81/85

[Praetorian]

well, this is sort of a classic battle here, but I'm talking about the EMG 81 and 85. I had always put the 81 in the bridge. I recently switched them and found the results enjoyable. The 85 has a nice full sound, while the 81 in the neck has a sound almost like...dare I say...a P-90. I don't mind at all either. I'm actually going to put dual 89's in the guitar so I can have dual 85s with single coil capabilities. That's even more fun. But really, if you like a P-90 sound go for the 81 in the neck. But overall, the 85 is best in the bridge. I'm serious, don't screw around, put the 85 in the bridge, it's the best. In the neck it's great too, but the 81 has a really cool sound there also.

[Xavier 7]

I have two EMG 81's in one of my guitars and I have to say that I love the sound of the 81 in the neck and the bridge.

[Societysucks]

I think it depends on the the guitar.

I find the 81 works well in basswood guitars, and mahogany guitars, where the added midrange responce of the 85 isn't required to fill out the tone of the guitar.

I put 2 85's into my (ALDER) Yamaha Pacifica a few years ago, and the results were spectacular. I never suspected such things were possible from the guitar.

However, the yamaha Pacifica whilst being a cheap well-made guitar is not an easy guitar to install to. I had to modify my scratchplate and install foam all over the damn thing to get rid of the noise, worth it though!

[kamix]

Yeah the 81 sounds much better in the bridge in basswood rgs I think. The 85 gives a much more muddy sound, depends what you play I guess.