software

I certainly do!
they both have great cut, harmonics and sing like a canary.
neither have a huge bass or mids and both have that slice in the mix

They are similar sounding in that they both cut well and are bright pickups and both are higher output but other than that they are a bit different......the JB has much more upper mids to my ears and the 81 is clearer and more defined.BOTH are great.


Originally Posted by ranalliThey are similar sounding in that they both cut well and are bright pickups and both are higher output but other than that they are a bit different......the JB has much more upper mids to my ears and the 81 is clearer and more defined.BOTH are great.

I ordered a distortion and heard that was the closest to the 81 but to me the JB is closer?
i sent the distortion back for a custom now.

Its possible. Remember the EMG is actually a fairly mid to low output pup in terms of its magnet and coil windings. I think it also uses an Alnico 5 magnet like the JB. What gives it the quot;umphquot; is the pre-amp/9 volt battery. So in theory its like having a moderate passive pick up in your guitar (like a JB), and using a pick up booster, OD pedal, etc., to boost the signal and slam your pre-amp to give that push. Of course it won't sound exactly the same, but I think theoretically you're doing the same thing. What an EMG won't sound like is a high output passive pup with a big magnet and windings, i.e. Distortion, Invader etc.

To me, the 81 and JB sound somewhat similar, and that would make the DD the 85. It just sounds better . I've gone back to using a DD in my mohogany Schecter...tonal orgasm!

While I agree that the 81 and the JB sound similar. I def. prefer the JB. The 81 is a bit clearer but always seemed a bit sterile to me.

gear:
Fender American Strat early 90's (had this guitar for about 12yrs) Duncan Hot Rail, JB, Little 59'

Ibanez RG570 Duncan JB and 59'

Les Paul studio Duncan JB and 59'

Pod Pro
Marhsall Valve State 8008
Marshall 1960 4x12

Mesa Mark IV
Mesa Rectifier 4x12

Various Pedals


Originally Posted by Jeff5Its possible. Remember the EMG is actually a fairly mid to low output pup in terms of its magnet and coil windings. I think it also uses an Alnico 5 magnet like the JB. .

does it use a 5? i thought it was a small ceramic?
i dont know for sure?
I thought the 81 was ceramic and the 85 was alnico 5?

I'm pretty sure the 81 is ceramic and 85 is alnico.

On the other hand I always felt the Distortion was more like the 81....the JB has those upper mids that just aren't in the 81.

I'm pretty sure the 81 is ceramic and 85 is alnico.

On the other hand I always felt the Distortion was more like the 81....the JB has those upper mids that just aren't in the 81.

yes, EXACTLY! I would compare the JB to an 85 before i'd say it was close to an 81. the 81 is just lacking those upper mids that makes the JB sing!


Originally Posted by Warheartyes, EXACTLY! I would compare the JB to an 85 before i'd say it was close to an 81. the 81 is just lacking those upper mids that makes the JB sing!

the distortion i ordered sounded too boxy to me and i dont find my 81 to have that boxy tone
the JB has more of the 81's scooped type tone.
in any case the JB is a great pup and will remain in my one guitar for a long time!