Passive pickups for Einstein? replacement for EMG 81

  • Thread starter Thread starter RaulTx
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RaulTx

RaulTx

Member
Hello guys!!!

I've decided to replace the pikups from my guitar, because i think i'm getting a too compressed/flat sound from the EMG 81s . I miss some of the growl, tightness and definition i've heard on some of the clips posted here. I've also read that the EMGs do not fit very well with the Diezels... (am i right, Olaf? ;))

So, wich passive pickups (bridge and neck) can you recommend for metal/hard rock?

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,
Raul.
 
Actually EMGs work great in some guitars with Diezels.

What is the guitar?
 
Personally I like BareKnuckle Pickups. The Painkiller set is wound to give EMG type sound, but BK's have more dynamic range and harmonic sensitivity. Ceramic magnets in the neck and bridge for a really tight response.

Warpigs are popular, more organic than EMG's or Painkillers, but huge bottom end, loads of output, but not muddy. Ceramic option in the bridge.

Of course you might do better with a lower output pup. We have a Black Dog set in a LP and it works wonders with a VH4 :)

Check up the players section of their forum, loads of clips.
 
Actually the painkiller is nothing like EMGs IMO, it's more like Duncan Distortion. The Nailbomb is what I'd say close to EMGs, only much more better & versatile.
 
Actually, neither the Painkiller or Nailbomb are anything like EMGs. The Miracleman is supposed to be fairly similar to emgs, but much more dynamic and articulate. It's basically a similar vocing to EMG's.

To OP, if you want suggestions, you're going to have to be more specific about what tone you're looking for. List some bands whose tone you like, and lay out for us what exactly you're looking for.
 
man, why would anyone want an EMG-like passive? :confused: if you want an EMG get an EMG, mod it with th 18v mod for less compression or get one of the new EMG-X.

I thing EMGs definitely have a thing going for them. For metal and tight stuff I like em a lot, very clear and tight, for rock I'm starting to like the passives more, they breathe more.

for my poprock stuff hehehe low output Single Coils FTW. although I must say the EMG S singles I have in my MIA strat sound VERY good, much much better than the 89 I put in my Explorer
 
The Diezels aleady have so much gain that you may not want a super high-output pickup. With ultra high-output pickups you get less definition and more compression and lots of gain, which can be cool, but I would recommend something more in the semi-hot range. You'll still get great gain and sustain, but better clarity, note separation and natural overtones.

Here's a couple of suggestions...they are all great:
Bare Knuckle Cold Sweat (14k, ceramic)
Wolfetone TimbreWolf (15k, alnico), or ceramic by special order
Bare Knuckle Emerald (13k, alnico)
Suhr SSH (13k, alnico)
Bare Knuckle Rebel Yell (14.5k, alnico)
 
Beardyman":1n7zi6v2 said:
Actually, neither the Painkiller or Nailbomb are anything like EMGs. The Miracleman is supposed to be fairly similar to emgs, but much more dynamic and articulate. It's basically a similar vocing to EMG's.

To OP, if you want suggestions, you're going to have to be more specific about what tone you're looking for. List some bands whose tone you like, and lay out for us what exactly you're looking for.
Click to expand...

I don't know, I find the nailbomb pretty close to the 81. If the miracleman is closer, then it should be pretty much dead on. That said the nailbomb is like several pickups in one with just messing with volume knob, very impressive, I love the thing. I just had a little time today to mess with the painkiller for recording & the thing sounds massive & defined with shitload of gain dimed on the amp. I'm waiting for the next batch of bare knuckles. So far 5 stars :thumbsup:
 
What kind of guitars, tunings, musical styles, etc. are you playing...??? That is most important.
 
The SD Custom 5 works well for metal/rock in the bridge, but I don't think EMG's are no good for Diezels - it's a question of eq-ing....
 
Well, i've read many times around here about issues between EMGs and Diezels. In my particular case, the sound seems to be too compressed (i've tried different heights for the pickup also), and without breath or dynamics.

My guitar is a LTD Viper 400 (SG style), standard tuning (E), and the styles/bands tone i'm looking for are Metallica/AC/DC/Foo Fighters/Nickelback/... from metal to rock in fact.

For the people who is using EMGs, which EQ are u using?

I hope this helps you... Thanks to everyone! :)

PD: The video that Joey posted the other day may be an example:
https://www.youtube.com/v/49_RiN-L9gE
 
Just buy an Anderson guitar then. From what I can hear in the video (I could be completely off) that's probably alder body, maple neck guitar. Your viper is mahogany body & neck, it will never sound "snappy" like alder. I can't help you with pickups though, the stuff I like is much thicker than that, but I guess it would be safe to assume that those are Anderson pickups in that guitar too.
 
The SD Custom 5 works well for metal/rock in the bridge
Click to expand...

Agreed! Great pickup!

I also recommend:
-Dimarzio Evolution
-Dimarzio Super 3

Work great with my Einstein for Rock/Metal
 
Thanks to everyone!! I will search more information about all the pickups you have suggested me. :thumbsup:
 
Yes the emgs are great for metal no dought, but i am also in the same scenario getting tired with them .they can sound a bit sterile and flat ,so ive ordered the suhr Doug Aldrich set to replace the emgs in one of my esp eclipse guitars.
 
I really like these bridge pickups: Seymour Duncan Custom 5, and JB works well also. Depends a little on your preferred style (and of course which guitar) :)

I use these on my Diezel Herbert. I too have found the EMG to remove some of the "magic" dynamics, but that might be a good thing for some of those "br00tal" drop-C people of course :lol: :LOL:
 
Russ":pzci6aon said:
Yes the emgs are great for metal no dought, but i am also in the same scenario getting tired with them .they can sound a bit sterile and flat ,so ive ordered the suhr Doug Aldrich set to replace the emgs in one of my esp eclipse guitars.
Click to expand...

Ummmm please leave some feedback once you have got them installed! they could be my choice also, i've read great things about them over internet (after they were suggested here).
 
To me...EMG's take away from the natural dynamics of the guitar's wood and so forth. I prefer passive pickups and in my experience for me they work much better with Diezel products then active pickups do. I have found that well balanced pickups provide the best overall versatility for my liking. High output pickups may not always be the best..again, my personal experience and opinion.
 
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