EMG 81 vs 81X

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some dude

some dude

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81 vs 81X

I really like the sound/response of the 81 and I normally run it on 18v. I'm a little hesitant to try the 81X for fear they may have "fixed" whatever it is that made the original 81 work so well.
 
Bump, any user feedback since this was posted? I'm considering trying the 81X...
 
For me, the 81X was a huge disappointment. Not because it didn't sound good, but because I felt it brought absolutely nothing new to the table.

To me, it sounds just like an 18V-modded 81 with a touch less output. That's it. I'd rather have the standard EMG's, personally.

I originally got the X series EMG's because the guitar I put them in did not have enough room in the cavity for the 18V mod, but I ended up swapping the X's out and running the standard 81/60 at 9V.

JMO.
 
Rex Rocker":1cwk5v8l said:
For me, the 81X was a huge disappointment. Not because it didn't sound good, but because I felt it brought absolutely nothing new to the table.

To me, it sounds just like an 18V-modded 81 with a touch less output. That's it. I'd rather have the standard EMG's, personally.

I originally got the X series EMG's because the guitar I put them in did not have enough room in the cavity for the 18V mod, but I ended up swapping the X's out and running the standard 81/60 at 9V.

JMO.
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The 81x is a 81 with a resistor prior to the pre-amp to attenuate signal to keep the pre-amp from clipping. That is why it has less output as well. the 18 v mod is much better for the 81, increases headroom and output.

The 81x was a money grab by EMG
 
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