EMG 81 vs 81x - EMG Showdown and Review

EMG 81 vs EMG 81x - EMG Showdown and Review

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Here is another EMG Showdown! I have 2 nearly identical Epiphone Explorers, one with a set of EMG 81 & 85, one with EMG 81x & 60!

They sound similar, but there is a difference. Which do you prefer?

I compare these pickups in the bridge positions only. I do multiple riffs for the comparison, palm muted chugging, open chords, some riffs and some lead playing. I even do examples in distortion and clean!

EMG says the 81x is an 81 “with the added dynamic control of the X Series preamp, the 81X takes the classic 81 to a new level of tone.” They both have ceramic coils and close aperture coils.

Basically what people are saying is an 81x is an 81 made to somewhat simulate the popular 18v mod that is done to EMG 81s, by using a new preamp.

Maybe next I will have to compare the 81 w/ 18v mod, vs 81x. Or even 81 vs 81 w/ 18-volt mod...

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