it well. Weirdly I think of Lukather from the late 80's to mid 00's before all the metal stuff
Kids these days! :-D I'm also born in the 70s, grew up in 80s, still listen to Trash! Got an EMG 85/81 set in my Main Ride, 2018 LTD Arrow 401. Keep thrashin' Dunn! \m/
Great video!! I use the Emg 81,85,81X and the 81-7X. I use them because the sound great ( classic Metallica tone :) and they are literally the easiest in the world to install. The solderless connections are a piece of cake to work with; also they are plug and play with any other EMG pickup. The X series does require a couple wires to be switched but no big deal. I also love the other pickups, no problems, I just choose EMG for me
The 81 is a cool pickup, but i’d argue it’s a cool pickup because of how it can handle being used without the need of any kind of boost pedal to achieve really tight high gain tones. With that being said, i’d argue pickups like the Lace Deathbucker is an even better pickups because of how you can use it in a similar context to an EMG 81, but because it has a lot more dynamic response it’s perfect for boosting the front end of whatever amplifier you’re using at the moment with a clean mid boost that adds only a level boost to whatever amp you’re using and not just a tube screamer or an overdrive for boosting into high gain. I’m getting a set installed in a 7 string Schecter Hellraiser so that i can have a versatile guitar rig for achieving really tight and precise high gain guitar tones but the EMG also does a really good job at doing the same thing as well. One more thing that you can do with an EMG 81 in the bridge is that because it has such a flat EQ curve you can use a 6 band graphic EQ to boost the front end of whatever amplifier you’re using and it’ll allow you to boost the midrange without sacrificing any of the dynamic character that the EMG does have.
@@DUNN.. of course, dude! I see people saying similar stuff about the EMG 81 and it seems as if a lot of people don’t really seem to understand that not every method for achieving certain tones is going to be the same across the board. Different pieces of gear interact very differently from each other and at the end of the day the most important thing to take into consideration is how different pieces of gear interact with each other and how you can use the ways they interact with each other to get closer to the tone that you want out of your guitar.
The main complaint I hear is that they're too slammed, a quick increase in voltage sorts that out if it's not to your liking. I think at some point it's just become cool to hate on em.
@@DUNN.. I use the 24v mod. It's just a battery holder that fits anywhere a regular 9v does. Holds 2 tiny 12v batteries available at pretty much any supermarket.
I prefer passive, but have certainly owned plenty of emg equiped guitars. As far as the attached yarn of people confusing opinions as fact, and presenting biases as some sorta rulebook -i couldnt agree more. You should put a floyd on it to really make people lose their minds :)
They'll be forming a nob to burn you at the stake for that. I might be even more heretical for suggesting a Kahler... And telling people that - purely on the grounds of personal preference - it's better(!) Why stop at upsetting one set of elitists?
Oh good grief. That has to be the Gibson fanboys whining and yanging at people using EMG pickups in Les Pauls. Those are my favorite scumbags to “engage” with. Wonderful job on the video.
Active pick ups usually have great tone and I like the fact there's no buzzing or noise coming from them. Seymour Duncan Blackouts and EMG are my favorite. Still haven't had a sustainiac yet will be trying those next.
@@patrickshannon4516 haven’t tried one but would definitely like to. I can definitely see the potential and possibilities it has . It’s definitely for the more shred type players
I had a couple of entry level guitars back when I was learning as a teenager in the mid 2000s. I put a set of EMGs in both guitars back then mainly because the guitarists I looked up to used them. Truth be told I don't think I could tell the difference in the sound at the time. I bought a new guitar for the first time in about 20 years at the beginning of this year and initially thought the passive pickups sounded really good and I'd wasted my time back in my childhood but when I refurbished my old Jackson with the EMGs I could finally hear the difference. They sounded way better in my opinion and objectively good to my ear. For such an old design they even hold well up against my most recent buy which has a set of Fishman Fluence pickups (which I also quite like). I've never realised the hate towards the EMGs until recently. Kind of glad I was ignorant to it in my youth :)
LOГ, At first i was downcast, but then i realized that it was some kind of joke because the EMG81 is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And i have two EMG 81s, one was bought at thomann and installed manually, and the other came from the factory with ESP LTD Guitar. And you won’t believe it, but they sound a little different, the new one from thomann sounds for some reason more with a slightly emphasized midrange and definitely sounds more in the upper frequencies, I don’t even know what this is connected with.
