EMG 85, blackout question...

DarkKnight369 · 01-24-2008, 12:54 PM

Right now my main 6 string guitar has the EMG 81/85 set reversed (85b, 81n). The guitar has a mahogany body, maple neck, and ebony fretboard. I really like the sound I get out of this guitar. I always hated the 81, just because it sounded thin. The only time I ever liked it was in my other guitarists all mahogany LP, but I think he has his tone set a little muddy too.

I never use my "backup" guitar because it has a Duncan JB in the bridge and duncan designed '59 in the neck. It used to be my main axe, until I got the EMG loaded guitar and preferred actives. I still like the tone, just wish it had actives. Part of the reason is I run wireless on stage, and because of the high output of EMGz I have to set the wireless unit to -12db. If I break a string or want to switch guitars the -12db really seems to cut the tone and output with the passives.

So...I like the idea of having my other guitar fitted with actives, but different pickups at the same time to provide some variety. Since there has been much talk over the blackouts, I am considering these. My question is, if I am used to the 85 in the bridge, would the blackout bridge model cut it for me? Ideally I would love to get blackouts and hook them up with quick connect so I can swap them back and forth. I guess I am just wondering if the blackout neck pickup will be more 85 like. The guitar I am putting these in is the same shape and build, but with a mahogany neck and rosewood board. Not as bright as my main axe, but I would still put an 85 in the bridge if I went that route.

Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

zimbloth · 01-24-2008, 01:01 PM

Yes, the Blackout Neck in the bridge is very 85-like, but IMO better. The Blackout bridge is a great match for mahogany though, and it's not like the EMG 81 at all. I'd recommend buying a set, and using the quick connect to try each one, then return/sell the other. Personally, I prefer the Blackout bridge model in the bridge.

ibznorange · 01-24-2008, 01:02 PM

if you like the sound of the jb, but want a passive sound, look in to the dave mustaine livewires. its kinda like an active jb in the bridge, and an active jazz in the neck. i really like them.

DarkKnight369 · 01-24-2008, 01:54 PM

Thanks for the input guys.

I know the blackouts come quick connect capable, but do they come with everything to wire the guitar up quick connect? Otherwise I would have to buy that from EMG, right?

Sounds like I may like the neck in the bridge more, but who knows. I may also like the bridge model. No matter what, I can make them work I guess. I am not too fussy about the neck position since I only use it 15-20% of the time. I do love the EMG 81 in the neck though.

As far as Livewires go, I have not heard too many good things about them. I like the JB, but I am by no means set on the tone of them. I just think they are a pretty good passive. Everything I seem to be reading indicate the blackouts are duncans superior active pickup and that they finally got it right.

Metal Ken · 01-24-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkKnight369

Thanks for the input guys.

I know the blackouts come quick connect capable, but do they come with everything to wire the guitar up quick connect? Otherwise I would have to buy that from EMG, right?

They have regular cables as well, in case you dont have the EMG harnesses

DarkKnight369 · 01-24-2008, 02:16 PM

So then blackouts don't come with quick connect wiring? Only standard wiring components right?

Metal Ken · 01-24-2008, 02:17 PM

Both, from what i've seen.

Jason · 01-24-2008, 02:22 PM

Maybe this helps

http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/...501020-110.pdf

DarkKnight369 · 01-24-2008, 02:26 PM

I see. I ideally I would want them hooked up with quick conenct so I can swap the bridge and the neck until I find out what does it for me.

Awesome! Thanks for the link!

bostjan · 01-24-2008, 05:19 PM

I know this is a stupid question, but have you tried the 81 in the bridge and the 85 in the neck?

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01-24-2008, 12:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
DarkKnight369 Line 6 whore. Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 617 Real Name: Dave Z Main Seven: Schecter C-7 ATX (White) Rig: Line 6 HD147 Thanked: 14	EMG 85, blackout question... Right now my main 6 string guitar has the EMG 81/85 set reversed (85b, 81n). The guitar has a mahogany body, maple neck, and ebony fretboard. I really like the sound I get out of this guitar. I always hated the 81, just because it sounded thin. The only time I ever liked it was in my other guitarists all mahogany LP, but I think he has his tone set a little muddy too. I never use my "backup" guitar because it has a Duncan JB in the bridge and duncan designed '59 in the neck. It used to be my main axe, until I got the EMG loaded guitar and preferred actives. I still like the tone, just wish it had actives. Part of the reason is I run wireless on stage, and because of the high output of EMGz I have to set the wireless unit to -12db. If I break a string or want to switch guitars the -12db really seems to cut the tone and output with the passives. So...I like the idea of having my other guitar fitted with actives, but different pickups at the same time to provide some variety. Since there has been much talk over the blackouts, I am considering these. My question is, if I am used to the 85 in the bridge, would the blackout bridge model cut it for me? Ideally I would love to get blackouts and hook them up with quick connect so I can swap them back and forth. I guess I am just wondering if the blackout neck pickup will be more 85 like. The guitar I am putting these in is the same shape and build, but with a mahogany neck and rosewood board. Not as bright as my main axe, but I would still put an 85 in the bridge if I went that route. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

