EMG 85
			Although the EMG-85 has more measurable output than the 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 lowend and a fatter top end. Because of a more natural tone, it works great as a rhythm and blues pickup because it has loads of output but isn't muddy. Itís a perfect choice as a rhythm pickup in combination with an 81 in the bridge, which is the same pickup combination used by Zakk Wylde. Ok I decided to try active pick-ups in my 2005 Ibanez S520EX played thru a Digitech 2112 (upgraded to a 2120) thru a Crate GX-60D. I first tried this pick-up in the neck position. It really is a great neck pickup under a nice clean tone added with a little chorus and delay you get a very nice sound as well as having the high output to match your bridge pickup when switching. Under a distortion it seems that their is the right amount of mids which helps avoid that muddy sound in the neck under distortion. Now in the bridge position I really like it here over the 81, with the extra mids and less treble than the 81 it gives the bridge position that warmer tone which I like. With a clean tone it real;ly shines in this position. Downsides to the 85, when in a clean tone i have found out you may need to roll back the volume to avoid a slight distortion. Also I found that when in the bridge position the 85 tends to get muddy when tuning under D tuning. All in all its probably the best pickup EMG has to offer in the Active pick-ups.
	PICKUP SPECS
	WIRING: Single Conductor MAGNETS: Alnico OUTPUT: DC RES: 10 YEAR: 1985 US RETAIL PRICE: $124
	ALTERNATE COLORS
	White Chrome (25th anniversary only)
			Rated: 7 out of 10