I’ve got the 81 in 4 guitars 😂and the comments Ive received about not being allowed to put one in a Les Paul or how crap they are is funny. So I thought I’d make a video having a laugh about it. It’s definitely a click bait thumbnail 😂
I put the 81/85 set in my Franken Dinky in 2007, and I'm playing it rn, sounds as great as ever...thru my JCM 900 4100 Dual Reverb. suck it dry, haters.
Bought one of the Adam Jones custom art series from Epiphone, specifically to put EMG's in. It's a Frank Frazetta "The Berserker" edition. If thats not metal as fuck. What is? It's probably the only one in existence on the face of the earth. People will say I've devalued it? How can you devalue a guitar by putting pickups you prefer in it? Very strange world we're living in. Peace!
The 81 is a classic and I have tried them all, from scream to clean it gets the job done! I actually use the 81 in the bridge and neck positions and it rocks azz!!!!
I’m normally a passive pickup guy, but in my opinion, the 81 is the standard for an active tone. You can always add an EQ and make frequency adjustments, which is why I’ve never understood the hate.
EMGs are great, lots of options, they're all reasonably priced, they're really easy to install, they are practically noiseless, and when you order directly from EMG, you'll discover that EMG hsve some of the best customer service in the business too.
i dont like active pickups but, so many albums recorded with emg just speaks for it self, there is reason for that in the end, use whatever you like the best
Would it be fair to use this analogy… Putting EMG’s in a guitar is putting NOS in a Dodge Challenger!! It may not need it, but it sure makes it more destructive!!
81 85 sound mean. What ever axe it's in. If people don't like that spend the extra cash and go fishman fluence moderns. But I have emgs in 2 of my guitars. Love them. I even too black outs out and put emgs in
It's not my first choice pickup, but if I'm tuning down below D standard I find my favourite passive pickups just can't handle it and then I switch to the 81/85! The EMGs just have a clarity on the low tunings that I can't get from my usual passive pickups! Though I still prefer my passives for E standard, E flat and D standard!
I wanted to like the 85 so bad, but there was sooooo much low-mid in it when I had it in my main guitar. They were nasally and stuffy. With an EQ in the front dialing the stuffiness back, it was god tier. I just didn't wanna be tethered to that. I have the Retro-active Fat 55s now and they are just like my two favorite passives: pearly gates and 3rd Power Praxis+. Super clear and great for chugs
Hey mate its me. I just wanted to let hou know, i was practicing the cc scourge of iron solo and I did skip ahead to do the other lart which I finished those but im still stuck on the beggining and end. But a lil practice will do. Btw, thanks for the vid laat night. It helped me out a lot man.
The only thing I don't like about my EMG 81/85 equipped guitar is having to change a battery once every 1-2 years. I'd probably prefer a high output passive but not strongly enough to justify the money it would cost to get them installed. As long as they're working, they're what I'll happily use.
I could never get into the forums and such....I'm only 38 but I'm just not one for having discourse with people on the internet. Sure, I might leave comments on youtube videos but I never reply to replies. I say what I want...don't care what others think. I do have EMGs (81/85 set) in my Schecter and I have no problem with them. I'm considering upgrading them to another set of EMGs, maybe the Gary Holt set, just to try something different for a change. I've only used EMGs, as far as active pickups go, so I don't really have anything to compare with. All the metal bands that I want to sound like, use EMG 81s, so, I'm happy with them, too.
My Les Paul standard is also slammed with EMGs. The Les Paul and EMGs are a classic combo. Of course I also am not a fan of Gibson’s PAF humbuckers to begin with.
I find the 81 works well for some things and not well at all for other things. I am a fan of Fishman Fluence Modern pickups. But I am considering putting an EMG 81 in my second guitar.
In my opinion EMG Are the Most Industry standard Pick-up in Rock/metal industry alongside with Seymour Duncan and Fishman fluence i like three of them, I don't give A F*ck about What people said it Calling Emg have no Dynamic it's Sucks they're Just Stupidity of nitpicking in the internet Don't trusted everyone
I am admittedly not the biggest fan of them, the tone and feel just isn't my favorite. No doubt that many of my favorite albums had guitarists utilizing them but we are all different. One of my 5 guitars has the 81/85 set. Love that guitar and I think about doing a pickup swap sometimes but that being said it is nice to have options especially with different amps. Your playing sounds as awesome as always here. 🤘🏻
@Dunn mate, have you tried running the 81 on 24 volts? Very easy mod to do and it makes them sound even better! Got them in almost all my guitars. To be honest a lot of people on guitar internet spaces are some dog cunts. It's why I like your channel, you're a straight up bloke who doesn't peddle bullshit.
