"The only comparable product that i've found to this(when it comes to quality) is a Dimarzio Evolution pickup, but thats a bit sk"
Sound:
I would characterize the sound of this product as; Ideal for a good driven lead sound. Its not tonally over-drenched, but yet its not lacking. Thing is with most pickups i've found out there, is that when you hit a lowmid note and then hit a significantly more treble note, you instantly get a horrid muddy sound, and have to instantly mute, with the EMG-81 you can climb from a bass to treble run quickly without having a tone cut-out, feedback, unproportioned highs and mids or a muddy sound.
Amazingly as well, it sounds good live as well as in recording. Use to, I would've had to have two explicitly different guitars for a live rig and a studio rig. Not anymore.
This pickup helps majorly with manipulating the sound of my notes, when i need it.
My only tip to make this product sound the best it can, is to wire it correctly or have a Tech do it for you. If your wiring this with a passive pickup, then don't let the Tech tell you it can't be done. Go to EMG online and get the wiring diagram for a passive/active setup and shove it down the Tech's throat.
Quality:
It was sent to me in perfect shape, and i've had the product for good while now, and its still running at 100% condition.
The Wow Factor:
Heh. This pickup doesn't quite have those curves that do it for me. But its sound is definitely genius, genius enough to be ****able.
Overall:
There is nothing i dislike about this product. Even replacing the 9-volt is a wondermous ritual for me. I will wear the pickup out for the rest of its days, and when its done with(if ever) i'll buy another to replace it.
Thanks for your vote. Can you specify what about this review did or did not help you?