Older EMG 81 vs. Newer EMG 81

[RJF]

Anyone else notice that the newer EMG's sound better than the older ones? I have an older 81 that you have to hardwire that is probably close to 10+ years old. That thing would squeel the second I'd stop playing and it overall wasn't a very clear pickup. My newer EMG's that are the plug in style sound fairly different. A lot quieter, tighter, and very clear.

Anyone else ever notice this?

 

[JTyson]

Thats weird, I did not notice a lot of difference between the 2 I run them straight with no tone control, I never had any noise or squealing with either of them. hhmmm...... dont know why that would be. I actually thought they were surprisingly consistent

 

[thegame]

I have really old ones and they sound beefier, more open than new ones. You can physically feel the old ones weigh more in your hand so there's gotta be a construction difference.

 

[RJF]

Maybe my older one is a dud or something.

 

[eternal_idol]

I prefer the old school wire in mold EMGs they jsut feel betteer to me and react better to 18v

 

[locoed]

Is it the 81x?

 

[Strat+Marshall]

I have really old ones and they sound beefier, more open than new ones. You can physically feel the old ones weigh more in your hand so there's gotta be a construction difference.

Yeah, I don't really like any of them but thought the older ones sounded better if anything.

 

[RJF]

Is it the 81x?

Nope, standard 81.

But... since you brought it up, anyone use the "X" version and what do you think of it?