If you ever get to the point where an EMG 81 can’t keep up with your insane picking and playing technique, EMG will be asking you for advice on how to improve. Follow what you like and not someone else’s opinion of what they think you should like - Metal 101
I would hope the emg 81 wasn't shit, I wanna get one for my Jackon and another for my Ltd! I've never heard anything bad about the emg 81 in a guitar world article they're number 3 as one of the best!
I got hooked with the 81 because of the lot of metalcore I listened to, so bands like Bullet for My Valentine, Killswitch Engage (at least I think before Joel and Adam endorsed Fishman), Atreyu (Curse era, maybe), and all those bands among the vast majority. I mean, it was very common to see at least one 2000s metalcore band use EMGs for their sound. And yeah, as Liam said in another comment, if you can't get a good tone with an 81, *plug in*. It's not that hard, dude.
Ive never had a guitar with active pickups. I just cant see spending $300 on pickups for a $500 guitar because Id have to replace everything instead of just dropping in a $100 pickup. They do sound killer though but I can get that tone with a PAF Pro and a boost pedal.
In my opinion, EMG 81 have overcompressed sound, and its not good for dynamic. Blackuts more flexible, if you looking for a active pickups. But the way, you can add build-up booster directly to guitar for best results with ANY passive pickup. Thanks,man)
I don't understand why people have that opinion. If you're playing through a ton of gain, how can the pickup be over compressed? If I play clean with them, they aren't compressed, the just put out a lot of volume, but you can still get very soft notes just like any pickup. I can't pick hard enough for them to max out the headroom either. It makes no sense. All amps compress the tone, if you have too much just back off the gain. Also in regards to bad picking technique, that opinion also belongs in the same bin as "high gain is used by bad players to hide mistakes" completely glossing over the fact that high gain and compression actually require much cleaner and more precise playing as your mistakes actually come through louder. If EMGs compress the tone (which I don't believe) and are a crutch, then so are overdrive pedals, compressors and any type of amp distortion. In my view, these pickups sound better than anything else for certain sounds. Picking the best tool for the job isn't cheating, and isn't a crutch. It just makes sense. Also jazz players use EMGs. So did some of the best 80s session players who used them to create some of the most iconic guitar sounds, many of which were clean.
@Patrick-857 , it sounds like you need to use your ears, if you cannot tell how high gain can be overcompressed. Start by listening to Metallica's "Death Magnetic". Come back when you get it.
They are too shrill for my taste in the bridge position, I have to do a lot of equalisation to make it sound good. It's actually a really good neck pickup even at 9 volts. The 18 volt mod (or even 24 volt) makes it better. The new "X" series sound better to my ears. The original configuration was 81 in the neck, and 85 in the bridge, and I think they sound best that way. The 81 in the bridge and 85 in the neck thing came to prominence with Zakk Wylde. I don't remember anyone using them that way around until he came along. The 81 doesn't suck, and it's certainly not the worst pickup ever, I like it in the neck position because it's so tight sounding!! 🤔😁
@@DOUGLASaraujosoares it’s definitely real . And you’re not allowed to put EMG’s in a Les Paul you paid for. This whole video is a laugh at how passionate people are about equipment.
@@DUNN.. Here in Brazil, we have similar problems when a famous guitarrist Marcelo Barbosa try to explain why he does not like playing with Les Pauls and a lot of people demonize him because of that. I think that is the thing with people with too much time on internet and hating people for nothing, not a single profissional musician criticize, just a bunch of kids and low class musicians. It's about the same with the EMG. People just like to trash talk
Hating on the 81 is pure echo-chamber sh1t.
No it's not. I dislike the EMG 81 but it's not the worst ever made. I just strongly prefer passives to actives.
