When a world class player asks for
a custom 81 / 85 set in camouflage it's a matter of when, not how. EMG's biggest challenge
was ensuring that the cap could withstand the typical punishment of picks and strings. EMG abandoned the standard paint and airbrush options and went with a more roadworthy
and durable "dipping" method. The result was the EMG-CAMO SET, a quality bundle of the
classic
EMG-81 and
EMG-85 humbuckers wrapped
in a camouflage design. As a special "thank you" to all fans, EMG now makes these
collectable pickups available to the public. A limited run of 300 sets were made, (with
some going directly to artists now on tour) and there is no information on the EMG web
site as these will not be stock products. It is strictly a limited one time production.
EMG-81
The EMG-81 is
a high output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist. It
was actually developed in 1979 along with the EMG-58. Like most
EMG's, it wasn't heavily advertised until 1981. The EMG-81 has the
familiar U-shaped humbucking structure but replaces the pole pieces
with steel bars and a smaller ceramic magnet. The EMG-81 is at its
best for high volume overdrive. It has become the choice for metal
and extreme players alike, Kirk Hammett from Metallica and Kerry
King of Slayer to name only two.
Distortion
during lead passages is consistent, sustain is long and the breakup
fades smoothly. The ceramic magnet in combination with wide aperture
steel poles lend a quick attack but the tone stays nice and fat at
the same time. Perfect if you're the only guitarist in the band, and
need to switch from rhythm to lead and still keep the band moving.
Another great thing about the EMG-81 is it's quiet. If you're
playing at really high gain the last thing you need is noise.
If you're
looking for exceptional qualities in a high output pickup, the
EMG-81 is the one. Two 81's are featured in Kirk Hammett's Signature
ESP Guitar, the KH-4. The EMG Pro-Series EMG-KH20 and EMG-KH21 also feature Kirk’s
usual dual 81 set-up for retrofit into any Stratocaster* style
guitar.
You might also
want to consider
a combination featuring the EMG-81 as your bridge pickup with the EMG-85
as your rhythm pickup. Also, see the EMG-ZW
Zakk Wylde Model.
Package Includes: EMG's
exclusive Quik-Connect™ cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output
jack, battery clip set, screws & springs.
 Product
Data Sheet (pdf Download)
 Clean
(bridge) |
Dirty
(bridge)
|
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Logo
Color: |
Silver |
| Resonant
Frequency (Khz) |
2.25 |
| RMS
Output Voltage |
1.25 |
| Peak
Output Voltage |
1.75 |
| Output
Noise (dBV) |
-91 |
| Output
Impedance (Kohm) |
10 |
| Current
@ 9V (Microamps) |
80 |
| Battery
Life (Hours) |
3000 |
|
EMG-85
The EMG-85 was
developed as a replacement for the original EMG-58. EMG still
manufactures the EMG-58 on occasion, but the newer EMG-85 is
different from the original 58. Both models have characteristics
that are admirable, but the 85 won out in the end.
Although
the EMG-85 has more measurable output than the EMG-81
its frequency response and string interface are different. The 85
uses two Alnico magnet loaded coils with a wide aperture to maintain
a beefy low-end and a fatter top end. It’s a perfect choice as a
rhythm pickup in combination with an EMG-81
in the bridge, which is the same pickup combination used by Zakk
Wylde.
The midrange has better definition and doesn't get foggy or
muddy in the rhythm position either. Steve Lukather uses the 85 as
his lead pickup in the bridge position of his Ernie Ball Signature
"Luke" model. It has loads of output and isn't muddy. The
85 has a natural tone that works great as a rhythm and blues pickup.
It appeared on the later Guild Bluesbird (designed by George Gruhn)
model which was a favorite of blues player Buddy Guy for years. The
EMG-85 works best if you like the natural distortion that comes from
overdriving the front end of your amp. Under any conditions it
responds accurately to your technique.
Product
Data Sheet (pdf Download)
Clean
(bridge) |
Dirty
(bridge)
|
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Logo
Color: |
Gold |
| Resonant
Frequency (Khz) |
2.55 |
| RMS
Output Voltage |
1.25 |
| Peak
Output Voltage |
1.75 |
| Output
Noise (dBV) |
-89 |
| Output
Impedance (Kohm) |
10 |
| Current
@ 9V (Microamps) |
80 |
| Battery
Life (Hours) |
3000 |
|
|
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