01-24-2008, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
ibznorange Chief Officer/RHLC © Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ Posts: 7,657 Real Name: Max Main Seven: Ir now Sevenless :squint: Main ERG: A Dead Cat Rig: Mesa Rectoverb Combo Thanked: 47	if you like the sound of the jb, but want a passive sound, look in to the dave mustaine livewires. its kinda like an active jb in the bridge, and an active jazz in the neck. i really like them. Reverse Headstocks or Bust Dude...i just got a spam email that was titled "Funky date rape trick" -Zepp88 I just got another funny email "Her pussy smiled at me" -Zepp88 Don't tell me you haven't heard of Raptor Jesus It's important that you know this information :headnod: It will decide your fate when we are pwned. -JoeOvChaos I was going KAT KAT KAT KAT and you were going KAT... chk... KAT... chk-die. -TomAwesome

01-24-2008, 02:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jason Sign Your Neg Rep Posts! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South of the rats mouth.. Posts: 9,268 Real Name: Jason Main Seven: Esp/Ltd H207 :D Rig: Nadda Supreme Thanked: 78	Maybe this helps http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/...501020-110.pdf http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/gea...brand-new.html "I wish TV had a knob so you could turn up the intelligence. The one marked Brightness doesn't work." Gallagher

01-24-2008, 05:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
bostjan Spastic Kitchen! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 6,173 Main Seven: Oni Custom 7 Main ERG: Oni Custom 8 Rig: Mesa Dual Recto Thanked: 6	I know this is a stupid question, but have you tried the 81 in the bridge and the 85 in the neck? Khereb's myspace

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01-24-2008, 01:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
zimbloth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 11,109 Real Name: Nick Main Seven: Rico Jr Customs Main ERG: Ibanez 8 Rig: VHT Pittbull UL Thanked: 60	Yes, the Blackout Neck in the bridge is very 85-like, but IMO better. The Blackout bridge is a great match for mahogany though, and it's not like the EMG 81 at all. I'd recommend buying a set, and using the quick connect to try each one, then return/sell the other. Personally, I prefer the Blackout bridge model in the bridge.

01-24-2008, 01:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
DarkKnight369 Line 6 whore. Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 617 Real Name: Dave Z Main Seven: Schecter C-7 ATX (White) Rig: Line 6 HD147 Thanked: 14	Thanks for the input guys. I know the blackouts come quick connect capable, but do they come with everything to wire the guitar up quick connect? Otherwise I would have to buy that from EMG, right? Sounds like I may like the neck in the bridge more, but who knows. I may also like the bridge model. No matter what, I can make them work I guess. I am not too fussy about the neck position since I only use it 15-20% of the time. I do love the EMG 81 in the neck though. As far as Livewires go, I have not heard too many good things about them. I like the JB, but I am by no means set on the tone of them. I just think they are a pretty good passive. Everything I seem to be reading indicate the blackouts are duncans superior active pickup and that they finally got it right.

01-24-2008, 02:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
DarkKnight369 Line 6 whore. Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 617 Real Name: Dave Z Main Seven: Schecter C-7 ATX (White) Rig: Line 6 HD147 Thanked: 14	So then blackouts don't come with quick connect wiring? Only standard wiring components right?

01-24-2008, 02:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Metal Ken Sanctity In Blasphemous Ruin • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 22,541 Real Name: Legion Main Seven: Loomis, C7HR, Giannini 7 Rig: Mesa Rectoverb 50 Thanked: 83	Both, from what i've seen.

01-24-2008, 02:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
DarkKnight369 Line 6 whore. Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 617 Real Name: Dave Z Main Seven: Schecter C-7 ATX (White) Rig: Line 6 HD147 Thanked: 14	I see. I ideally I would want them hooked up with quick conenct so I can swap the bridge and the neck until I find out what does it for me. Awesome! Thanks for the link!

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EMG 85, blackout question...