About to install EMG 57...What should I expect???

[angelspade]

Going to try something different: I'm about to install a new EMG 57 in the bridge of one of my explorers....What do you guys think of these? I am typically a Duncan JB or Gibson 500T guy, but have also enjoyed the Suhr Aldrich and the EMG 81 (in limited doses). Opinions welcomed on your experience with this PUP. Thanks.

 

[jinch0]

They darker and fatter than the 81 and they cleanup better but still an active pickup. The passive feel is just hype in my opinion.

 

[shred-o-holic]

It really depends on your setup and how you dial and interact with the 57 and your guitar. Alot of people like to pigeonhole and over generalize things. Yes its still an active pickup. Yes it sounds thicker than the 81. It still has a ton of gain like an active pickup. Its warmer sounding than an 81...because of the alnico. For me it sounds great with my Kemper and my 5153. Doesn't sound or feel as good with my Axe FX 2. It also has more mids and less bottom than the passive Dimarzio Titan in a similar guitar. But with that you turn up the bass. So again ymmv

 

[blackie13]

I am an active pu fan...
I always liked the 81 in the bridge of my charvel star for hard rock-metal tones...
I tried a 57...it was great with the current produstion tubes in my modded 2204...
When i changed the tubes to some NOS tungsrams and RFTs the pickup was way too fat...
There came the 81 again and the sound was amazing...
I say it depends on your guitar-amp...

 

[angelspade]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. Honestly, if its is a fatter, warmer....slightly more "organic" sounding version of the 81, I will probably dig it. I like the 81, but is always seemed just a hair too "tight", and a bit brittle in the high top-end. This may be on account of the compression as well.

 

[thegame]

I am an active pu fan...
I always liked the 81 in the bridge of my charvel star for hard rock-metal tones...
I tried a 57...it was great with the current produstion tubes in my modded 2204...
When i changed the tubes to some NOS tungsrams and RFTs the pickup was way too fat...
There came the 81 again and the sound was amazing...
I say it depends on your guitar-amp...

What amp were you running the tungsrams/rfts in ?

 

[blackie13]

http://kourbisamps.com/content/pk-800-plus-head

modded-handwired 2204

I know it's mr larry's suggestion...

 

[shred-o-holic]

https://soundcloud.com/soiledwork/kemper-5153-mini-profile-hellraiser-hybrid-emg-57

A brief clip with the EMG 57 and my Kemper. Not much but a small sample.

 

[Shask]

It really depends on your setup and how you dial and interact with the 57 and your guitar. Alot of people like to pigeonhole and over generalize things. Yes its still an active pickup. Yes it sounds thicker than the 81. It still has a ton of gain like an active pickup. Its warmer sounding than an 81...because of the alnico. For me it sounds great with my Kemper and my 5153. Doesn't sound or feel as good with my Axe FX 2. It also has more mids and less bottom than the passive Dimarzio Titan in a similar guitar. But with that you turn up the bass. So again ymmv

What is the difference between this and an 85 in the bridge? Sounds like how I would describe the 85 also....

 

[shred-o-holic]

The 85 is still thinner than this.....but a tad tighter I would say...more compressed..

 

[angelspade]

Good stuff...I like what I am hearing