EMG 81 alternatives?

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scottcrud

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What passive alternatives are out there that are real close to the EMG 81? I've tried the MCP "Solution" and did not think it was the solution. Any others that are close?
 
The Bill and Becky XL500 is similar in many respects but is a bit rounder and more searing.
 
Really? Never tried one of those, did have a Bill USA which was completely microphonic, worked great in the neck though, and a Duncan Dimebucker, thought it was kinda weak output wise and was very trebly.
 
The closest I found doing a direct swap was an older JP signature bridge pickup from the first gen MM guitars. This was my limited experience having swapped out an 81 for the JP pickup in a mahogany-riddled guitar. It had a similar "clear and even" sound, but less mids. The EMG 85 has shades of the 81 with the mids, but is wilder, looser and more hollow sounding - not bad IMO, just different.

Also, I will have to agree, that MCP carp solved nothing for me - the hype had more tone than the pickup - just my experience.

Humbly submitted,

DM
 
I much prefer the 85 to the 81, the 81 is always too bright and harsh for me in most guitars. Big solid Mahogany guitars seem to like 81s better. I have a Duncan Blackout in the bridge of my Hamer and I prefer it the 81, less compressed and more open sounding. I have not found a passive pickup that sounds like EMGs, they each have their own thing going on.
 
The d activator is suppose to be like an active. I was going to try the solution, thanks for the heads up.
I love the 81. I have been trying to find a passive that sounds like an emg with no luck for my rg7.
 
Yeah try a Dimarzio D Activator. I've got a set going into one of my JEMs but don't have it back yet.
 
Bareknuckle Warpig, I replaced the EMG 81 out of my ESP MII and it sounds awesome.
 
Why are you even looking, Scott? You are always gonna go back to an 81 anyway! :lol: :LOL:
 
killertone":voed8g9u said:
Why are you even looking, Scott? You are always gonna go back to an 81 anyway! :lol: :LOL:
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No, I won't, haven't used them in a couple years now. I did try two different Seymour Duncan blackouts, and hated em both. Just need something really tight like the 81. I'm loving all 6 of Manlius pickups. I'm already talking to Mick about making me something similar to an 81...
 
oldmanmetal":1cv30ohh said:
I much prefer the 85 to the 81, the 81 is always too bright and harsh for me in most guitars. Big solid Mahogany guitars seem to like 81s better.
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yea, I prefer 85's too and have them in most my guits. they have a much fuller, almost scooped, sound.
 
Haven't tried it myself but I always hear that the Duncan blackout is close.
 
scottcrud":4mt18o0q said:
killertone":4mt18o0q said:
Why are you even looking, Scott? You are always gonna go back to an 81 anyway! :lol: :LOL:
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No, I won't, haven't used them in a couple years now. I did try two different Seymour Duncan blackouts, and hated em both. Just need something really tight like the 81. I'm loving all 6 of Manlius pickups. I'm already talking to Mick about making me something similar to an 81...
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Which Manlius model have you been using?

Did you ever try a Painkiller?
 
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