software

I finally saved enough money to go active on my pups for my jackson kelly. I was going to get an X2N, but now since i got more $$$ I better go active i think.

my question is simple:

1. what would be the best combo for a Jackson Kelly Std. with floyd, alder body, but only has the volume switch. (note: IT DOESNT HAVE ANY TONE SWITCH)
(note: I play metallica and other old school metal)

2. will i have to make some extra cavity for the batteries? I don't really wanna make any mods to the guitar body...

thanks a lot for your advice.


Originally Posted by Altitudes911(note: I play metallica and other old school metal)

I'm getting old....Iron Maiden is still NWOBHM to me...

Metallica?

Who Dat?
Iffins I was gonna go EMGs, it'd be 85s....I like the alnico mag better

If there's only a single pot go for a 60Neck/85 Bridge combo and keep it as master volume. If there are two pots go for 60Neck/89 Bridge(same as 85 but you can split it to SA mode) and make one of them a push-pull so you can split the 89.

i would've recommended the 81/89, but if you only have a volume pot, go the simple way: 81/85. it is the way to go for metal. the 81 is a good alternative for the X2N. the 85 doesnt sit right in the bridge IMO... it doesnt have that agressiveness and bite. although it does have a beefier low end. your preference!

Do NOT go EMG 81 in the bridge of that thing. I have heard many many jacksons live in town here with that 81 in the bridge and it always sounds horribly bright and solo's are painful. I myself have the 85 in the bridge and 81 in neck and it sounded a whole lot better than the other way around, more organic sounding.


Originally Posted by SeraphimTNDo NOT go EMG 81 in the bridge of that thing. I have heard many many jacksons live in town here with that 81 in the bridge and it always sounds horribly bright and solo's are painful. I myself have the 85 in the bridge and 81 in neck and it sounded a whole lot better than the other way around, more organic sounding.
Well you really can't lump all Jacksons together as some are brighter than others...most notably the ones with ebony fretboards.

The 81 doesn't sound bad at all in a kelly!!! ha ha ha ha. Man There isn't a HUGE difference between the 81/85 in the bridge. You have a higher percussive sound on the 81 lower end percussive on the 85. The 85 to my ears has better harmonics. Again I have tried them in both positions and you really can't go wrong with either. I have never tried the 89 sounds really interesting to me though. The thing you got to think with the 89 is that your stuck with it. Where as the 81 and 85 and 60 you can switch them around via the quick connect.

Thanks a lot for the replies my friends. I think i'll buy the 81-85 set and try them in both positions to see how they will sound better.

but, how about the battery cavity? will I have to dig a hole outta my kelly to have room for the batteries?

85/60 or 85/89, no contest.

Lead 85(n)/81(b) or 81/81

Rhythm 60(n)/81(b)

I tried the 85 in the bridge and I hated it. Too bassy and it blurred my notes amp; palm mutes too much.

I have a 81/81 set in my ESP, which has a maple/maple neck and an alder body, and an OFR. According to all the people complaining about the 81s highs, it should be icepick-city but it's far from it. I really love it there. Maybe it's because my amp has a treble control???

I haven't tried other emgs throughly yet, but I really like my set and I find it quite versatile for metal, though I have a habit of making oddball things work out in other styles as well. I can warmly recommend it, although I think that your idea of having the quick-connect 81/85 -set could be better so you can try them out to your liking.

And no, you don't need no stinking volume pot! Try some active electronics out there!

You'll only need a single 9V battery, so if your cavity isn't minimalistic it should fit. Why not take a look, can you fit a battery there and how well!?

So, it only requires one 9V battery for the both pickups? or is it 2 batts, one per each pickup?

the cavity at the back of kelly is really small, maybe 1 batt can fit, but not 2
definitely... if it requires 2, maybe i'll just have to wire them outside and find a way to glue them that the back of the guitar?? lol

So, there won't be any problem that i dont have a tone pot? i think the sound won't be versatile because of that, but i just hope it wont sound sterile..


Originally Posted by screamingdaisyLead 85(n)/81(b) or 81/81

Rhythm 60(n)/81(b)

I tried the 85 in the bridge and I hated it. Too bassy and it blurred my notes amp; palm mutes too much. 1


Originally Posted by Altitudes911So, it only requires one 9V battery for the both pickups? or is it 2 batts, one per each pickup?

the cavity at the back of kelly is really small, maybe 1 batt can fit, but not 2
definitely... if it requires 2, maybe i'll just have to wire them outside and find a way to glue them that the back of the guitar?? lol

So, there won't be any problem that i dont have a tone pot? i think the sound won't be versatile because of that, but i just hope it wont sound sterile..

One battery will power both.

If the guitar sounds really bright now, then go with the 85. I prefer the 81 myself but it was just too bright for me on an alder body so I reluctantly swapped it with the 85 and it sounded great. For the neck, go with the 60. It's surely the best pick-up EMG makes for that position IMO. Great definition for solos and sounds great clean.

BTW, who uses tone controls in metal anyway?