EMG 85 tone but with 81 bite?

[warlok]

I was wondering if anyone has found an EMG for the bridge has the tone and "oomph" of an 85 but has the bite and crunch of an 81?

[BigE13]

Not an EMG but the Seymour Duncan Blackout Mick Thompson EMTYs do it all. Super heavy and defined chunk or articulate cleans that feel very organic. I have them in 2 guitars a SL2H Soloist and a DK2M and they are awesome in both.

[warlok]

Is there much difference between the EMTY and the AHB-1? I have a set of AHB-1 I'm planning on trying (if I ever get time to swap them..).

[Electric]

Is there much difference between the EMTY and the AHB-1? I have a set of AHB-1 I'm planning on trying (if I ever get time to swap them..).

They are quite different. The EMTY has considerably less bass, and has more mids than the AHB-1. Overall it's a tighter and more articulate pickup. It's like a thicker sounding version of the EMG-81.

Another pickup to consider is the EMG Het Set bridge. It definitely fits the description of "oomph" of an 85 with has the bite and crunch of an 81.

[xenophobe]

The good ol Super Distortion is kinda between them, IMO.

Not as dark as the 85, but a bit more crunch. Even better down tuned a little.

I'd just suggest to get a decent EQ pedal. You could always brighten up an 85 a little.

[warlok]

The EMTY has considerably less bass, and has more mids than the AHB-1.

That's not what I'm looking for. The 81 in this RRTMG seems to have no bass and the mids are really lacking. I almost wonder if there's something wrong with it. Before I try anything, I found another 81 in my stash yesterday I'm gonna connect in to see if it's different. And I may look into the Het Set. Thanks man.

The good ol Super Distortion is kinda between them, IMO.

Not as dark as the 85, but a bit more crunch. Even better down tuned a little.

I'd just suggest to get a decent EQ pedal. You could always brighten up an 85 a little.

I always found the SD to be a great for 80's mid heavy and classic rock stuff. Like it for that, but not for what I want with this guitar. And I have a M108 EQ pedal. Took it (and all pedals) out of the chain a long time ago. This is the only guitar that sounds bad through my rig. Not looking to change the "post-guitar" signal.. Thanks to you too!