EMG on my Les Paul... or not?

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JohnSykes

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Been thinking about trying 81/85 set (or 81/81) on my LP Custom (maple neck), what do you think?

I dont play metal to be honest, hard rock and thats it. Also, I dont use effects.


Are there any other options?


The bkp Miracle Man i guess, but those are expensive...


Anyway, thanks!
 
What Vlad isn't telling you is that he put an Invader in his Jem and it got him pretty close ;)
 
I've gone back and forth over the years and for me, I much prefer passive pickups in Les Pauls for all except for metal, which is where I prefer the EMG's.
 
I have an 85/81 in both my standards and would not put anything else in there. I have tried passives and its not the same. I do play metal though.
 
What amp(s) you running? Makes a diff...

The Miracle Mans are ungodly man. Off the tits in the power department and honestly, sound completely different than EMG actives that they replaced.
 
true: BK Miracle= $
EMG might work ok, but considering you're not even into metal, why bother routing out wood? Plenty of kick ass passive choices out there, it's a few more bucks but not out of reach.
Me? I love BK!
 
crankyrayhanky":39eamyhy said:
Me? I love BK!
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Ditto. I personally think they make the best pups in the world. They're seriously special... Not cheap, but then so what, could spend my cabbage on a lot worse things.

For the record, the MMs are a touch scooped, and benefit a guitar with a bright fingerboard (ebony, for instance) and a spanky top (maple). I've loaded my FR-II (neck through mahog neck with ebony fingerboard, mahog wings, curled maple top). It's a brighter guitar my nature, it sizzles. I didn't mind knocking some of the brighter mids down a touch, and now this guitar is probably the most touch-sensitive, incredibly dynamic, off the rails potent player I have. It's scary. Pinch harmonics need only be thought of to have happen, more squealing than Zakk Wylde in a gay bar. Nutso.

I also put a big brass block from FU on the floyd, dimmed it down a little bit from its tweaky glassy highness.

Ya... I'll shut up now.
 
Thanks guys.

I didnt know id have to route the LP for EMG pickups, are you sure about that?

I have 2 amps, a modded Marshall (Golub lead mod) and a Mesa Mk III. I only gig with the Mk III to be honest, the JMP is my baby and it stays at home lol.


My Custom has the stock pickups (its a 78', so im not sure if those are T-tops or what) and those are cool, but too weak for my taste. Especially the bridge.
 
No routing required for the 81/85 set in a Les Paul custom. Ive got a set in a 76 custom, they are just a touch over the top in the Paul (imo), Im probably going back to passives... need to warm that guitar up a bit, that axe rings like a friggin piano.
 
if you dont play metal then no........i wish i could afford to get the emgs off my 8 strings even
 
I have 2 les pauls with emgs and i love them, i also owned a couple others and used emgs and never had to route them. They are my fav pu for metal or hard rock.
 
EMGS are really stellar in Mahogany Body/Mahogany Neck guitars, because they subdue a hair of the low mid whomp and add some sparkle which is perfect for a Les Paul. I say go for it!
 
lolzgreg":1qkkiieb said:
EMGS are really stellar in Mahogany Body/Mahogany Neck guitars, because they subdue a hair of the low mid whomp and add some sparkle which is perfect for a Les Paul. I say go for it!
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Cool, what do you think about mahogany body/maple neck (like my Custom)?


What other options should i consider? Gibson Dirty Fingers?


I also have a LP Standard with PAF style pickups and its great, very versatile. So with the Custom i want something different.
 
bkp blackhawk they have a ceramic and alnico version. I think they would awesome as well.
 
Emg's are great for metal, but kinda dead and shitty for rock/hard rock. If you really need the output, there are alot Of hot passives that would fit that bill, and not require you to gut your custom.... I havent tried the bkp stuff besides the painkiller which i hated, but the mcp detroiter i have is the best les paul pickup ive ever tried, lowish output, but gets killer harmonics, and is tight as hell.
 
JohnSykes":vpenunot said:
lolzgreg":vpenunot said:
EMGS are really stellar in Mahogany Body/Mahogany Neck guitars, because they subdue a hair of the low mid whomp and add some sparkle which is perfect for a Les Paul. I say go for it!
Click to expand...


Cool, what do you think about mahogany body/maple neck (like my Custom)?


What other options should i consider? Gibson Dirty Fingers?


I also have a LP Standard with PAF style pickups and its great, very versatile. So with the Custom i want something different.
Click to expand...

2 of my les paul customs have emgs and maple necks and they sound great imo.

i owned a gibson sykes vos and loved it, the vos version had a 57 classic and that pu sounded pretty good for rock and they arent expensive either.
 
JohnSykes":1xxmhoda said:
lolzgreg":1xxmhoda said:
EMGS are really stellar in Mahogany Body/Mahogany Neck guitars, because they subdue a hair of the low mid whomp and add some sparkle which is perfect for a Les Paul. I say go for it!
Click to expand...


Cool, what do you think about mahogany body/maple neck (like my Custom)?


What other options should i consider? Gibson Dirty Fingers?


I also have a LP Standard with PAF style pickups and its great, very versatile. So with the Custom i want something different.
Click to expand...

I say go for it :)
 
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