Should I change out the EMG's?

[peterc52]

I have this completely original Gibson LPC Lite from 88 with EMG 81's. I can't figure out if I want to stray from its originality and remove EMG's for something passive -which I want to but....

It's a rare bird.

I use it for my Mastodon cover band and im sure passive would fit better.

BTW. Old EMG 81's definitely sounds different than the newer ones. More low end and less highs.

 

[RaceU4her]

emg 81s are one of the greatest inventions ever in the world

 

[frontline205]

I’d keep ‘em. People crap on them but I always liked them for driving mid gain amps like the JCM800. They go really good with my mark iv as well for the thrash stuff

 

[DanTravis62]

I would keep it stock or try out plug and play EMG replacements

The retroactives are freaking fantastic

 

[rydia is hot]

Goldtop Custom and a 4 knob gloss Eclipse? Killing me!

 

[Spaceboy]

I cannot get along with EMGs for some reason, tried many times, but recently got some Fishmans that I adore.

 

[headlessdeadguy]

I have the new Het Set in a Japanese LPC and they sound amazing. Shit's all over the 81/85 imo.

 

[Akira69]

why dont people like to change pickups. Are they worried about resale price and want to keep original?

 

[napalmdeath]

I would keep it stock or try out plug and play EMG replacements

This. I grow tired of 81/85's pretty quick. However, I really dug the Het Set I had in an Explorer. They were fantastic, (for my tastes). Nice chunk, great clarity, and a more passive feel. Same with the 57/66.

However, I still prefer Fluence Moderns. BUT, I could live with the Het Set, no problem.

 

[RevDrucifer]

FWIW, Bill from Mastodon has a couple LPC’s with EMGs he uses on tour (I’m guessing the studio, too, if needed).

If it works, it works, but there’s also no harm in trying out other shit! I really love the 81/85 in my Edwards, but I also really, REALLY love the Aldrich in my Orville. If I were primarily doing the Mastodon thing, I’d definitely go with the Aldrich because I feel it’s a bit more versatile than the EMGs….though I’m often surprised how great the EMGs sound with lower gain shit.

 

[napalmdeath]

I have the new Het Set in a Japanese LPC and they sound amazing. Shit's all over the 81/85 imo.

They do, indeed.

 

[creep66]

18 volt mod and leave it.

 

[Tone Monster]

18 volt mod and leave it.

This

 

[japetus]

I have this completely original Gibson LPC Lite from 88 with EMG 81's. I can't figure out if I want to stray from its originality and remove EMG's for something passive -which I want to but....

It's a rare bird.

I use it for my Mastodon cover band and im sure passive would fit better.

BTW. Old EMG 81's definitely sounds different than the newer ones. More low end and less highs.View attachment 167014

the matching headstock binding and golden paint look amazing on that guitar, pretty sweet

 

[midnightlaundry]

I would keep them in the ESP, but change to Passive in the Goldie..
I'd try some Vintage Outputs in there in a 50's wiring so you can get clean rollback and all the in between tones.

 

[CrazyNutz]

Yes, 1000% remove the EMG's from the LP

 

[FLUXX]

Depends on the tone you want from the guitars.
IF you want a more modern sound, leave them in (I love EMG81-x's in my guitars to get my modern tone)
But if you're looking to mix it up, and get a different tone from these guitars, then switch them.
Could be fun finding the right ones

 

[Geo]

No

 

[thenine]

No

 

[stratjacket]

If I wanted to try something different, yes, I would probably take out the EMG’s, wires, pots, everything, keep them connected as much as possible and keep them together in a safe place. Then you could put all the original components back in if you wanted.