Passives v. Actives??? Which do you prefer... EMG, Blackouts, Duncans?

[EvilOdin]

I prefer passives, mostly dimarzio because i have limited experience with duncans and I didnt like the JB/59.

I had an EMG 81 in my Jackson and I was never happy with how it sounded. too sterile, just kind of sounded bland to my ears. The EMG seemed like a one trick pony to me and I like a little more versatility. what markD said up above is pretty much how I feel also.

pickups are rather annoying altogether (to me at least) because there's no easy way to try them out.

[ToneZone]

I prefer DiMarzio passive pickups. I get the best sound with passives on a six string guitar. But if it's a 7 string I go active as I feel passive doesn't manage do the whole specter of notes. I either get a bad sound in the treble register or its the bass that suffer. Only tried EMG 707 in the active range.

[T0M=]

Passive SD's so far...hope to try some DiMarzio pups soon

[Jacksonguy666]

Two EMG 85s are the best thing to ever happen to guitar in my opinion!

[Nightbat]

Passive P'ups come in a variety of flavors, whereas actives only come in one

[DonP]

I used to be pretty much 100% passive. I had two guitars loaded with EMG's, but they didn't get played much. This November I picked up the RR24M Closeout at Sam Ash, and for once, I have an organic, soulful EMG.

[Spiderman]

I had the same struggle with the CS Rhoads I just ordered. I opted to go with the Duncan Custom / Duncan Jazz in it.

[yeline23]

I have active pups in two of my Jacksons: DK2 (SD Lifewires) and DKMG (EMG 85B/60N). What I have discovered that neither Duncans or EMGs sounded good in alder bodies - just too bright. I ended up installing EMG active 18V concentric EQs and now I can get any sound I want.

[Sunbane]

I've used EMGs for years, but I've converted back to passives for most of my guitars. The sound of passive pups is more organic and pleasing to my ears.

All the talk about EMGs sounding "Sterile", is due to the EMG-81, as it was designed to be extremely dry. An EMG-85 in the bridge position isn't sterile at all. But EMGs have a way they sound when distorted, and you will either like it or dislike it.

The strong point of the EMGs, is the extremely tight bottom end. You can have a ton of bottom end, and they will never go muddy on you, ever. If you play with a lot of distortion, you will appreciate this.

[toejam]

I like DiMarzios, Duncans and EMGs. If I could only choose one for every guitar, I'd go EMG 85 in the bridge with either an 81 or 60 in the neck.

[yeline23]

I think I found the best combination of passive pickups: a Dimarzio Super Distortion in bridge and a Dimarzio Super 2 in neck positions. I personally prefer Dimarzio tone over Duncans anyway, although it's just a matter of taste.

[gordomenz]

I'm thinking about getting the new AHB-3 Mick Thomson EMTY Blackouts. Has anybody played them? I'd be putting them in my DK2M. Whadyall think.

[RJF]

I'm thinking about getting the new AHB-3 Mick Thomson EMTY Blackouts. Has anybody played them? I'd be putting them in my DK2M. Whadyall think.

I see that they are supposed to have less bass, which should help since I think the AHB-1 has too much bass.

[Gibsonmac]

the name says it all EMTY, they sound empty... if you care about tone at all, I wouldn't go for mick thompson's gear... his signature Ibanez's use to be made of ply-wood with a veneer over it, he really doesn't care about tone at all, just thump.

[The Rossness]

Passives- most def. Each company makes a different sounding pup. I really hate EMG's though. I havent tried blackouts or bartolini's.