Anyone running an 85 in the bridge?

[Shask]

I did for a few years. I always liked that it had more low end thickness than the 81, and that the high end wasn't so sharp. However, over time, the overall smoothness got on my nerves. I don't like pickups that are overly smooth, and the 85 is definitely smoother feeling and sounding than an 81, regardless of the amount of highs or lows.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Almost forgot it's alnico vs ceramic as well, i always prefer alnico pickups.

 

[D-Rock]

Ah, good point ^^^^^^^ as do I...

 

[D-Rock]

So I ended up not liking the 85 in the bridge of my Horizon. Too round sounding, too dull of attack.

The 81 went back in , but didn't last. The guitar has sported a 57/66 set for about 2 months with much better results. The 57 is very much like the 81in terms of attack and bite, only it's thicker, smoother and warmer.

But......the 85 is now in the bridge of my Schecter Blackjack LP and it KILLS!

For some reason, the dull attack isn't an issue, and it warmed up the guitar which was had become kind of cold and clinical sounding with the 81 and Blackout bridge beforehand.

So...

...85 in Horizon bridge = meh!
...85 in Les Paul bridge = yeah!

 

[kurtsstuff2003]

All my guitars have an 85 at the bridge...I've used them ever since I can remember..oh..I only have 2 guitars..lol!

 

[D-Rock]

I don't think I could have it in all my guitars, because results seem to vary. But it is very easy to play and gets thick, throaty, crunchy tones when used in an big LP shape guitar. I assumed it would make the guitar too dark, but it didn't. I like how the notes leave your fingers with the 85. There's almost an airy quality to it, not such a immediate cold, stinging response like from the 81.

 

[guitarbilly74]

yeah a lot of people say EMGs sound the same in every guitar but that's definitely not true. You need to match the pickup to the guitar, just like with any other pickup.

I've used the EMG 85 in the bridge in the past with good results. I love the 57/66 set too.