EMG 85x

[Crunch Master]

I've been using EMG 81 pickups for years, and I feel like trying something different, so I just ordered an 85x.

I'll post back with a review as soon as I get it and try it out!

 

[K Odell]

Sweet! I have been wondering how these are.

 

[Crunch Master]

Yeah man, I'm really excited to try this thing out!

It looks like I will have it by the end of next week.

 

[mrp5150]

I'm surprised nobody else here has really tried the EMG X pickups yet. They sound great on paper...EMG's that don't sound like EMG's.

 

[Crunch Master]

Well, my main complaints with EMGs have been the over-compression, which I think the X series addresses.

 

[GuitarGoat]

I never really understood what's supposed to be different about the X-Series. It's kind of hard to describe sound on paper. EMG's description pretty much just says they sound good.

 

[Crunch Master]

My understanding is that they will be more open, less compressed, with more dynamic response; all very good stuff!

 

[Crunch Master]

OK, I did some research over on the EMG forum, and it looks like the 18v mod can be done to the X series, but to no real benefit, as the new preamp design, even with a standard 9v has much more headroom than even a standard EMG pickup with the 18v mod. So I won't even bother with the 18v mod.

 

[jack-2]

I'm curious how these are too, but I wish you went for an 81x so it would be a more accurate comparison

 

[Crunch Master]

Yeah, I hear ya.