You sound like you have spent more than your fair share in your own echo chamber. 😂😂
The 24v mod is great
@@jmcsquared18 Often times, I would bet it is echo-chamber nonsense. Sure some don't like it after they've actually tried it, but I'm pretty certain many or just play follow the leader and listen to whoever sounds "authoritative" to them and derive their opinions from other's opinions.
It's basically just another type of logical fallacy, or stupidity. And stupidity is all around in many forms.
@@elliottd8329
Yes, running the pre X preamp series on a higher voltage certainly changes the sound and the response.
As to which is better is, like anything else, down to personal taste.
For people that can't get a good tone with an emg 81 plug ya fucking guitar in 😂
😂😂😂
The emg 81 is an excellent pickup that gives you "THAT SOUND", but the 24v mod elevates it to a whole new level of awesomeness
You mean the Best pickup ever made !
For real, I’ve got 4 guitars with them
I never understood the hate. Raining Blood was written and recorded with em.… case closed!
that's a trash guitar tone though... still not the 81's fault.
So, what you're saying is, because it was great 40 years ago, we should stop and no longer bother to find better pickups. 😂😂
@@SamBrockmannnot at all. I simply mean it's not the worst pickup, and doesn't deserve the hate it gets, especially considering it was used on the some of the most classic and influential metal records of all time.
Should that stop up from looking for new pickups? No.
Does the fact that there's new pickups mean this is the worst? No.
@@paulfleming5031, ok, for sure. I agree with all of that.
Reign in blood...agree, ask Kerry King...
The emg sound was one of the reasons I got into guitar. Hearing Metallica, slipknot and black label society.
Actually had my first guitar an Ibanez mikro modded with the 81/85. Because of mick Thompson.
I will admit that I like the clarity and high mids that the fishman fluence moderns have. Since getting a Jackson dk ht6 ms.
But there’s something classic and iconic about the low mid growl of the 81. Just sounds aggressive and menacing.
I never really considered the 81 to have "growl".
I've always associated the 81 with a sharp attack, but somewhat nasal tone.
Now the Duncan EMTY Mick Thomson bridge, which was obviously based on the 81, retains most of the famous attack and tight low, but changed the midrange for more growl.
Unfortunately I've found the Duncan Blackouts preamps to be a bit fragile.
The older EMG preamp that is built into the pre X series pickups is bulletproof.
I think the EMG 81 is one of the best sounding metal pickups out there.
Something that I’d like to add to this discussion, is the fact that that these were made during a time where most rock/metal players were playing a Marshall 2203 or something similar. And these pickups are the perfect companion for a light to medium gain amp with a boost in front like a Tube Screamer or SD-1.
So what might seem over compressed and not dynamic enough in front of a more modern voiced amp. Is just right for the amps from back in the day.
Your playing is sick!! Love the Death Metal riffs 🤘🏼
Thank you 🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻
81 is just as iconic as the JB or Super Distortion.
For real 🤘🏻
Just the 81
This pickup can save your life, because it doesn't require grounding to the bridge or strings.
If you gig somewhere where the PA and guitar amp power are on a different circuit, you get a voltage transfer when your lips touch the microphone. If you are using a tube amp, you can possibly get the high voltage from the power tube capacitors.
On top of that, you can put this pickup on a toilet seat, and still get the same sound.
Personally, I liked it, but I used it on my Charvels while touring during the 90's, so I wouldn't get electrocuted.
THAT is what it's actually for.
I've owned many 81s since 1985. Great pickup.
81 is a classic at this point. It has a thing and it does it well. Weirdly I think of Lukather from the late 80's to mid 00's before all the metal stuff
They were huge in Strats in the 80’s
Come back to this video just to listen to you shred and get pumped on my EMG 81 I've just ordered!
It’s a classic for a reason 🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻
I put Zakk Wylde EMG 81 & 85 in my 1978 Gibson SG and I laughed at the people that didn't like that.
Damn in a 78, that would've really upset the purists
As my father often says: "Hey, it's bound to annoy _some_ c*nt". Good job, great sound.
I've never had an 81, but I put a 57/66 set in my SG and I LOVE them.
EMG could be crap or the internet could be a rotting fish carcus of lies
It’s what anyone wants it to be
Kids these days! :-D I'm also born in the 70s, grew up in 80s, still listen to Trash! Got an EMG 85/81 set in my Main Ride, 2018 LTD Arrow 401. Keep thrashin' Dunn! \m/
You know what’s up brother, I was so excited and happy when I got my first 81
The 81 or the 85 are my two favorite bridge pickups. Nothing but love for the 81 here.
