How much will an EMG 81 change the tone of a Model 6?

[AussieTerry84]

I've ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS lol always wanted a EMG 81 ever since i was 15 but never got around to it.

Out of my axes i'd put it in my Model 6 as it's my main guitar.

Mind u i only play in my bedroom really n i wanna get a Pod XT Live at some point this year (please don't recc anything else cause im pretty set on the XT Live )

I'm interested in the EMG 81 because of its hotness with pinch harmonics n etc.

So yeah im pretty set on getting an EMG 81 just because i REALLY wanna experience it for once .


but i just wanna know how much difference will it make to my sound than the stock humbucker?

and does it mean i have to get rid of the pre-amp thingy thats already in the model 6?
(e.g. turn the pre-amp knob into the vol pot for the EMG 81)

also can some one explain the active circuit thingy in the model 6 to me properly? i can hear how it changes the tone but it'd just b nice to know some info about it

Last set of questions lol

The pre-amp thingy isn't apart of the stock humbucker is it? cause i know the humbucker is passive n wouldn't mine putting it in my Jackson Performer-2 after i get a EMG 81 as its stock humbucker is the stink n so empty sounding.



thanks fellas

[DonP]

My advice is to try some other axe with an EMG first to see if you like it. I'd hate to see you rip out all of the electronics only to find you don't like it.

I've had guitars since 1985 and always wanted an EMG, and bought an EMG81 somewhere in the mid 90s but never hooked it up until 2005. I was not too impressed. I wired it for 18 volts (still wired this way) but still a no go. It sounds OK, but I like the JB in my SL2H a lot better.

To explain what I don't like, it seems like when I hit the strings hard it's just not hitting the amp with the same "hardness". Passives seem to react more organic, i.e. you can control how hard you hit the amp by how hard you hit the strings. At least that's how it seems to me.

It also has to do with what amp you are using. I use Marshalls, already on the bright side. an EMG would be better matched to a darker amp - Mesa's come to mind.

[mustaine-who?]

I

I also always wanted to try an EMG81, and finally put one into a Model 5a. At first I was like "hell yeah!"...but after a while, the tone started wearing on me. Not much bottom end. Great mids and highs. Percussive attack. Not much dynamics. I play thru an Engl Screamer.

I have since sold that guitar, but a little later I tried a SD Black Out neck in the bridge of my Jackson, and yeow!!! If I had to recommend one active, that would be the one. Has the low end the 81 is missing, and is dynamic and waaaaaaaaay more organic and chewie. Really hawt!!!

[nhspike]

Here's my take on the Jackson Mid-boost circuit:
Roll the third knob all the way off.
Now, dial in your amp's tone.
Then, add in just enough mid-boost to thicken/chunk up the tone to where you like it.
Should be ballsy, but still crisp.

For years, I just cranked this mid boost all the way up, and was missing out on how good the circuit can really sound, clean or dirty.

[sonicsamurai]

emgs are too scooped,...drop in a dimarzio distortion-- amazing tone!

[toejam]

The 81 is bright and scooped sounding. I'd go with an 85 instead.

[AussieTerry84]

Actually from what i've just been reading up on, a Black Out is starting to sound real tasty

But yeah with an active humbucker i'll have to take that mid boost out of the Model 6 won't I?

Would b easy to get the Model 6 stock H/B put into another guitar? as i'd like to use it still as its not bad

[pro-fusion]

Don't listen to these guys.

Neckthru Model-series Charvels sound fantastic with an EMG-81 in the bridge! I've had a couple of them with that setup.

[Diego]

I think that if you are playing at your home (at home levels I suppose) and with amps that are not "THE AMP" you will notice a difference in tone from one pickup to the other (wich you may or may not like) but it wont make as much a difference in your sound as you may hope.

I mean probably with that setup if you try one pickup with a Fx cabinet simm or EQ and the other with a different fx etc... you wont be able to decide wich is best. You may distinguish them but the overall sound will be more affected by the other factors then by the pickup.

Don't get me wrong there is a huge difference between crappy pickups and top of line pickups, but when it comes to deciding between 2 good pickups like J90C and EMG81...
I would spend the money in some other weak spot in your chain.

Remember your sound is as good as the weakest spot in the chain!

Maybe a budget fx pedal or crappy pots y plugs, or the amp, etc...

Well thats just my opinnion

Good Luck

[missionguitars1]

My advise is to try some other axe with an EMG first to see if you like it. I'd hate to see you rip out all of the electronics only to find you don't like it.

+1

If you go this route, make sure to note all the connections and keep the wiring straight so you can re-install if you decide EMG's aren't for you, or you are looking to sell down the line...

[XxKilgannonxX]

My advise is to try some other axe with an EMG first to see if you like it. I'd hate to see you rip out all of the electronics only to find you don't like it.

Yup. Especially since they sound the same in any guitar.

[DonP]

Yup. Especially since they sound the same in any guitar.

:ROTF::ROTF::ROTF:

Sad but true

[AussieTerry84]

if anyone could quote my questions n answer them it'd b really helpful thanks

[VitaminG]

if anyone could quote my questions n answer them it'd b really helpful thanks

well geez, I can't do that. But I can hold your hand while you wait for someone to do it for you

[nhspike]

Did this thread just get "kilt"?
hehe