EMG's in a Gibson Explorer

[dragsternj]

I would like to change my Gibson Explorer Pu's i can't stand especially the bridge one anymore. I thought about sticking EMG's in there. I have a ZW set in my Washburn Idol and that thing rocks. I was looking at the EMG 60s. Now i never have seen what is in the box and how they come, it looks like they come pre-wired? Tone and vol pot ?


Anyone changed an explorer ?

[MadRyan]

Guy I used to play with had that setup. Dual 81's in his explorer. I had dual 81's in my Les Paul. They sounded similar but different. IMO, a Duncan JB sounds better. I briefly had a Hamer custom (Explorer style body) with a JB and a '59 and it was awesome. Drove amps really well, as in better than my LP. Fatter sound too.

Were I to do the EMG thing over again, I'd go with an 85 in the bridge and a 60 for the neck.

[neptoess]

If you like EMGs in one guitar you'll like them in any guitar(the preamp makes them sound the same in any guit) the 60 is a great neck pup if you like brighter clean sounds unlike the 85s darker clean tones, but it lacks for leads as the 85 doesnt, I also recommend the 18v mod, makes the pups have so much more life(nothing like passives but really close)

[neptoess]

I actually recommend you try BLs(www.billlawrence.com) L-500R/XL as your guitar has amazing wood and these pickups are the best thing for metal I've ever used. I've used them all pretty much. SD Jazz/59/JB/Dimebucker EMG 81/85/60 Dimarzio Evolution/X2N. The 2nd best imo was the evos

[jaxadam]

60 in neck is an excellent pickup, especially with 18 volts.

[j.arledge]

my project jem has dual emg 85s and i love it . the 85 in the bridge is a little more mellow then the 81 , the 85 still packs a nice warm punch but it isn't as in your face . i love the clarity of the active emg models , and the 85 has more life to it clean then the 81 imo .