Great video!! I use the Emg 81,85,81X and the 81-7X. I use them because the sound great ( classic Metallica tone :) and they are literally the easiest in the world to install. The solderless connections are a piece of cake to work with; also they are plug and play with any other EMG pickup. The X series does require a couple wires to be switched but no big deal. I also love the other pickups, no problems, I just choose EMG for me
I’d like to try the 81-7
I really like it. It takes a good bit of muddiness out of that B string, especially when it’s tuned to A or G#
The 81 is a cool pickup, but i’d argue it’s a cool pickup because of how it can handle being used without the need of any kind of boost pedal to achieve really tight high gain tones.
With that being said, i’d argue pickups like the Lace Deathbucker is an even better pickups because of how you can use it in a similar context to an EMG 81, but because it has a lot more dynamic response it’s perfect for boosting the front end of whatever amplifier you’re using at the moment with a clean mid boost that adds only a level boost to whatever amp you’re using and not just a tube screamer or an overdrive for boosting into high gain.
I’m getting a set installed in a 7 string Schecter Hellraiser so that i can have a versatile guitar rig for achieving really tight and precise high gain guitar tones but the EMG also does a really good job at doing the same thing as well.
One more thing that you can do with an EMG 81 in the bridge is that because it has such a flat EQ curve you can use a 6 band graphic EQ to boost the front end of whatever amplifier you’re using and it’ll allow you to boost the midrange without sacrificing any of the dynamic character that the EMG does have.
Awesome points , thank you for your detailed comment
@@DUNN.. of course, dude! I see people saying similar stuff about the EMG 81 and it seems as if a lot of people don’t really seem to understand that not every method for achieving certain tones is going to be the same across the board. Different pieces of gear interact very differently from each other and at the end of the day the most important thing to take into consideration is how different pieces of gear interact with each other and how you can use the ways they interact with each other to get closer to the tone that you want out of your guitar.
The main complaint I hear is that they're too slammed, a quick increase in voltage sorts that out if it's not to your liking. I think at some point it's just become cool to hate on em.
Definitely need to try this voltage mod
@@DUNN.. I use the 24v mod. It's just a battery holder that fits anywhere a regular 9v does. Holds 2 tiny 12v batteries available at pretty much any supermarket.
I’ll check it out
I prefer passive, but have certainly owned plenty of emg equiped guitars.
As far as the attached yarn of people confusing opinions as fact, and presenting biases as some sorta rulebook -i couldnt agree more.
You should put a floyd on it to really make people lose their minds :)
People would lose it 😂😂😂
They'll be forming a nob to burn you at the stake for that.
I might be even more heretical for suggesting a Kahler... And telling people that - purely on the grounds of personal preference - it's better(!)
Why stop at upsetting one set of elitists?
😂😂😂
Oh good grief. That has to be the Gibson fanboys whining and yanging at people using EMG pickups in Les Pauls. Those are my favorite scumbags to “engage” with. Wonderful job on the video.
The internet is so funny 😂😂
Active pick ups usually have great tone and I like the fact there's no buzzing or noise coming from them. Seymour Duncan Blackouts and EMG are my favorite. Still haven't had a sustainiac yet will be trying those next.
I’m liking the blackouts over the EMG’s for more extreme distortion and harmonics but the EMG’s will always be a classic for me
@@DUNN.. have you tried the sustaniac and do you like it or is there no reason to have that much sustain?
@@patrickshannon4516 haven’t tried one but would definitely like to. I can definitely see the potential and possibilities it has . It’s definitely for the more shred type players
Internet culture...... the gateway to idiocracy. Thrash on!
81’s are like all gear, each to their own. I love them, others don’t.
Idk,
I clicked because the title seemed outlandish.
I guess the most popular pickups always have haters,
But it is incredibly popular.
