X2N vs. EMG81

[Altitudes911]

i'd like to know which is better for bridge position, to get best sound quality for metal. It'll be for a Jackson Kelly, solid body. the stock neck pickup won't be changed at the moment, which means if its an EMG, it'll be a passive/active combination. is it ok? or better off with the X2N to have passive/passive combination?

just asking once more before purchasing for reals for this christmas...
thanks a lot~

p.s. i can't try them out, they stores don't sell them here, im purchasing from the U.S.

[GHWelles]

Passive active combos are OK. I personally like the X2N. Powerful yet bright and clear, but not sterile. Looks cool too. But think my EMG 85 sounds a little sterile. The EMG 81 is supposed to be even thinner. On the other hand if you like high distortion metal and use effects, the EMG would cut through better under those conditions than a passive pup. Some people love those EMG's and they definately have their strong points.

[Altitudes911]

thanks a lot

[SABOTAGE]

I am real interested in the lawrence 500XL!
from what i hear it is the closest passive to the 81?

[Altitudes911]

yea, ive heard about Bill laurence pups too, and its cheap, people say its around $55 or so.
but the problem is that its hand made, so it takes like a month or so for Mr. Bill to make it. maybe it's a good option for you guys that live in the U.S., but im too far away and really can't wait that long.

[Altitudes911]

for the moment im leaning toward the X2N, i suppose it'll be easier to install than the EMG, the back cavity of kelly is so small, i doubt the battery will fit in, and get someone to perforate another hole for it here is quite impossible.

[mrid]

Though some think it's bright, the X2N is actually pretty balanced EQ-wise...certainly more so than the 81.

[GHWelles]

Though some think it's bright, the X2N is actually pretty balanced EQ-wise...certainly more so than the 81.

Agreed. The X2N is not really bright, it just tends to retain more highs than you might expect for a pickup in this power range.

[Altitudes911]

so i suppose with X2N i can get better tone for playing solos? its more convenient for me then since i play lead guitar.

[GHWelles]

so i suppose with X2N i can get better tone for playing solos? its more convenient for me then since i play lead guitar.

Thicker tone anyway.

[theodie]

I am real interested in the lawrence 500XL!
from what i hear it is the closest passive to the 81?

The difference between the 81 and the Xl500 is the XL500 has personality and it dosent sound sterile.

[theodie]

I would go for the X2N over the 81 anyday. Have you considered the Duncan paralell axis distortion trembucker?

[JB_From_Hell]

I am one of the few EMG 81 fans on here, but if you need versatility, I'd go passive. The 81 in the bridge has a sh*tty lead tone, too. It's pretty sweet in the neck for leads, though.

Have you considered the Invader?

[Mephis]

Ill just tell ya right now, to save some time and money get an X2N, i think you'll be happier, an 81 is very thin and shrill, great for shread but not always great for metal.

[Altitudes911]

alright.. thanks very much for all your replys, its been very helpful. i think im getting the X2N then. maybe i'll upgrade to actives when i get money to buy me a more powerful amp and other stuffs.

[Mephis]

^Very good idea, if you go active its best for everything to be active IMO.

[Magnus Pauli]

Quote "Mephis":

"an 81 is very thin and shrill, great for shread but not always great for metal."

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica use EMG 81's, and as far as I hear, their tone is neither "thin" or "shrill".

Same with Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman from Slayer.

And what about Zakk Wylde, he uses them too?

[Altitudes911]

i think it has a lot to do with the type of amp you got, i suppose that EMGs are for powerful amps, specially half or full stacks. and i think it won't work well with solid state combo amps, specially low wattage ones.
since im using a 75watts only Dean amp, and planning to get a Peavy combo of even less power (40 watts). i suppose EMG will be too much and won't be able to responde much.

i don't play in bands, just for personal hobbie. ^_^

[ranalli]

The 81 is not sterile, it just tends to impart more of it's "personality" on the guitar than other pickups. It has this slight compression thing going on seems like. But the 81 imparts no more of it's personality than a JB which has this high-mid thing that goes on in every guitar you put it in.

Furthermore, the 81 is not thin either...that's just complete crap. It's no thinner than a Distortion.


On the subject of the X2N though, I think it's a great pickup for what it does. It's fairly well balanced and clear despite it's high output. Actually, the super insane high output is the only thing I don't like about it....I wish they made it cooler.

[vinterland]

[QUOTE=ranalli]The 81 is not sterile, it just tends to impart more of it's "personality" on the guitar than other pickups. It has this slight compression thing going on seems like. But the 81 imparts no more of it's personality than a JB which has this high-mid thing that goes on in every guitar you put it in.

Furthermore, the 81 is not thin either...that's just complete crap. It's no thinner than a Distortion.[QUOTE]



agreed agreed agreed.... all these people who say this must be playing through solid state amps. Put any emg through a tube and you have clarity and punch beyond any passive pup. The X2N is one of my fav. passives though.