how are the EMG H4's in the epi zakk LP?

[kickinsomeaxe]

I am going to order a epi ZW les paul are the EMG H-4 pu's any good?
i heard they are the passive 81 equal?
anyone here play the epi ZW version? is it worth the $800?

[j2379]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

i didnt like it. the tokia LP copy i tried was alot nicer & cheaper. tho the tokia could really use pickups & a good set of tuners.

[kickinsomeaxe]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

[ QUOTE ]
i didnt like it. the tokia LP copy i tried was alot nicer & cheaper. tho the tokia could really use pickups & a good set of tuners.

[/ QUOTE ]
does the tokia have a maple/mahogany body? i also like a raw maple neck?
these are the reasons i am asking about the ZW model it has those stock

[skarhead]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

Tokia ? or Tokai ? i heard very good things about Tokai LP's ( i may even consider one in future)

[MountainDog]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

I have the EPI ZW LP, and was very impressed (I also have the Epi Slash, an Epi John Connolly and an Extreme). The ZW is definitely the best playing & sounding of them (with the John Connolly 2nd best), and the satin finished neck does feel nice.

The EMG H4 isn't as over the top as the 81, and I'm actually starting to prefer the passive EMGs. As you know, sound is subjective, and depends on how your amp is set, etc, etc. You could always through in the 81 (or an 85) if you want. I always prefer a single coil sound in my neck positions on my guitars, and what's nice about the EMG-HZ is that I could just solder the coil-tap wires to ground to get the single coil sound from the neck pickup (and the EMG-HZs sound very nice and single-coily like when doing that).

Don't pay $800 though. I got mine from GC, advertized for $799 + tax, talked them to $650 out the door. Also, rumor has it that almost every one is a "2nd" with minor small paint issues that you have to look hard to find.

Here's some decent ones on Ebay with buy-it-now:
$635 w/ship
$675 w/ship

[AfterForever]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

I think the HZ4 is great as a bridge pick=up, but it lacks something as neck pick-up..

I tried the Zakk Epi 2 times.. they both felt kinda cheap to me..

[mhalsey]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

I'm no conasewer ( [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] ) of high-end guitars (yet), but I bought my son the Epi ZW LPC and I was quite impressed. Overall quality of it was excellent... finish, neck, hardware. But I was most impressed with the sound of the EMH HZs considering I wasn't expecting too much from them. It's true, though, that it lacks something in the neck position. I recently had them replaced, though, with a set of ZW EMGs (81/85). Just needed that extra oomph.... ok, ok, I WANTED the extra oomph. There, I said it. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] Is it worth the average retail price of $800? Not quite. I'd expect it to be a lil' more expensive when compared to the other Epi LPCs, but not over 30% more. Just the price you pay for a "signature" guitar, I guess. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] I'd highly recommend getting one.

[floydroseuser]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

I agree with the others, don't spend $800.00! You can definitely get one cheaper. It is a very good guitar and I was impressed with the non-active EMG pickups. Very good sounding guitar, and the playability is quite good for an Epiphone. I'd get another one.

[sevser]

Re: how are the EMG H4\'s in the epi zakk LP?

My Tokai has a solid mahogany body and a maple set neck like the ZW. My review and pics.
http://www.jcfonline.com/ubbthreads/...fpart=1#319276