I had a couple of entry level guitars back when I was learning as a teenager in the mid 2000s. I put a set of EMGs in both guitars back then mainly because the guitarists I looked up to used them. Truth be told I don't think I could tell the difference in the sound at the time. I bought a new guitar for the first time in about 20 years at the beginning of this year and initially thought the passive pickups sounded really good and I'd wasted my time back in my childhood but when I refurbished my old Jackson with the EMGs I could finally hear the difference. They sounded way better in my opinion and objectively good to my ear. For such an old design they even hold well up against my most recent buy which has a set of Fishman Fluence pickups (which I also quite like). I've never realised the hate towards the EMGs until recently. Kind of glad I was ignorant to it in my youth :)
LOГ, At first i was downcast, but then i realized that it was some kind of joke because the EMG81 is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And i have two EMG 81s, one was bought at thomann and installed manually, and the other came from the factory with ESP LTD Guitar. And you won’t believe it, but they sound a little different, the new one from thomann sounds for some reason more with a slightly emphasized midrange and definitely sounds more in the upper frequencies, I don’t even know what this is connected with.
I’ve got the 81 in 4 guitars 😂and the comments Ive received about not being allowed to put one in a Les Paul or how crap they are is funny. So I thought I’d make a video having a laugh about it. It’s definitely a click bait thumbnail 😂
The 81 is beautiful. Idfc what anyone else says!
My go to pick up my whole life.
Good enough for Slayer, Metallica, Cannibal Corpse, etc etc etc- good enough for me.
Sounds fantastic 💯🤘🏻💪
Dude it sounds sick!!
I put the 81/85 set in my Franken Dinky in 2007, and I'm playing it rn, sounds as great as ever...thru my JCM 900 4100 Dual Reverb.
suck it dry, haters.
Seymour Duncan Distortions and EMG 81/85 are the most bad ass pickups! Fight me!
Bought one of the Adam Jones custom art series from Epiphone, specifically to put EMG's in. It's a Frank Frazetta "The Berserker" edition. If thats not metal as fuck. What is? It's probably the only one in existence on the face of the earth.
People will say I've devalued it? How can you devalue a guitar by putting pickups you prefer in it? Very strange world we're living in. Peace!
The 81 is a classic and I have tried them all, from scream to clean it gets the job done! I actually use the 81 in the bridge and neck positions and it rocks azz!!!!
If your looking for something that picks up some serious pinch harmonics the EMGs and Dimebuckers are where it's at for sure.
I really hate the tone-wood believing, PAF-loving, Strat-stroking, bass-fingering, tone-knob rolling GEEZERS who try to gatekeep guitar playing...
I’m normally a passive pickup guy, but in my opinion, the 81 is the standard for an active tone. You can always add an EQ and make frequency adjustments, which is why I’ve never understood the hate.
EMGs are great, lots of options, they're all reasonably priced, they're really easy to install, they are practically noiseless, and when you order directly from EMG, you'll discover that EMG hsve some of the best customer service in the business too.
I have a schecter c-1 platinum that has EMG 81/85. Thing sounds great.
i dont like active pickups but, so many albums recorded with emg just speaks for it self, there is reason for that
in the end, use whatever you like the best
Would it be fair to use this analogy…
Putting EMG’s in a guitar is putting NOS in a Dodge Challenger!! It may not need it, but it sure makes it more destructive!!
81 85 sound mean. What ever axe it's in. If people don't like that spend the extra cash and go fishman fluence moderns. But I have emgs in 2 of my guitars. Love them. I even too black outs out and put emgs in
The funniest for me is people who get upset I put them in a Les Paul 😂😂
Fishman Moderns feel totally different.
@@kambionI tried a guitar in the music shop with them. Prefer EMGs.
It's not my first choice pickup, but if I'm tuning down below D standard I find my favourite passive pickups just can't handle it and then I switch to the 81/85! The EMGs just have a clarity on the low tunings that I can't get from my usual passive pickups! Though I still prefer my passives for E standard, E flat and D standard!
You'll get even more clarity with a voltage bump.
The classic series are rated safe to 27v, so a simple 18 or 24v bump is always worth a try.
Great video 🎸 once again
I'm a drummer but love guitar,emg 81,85's and the old seymor duncan screamin' demons.
People who don't like EMG 's are sinners! I'm an 85 guy.
85 works awesome as a bridge pickup 🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻
I wanted to like the 85 so bad, but there was sooooo much low-mid in it when I had it in my main guitar. They were nasally and stuffy. With an EQ in the front dialing the stuffiness back, it was god tier. I just didn't wanna be tethered to that. I have the Retro-active Fat 55s now and they are just like my two favorite passives: pearly gates and 3rd Power Praxis+. Super clear and great for chugs
81’s are like pancakes and bacon … I can’t live without the 3 of them!
