Why do EMG's sound kinda sterile?

[savage]

First i use and like EMG so lets try to stay mature and refrain from the EMG bashing.
Just wanted to ask why they have that sorta sterile tone and dont have real good dynamics like passive duncans?

[wilkinsi]

I think it has something to do with the fact they compress (or some will call it normalising) whereas passive pickups don't. However, some people swear by them in that the "sterile" sound allows players to get a better result out of "flat" or "sterile" pickups. I'm already thinking of getting an 81/85 set. I constructed some patches on my Boss GT-10 using Dimarzios and Duncans, then used a guitar with an 81/85 set and it made the patch sound more powerful.

[shreddermon]

Q: Why do EMG's sound kinda sterile?

A: Because they use Kirk Hammett's sperm when making them.

Seriously, IMHO, a lot of it likely has to do with their flat EQs and "non-responsiveness" to picking dynamics. In many respects, passive pickups do just the opposite.

But I really dislike EMGs, so WTF do I know.

[sully]

But I really dislike EMGs, so WTF do I know.

plenty.

sully

[savage]

Q: Why do EMG's sound kinda sterile?

A: Because they use Kirk Hammett's sperm when making them.

lmfao! I know i asked for a serious reply but i am glad u said this i am still fukin tearin from laughin!

[toejam]

They don't sound sterile to me. I love their sound, especially the 85 in the bridge and the 81 or 60 in the neck.

[marcus]

I am guessing the "sterile" sound is due to their fairly flat frequency response. Again I am guessing, but this could be due to less wire coiled around the magnets which reduces inductance. Passive pickups, especially hot ones, get pretty massive inductance due to many wraps around the magnets.

[KBRR]

They don't sound sterile to me. I love their sound, especially the 85 in the bridge and the 81 or 60 in the neck.

i agree, try the 60 in the neck , very articulate pickup.

[Grandturk]

EMG RULZ!!!

Passvie = FAIL!!!

[savage]

i agree, try the 60 in the neck , very articulate pickup.

actually i want to try the new X Series! These are said to have much better dynamics and headroom.

[Robotechnology]

I don't think EMG single coils sound sterile at all. They're pretty dynamic to me. Humbuckers less so but, still some dynamics.

[Bengal65]

EMG's have a slight character, but I think of them as a canvas for adding Effects and creating the overall "painting".

[Bryan]

EMG's have a slight character, but I think of them as a canvas for adding Effects and creating the overall "painting".

This I agree with. I have EMGs in my Strat (DG20 system) and with the tone shaping controls in use, I can get great tones out of the guitar.

Not sure about just the pups though....

[warlok]

I love the 85 in the bridge... And I have 2 others with 81/85 set and I like what they do as well. I'm thinking about an 85/SA/60 for the JDR-94 if I keep the middle but it will probably be EMG's whatever I go with. Maybe I don't know what you mean by "sterile". I just think there's more to the sound with EMG's than the JB/Jazz in the Kelly I have. Hard to put into words... But I like both for different things and reasons.

[Cygnus X1]

85 in bridge here as well.

One "trick"- don't raise it too high, too close to the strings.
And although I haven't done it yet, try the 18V mod.