EMG 57 vs EMG 81 high gain comparison

[c_tecks]

Made a comparison of these active pickups.
- In the mix clip
- mono riff over 3 different rigs
- another in the mix, also containing solo guitars, but double tracked (stereo)

I didn't record any cleans, they weren't 'clean' anyway, always a little bit distorted and let's be honest, EMG's are mainly high gain metal pickups.

 

[AxeFiend]

I like them both. Slight difference but not enough for me to choose. I'm partial to 81s

 

[coffeedrinker71]

Thanks...I'm considering putting one of these in a Charvel Model 4.

 

[glpg80]

81 seems to be low mids emphasized compared to the 57. 57 seemed more raw but at the same time less heavy/compressed than the 81.

I think I prefer 57/60 over 81/85 but it also depends on the wood of the guitar. In an LP it’s hard to beat 81/85.