Hey mate its me. I just wanted to let hou know, i was practicing the cc scourge of iron solo and I did skip ahead to do the other lart which I finished those but im still stuck on the beggining and end. But a lil practice will do. Btw, thanks for the vid laat night. It helped me out a lot man.
I love the tone, how did you achieve it?
Neural DSP Soldano plug-in.
Correct
I clicked on the click bait anyway….because we all know the 81 rules.
Full click bait 😂😂
The only thing I don't like about my EMG 81/85 equipped guitar is having to change a battery once every 1-2 years. I'd probably prefer a high output passive but not strongly enough to justify the money it would cost to get them installed. As long as they're working, they're what I'll happily use.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium 9v. 10 year shelf life and something like 3x the capacity.
what’s with the sweatband?
Comfort
Its the fuckin goat 🐐
People will spend $2k on a Kiesel and don't even own an actual amp anymore. Interfacing makes opinions on pickups almost pointless.
I could never get into the forums and such....I'm only 38 but I'm just not one for having discourse with people on the internet. Sure, I might leave comments on youtube videos but I never reply to replies. I say what I want...don't care what others think.
I do have EMGs (81/85 set) in my Schecter and I have no problem with them. I'm considering upgrading them to another set of EMGs, maybe the Gary Holt set, just to try something different for a change. I've only used EMGs, as far as active pickups go, so I don't really have anything to compare with. All the metal bands that I want to sound like, use EMG 81s, so, I'm happy with them, too.
My Les Paul standard is also slammed with EMGs. The Les Paul and EMGs are a classic combo. Of course I also am not a fan of Gibson’s PAF humbuckers to begin with.
Sounds deadly man
I find the 81 works well for some things and not well at all for other things.
I am a fan of Fishman Fluence Modern pickups. But I am considering putting an EMG 81 in my second guitar.
I like what people have done with EMG. They changed the game, offer burtality in the tones. I just prefer not to use them. 🤷♂️
81 is the GOAT
I got one in my 7 string!!!
In my opinion EMG Are the Most Industry standard Pick-up in Rock/metal industry alongside with Seymour Duncan and Fishman fluence i like three of them, I don't give A F*ck about What people said it Calling Emg have no Dynamic it's Sucks they're Just Stupidity of nitpicking in the internet Don't trusted everyone
Yeah the 81 rules for metal
Emg 81 is awesome
I am admittedly not the biggest fan of them, the tone and feel just isn't my favorite. No doubt that many of my favorite albums had guitarists utilizing them but we are all different. One of my 5 guitars has the 81/85 set. Love that guitar and I think about doing a pickup swap sometimes but that being said it is nice to have options especially with different amps. Your playing sounds as awesome as always here. 🤘🏻
Baitey title lol. Emg 81 is goated, we all know it 🤘. One of my dream guitars is a standard goldtop with EMGs 😈
Definitely click bait, I’m guilty as charged.
@@DUNN.. dw man we still love you 😘
@Dunn mate, have you tried running the 81 on 24 volts? Very easy mod to do and it makes them sound even better! Got them in almost all my guitars. To be honest a lot of people on guitar internet spaces are some dog cunts. It's why I like your channel, you're a straight up bloke who doesn't peddle bullshit.
Thanks for reminding me that I need to do that mod to my guitar!
@@the43rdparallelthrift34 it's well worth it!
Love 81s. Hate batteries!
I put EMG 81/85 in a prs with the 24v mod
Those that hate the EMG 81 for sure they like pineapple on pizza, wich is the worst pizza ever ;)
Legend status comment 💜
I hate pineapple on pizza 🍕 definitely legendary comment
If you ever get to the point where an EMG 81 can’t keep up with your insane picking and playing technique, EMG will be asking you for advice on how to improve. Follow what you like and not someone else’s opinion of what they think you should like - Metal 101
I would hope the emg 81 wasn't shit, I wanna get one for my Jackon and another for my Ltd! I've never heard anything bad about the emg 81 in a guitar world article they're number 3 as one of the best!
You’d love them but I’m preferring the Seymour Duncan Blackout these days
I got hooked with the 81 because of the lot of metalcore I listened to, so bands like Bullet for My Valentine, Killswitch Engage (at least I think before Joel and Adam endorsed Fishman), Atreyu (Curse era, maybe), and all those bands among the vast majority. I mean, it was very common to see at least one 2000s metalcore band use EMGs for their sound.
And yeah, as Liam said in another comment, if you can't get a good tone with an 81, *plug in*. It's not that hard, dude.
81TW Bridge
60 or 89 Neck
look like Eddie Marsan
Some people just need to be contrarians. 🤷♂
81 sounds great, I hate the way it feels.
I have a les paul with 2 81s and a kahler 😂 best guitar ever
Hopefully a Murphy Lab model
@caskeys3 no but it is a custom
So, if i use emgs i can make that face @ 2:05..
Apparently I can’t joke about myself getting hit in the head, RUclips is weird
@@DUNN.. either way. Stank face game is strong with this one. Good shit my man, I like yer style
Ive never had a guitar with active pickups. I just cant see spending $300 on pickups for a $500 guitar because Id have to replace everything instead of just dropping in a $100 pickup. They do sound killer though but I can get that tone with a PAF Pro and a boost pedal.
Sorry for the click bait video
You misspelled best.
Only the biggest gronks hate on the emg81.
24v mod
In my opinion, EMG 81 have overcompressed sound, and its not good for dynamic. Blackuts more flexible, if you looking for a active pickups. But the way, you can add build-up booster directly to guitar for best results with ANY passive pickup. Thanks,man)
I have owned both EMGs and Blackouts. I prefer Fishmans above either.
But neither are bad.
I don't understand why people have that opinion. If you're playing through a ton of gain, how can the pickup be over compressed? If I play clean with them, they aren't compressed, the just put out a lot of volume, but you can still get very soft notes just like any pickup. I can't pick hard enough for them to max out the headroom either. It makes no sense. All amps compress the tone, if you have too much just back off the gain.
Also in regards to bad picking technique, that opinion also belongs in the same bin as "high gain is used by bad players to hide mistakes" completely glossing over the fact that high gain and compression actually require much cleaner and more precise playing as your mistakes actually come through louder.
If EMGs compress the tone (which I don't believe) and are a crutch, then so are overdrive pedals, compressors and any type of amp distortion.
In my view, these pickups sound better than anything else for certain sounds. Picking the best tool for the job isn't cheating, and isn't a crutch. It just makes sense.
Also jazz players use EMGs. So did some of the best 80s session players who used them to create some of the most iconic guitar sounds, many of which were clean.
@Patrick-857 , it sounds like you need to use your ears, if you cannot tell how high gain can be overcompressed. Start by listening to Metallica's "Death Magnetic". Come back when you get it.
@@SamBrockmann Wooosh
@@Patrick-857 , whatever helps you cope. Clodpoll. 🤣🤣
They are too shrill for my taste in the bridge position, I have to do a lot of equalisation to make it sound good.
It's actually a really good neck pickup even at 9 volts. The 18 volt mod (or even 24 volt) makes it better. The new "X" series sound better to my ears.
The original configuration was 81 in the neck, and 85 in the bridge, and I think they sound best that way. The 81 in the bridge and 85 in the neck thing came to prominence with Zakk Wylde. I don't remember anyone using them that way around until he came along.
The 81 doesn't suck, and it's certainly not the worst pickup ever, I like it in the neck position because it's so tight sounding!! 🤔😁
The reason I put a Zakk set in my Les Paul and people get really upset that I did so I thought let’s have a laugh and experiment with the thumbnail 😂😂
Well that's just you know like, your opinion, man.
That it’s an awesome pickup ? 😂😂
Is it real that someone actually thinks that EMG is a bad pick up? Damn.
@@DOUGLASaraujosoares it’s definitely real . And you’re not allowed to put EMG’s in a Les Paul you paid for. This whole video is a laugh at how passionate people are about equipment.
@@DUNN.. Here in Brazil, we have similar problems when a famous guitarrist Marcelo Barbosa try to explain why he does not like playing with Les Pauls and a lot of people demonize him because of that.
I think that is the thing with people with too much time on internet and hating people for nothing, not a single profissional musician criticize, just a bunch of kids and low class musicians. It's about the same with the EMG. People just like to trash talk
@DOUGLASaraujosoares 💯 you get it