EMG JH Hetfield Het Set vs. EMG 81

WATCH IN 1080pHD!

I just put the JH set into my ESP SV, to close the gap to the J50BC equipped RR1 a little, and it worked.

they sound a bit more passive with a bit more bottom end than the 81, they're still really tight though.
The output is quite a bit hotter than the 81s output!

you sacrifice a little of the "polished" sounding qualities of the 81..only an 81 sounds like an 81, the JH does sound a bit different, but it certainly offers a more "passive" feel...liking it so far.
I'd say the 81 has a bit more of the higher "sticky" mids, while the JH has a bit more of the lower "growly" mids...
it's not night and day of course, but if you jump between the same sections in this song you'll hear it.

Chain: ESP SV, Maxon od808, RevF Recto, Mesa Stiletto 4x12, single sm57

[ChristsDanimal]

Best comparison between these pups by a LONG shot...thank you!!!!

To me the Het set has a lot thicker mids leaving the 81s sounding "hollow" in comparison, very scooped, lacking body

[LasseLammert]

well, the goal was to show the differences in the most neutral way, and the 81 are quieter, that's part of the difference.
I get what you mean, and I actually thought about doing it to avoid the "louder is better"-factor, but as soon as I start changing something it wouldn't be a neutral comparison anymore...both ways have their advantages and downsides though.

[metalfiend]

I own Blackout metal on my neck thru Jackson, which i love, but i like the opposite direction the JHs seem to go here, the jhs sound sharper, richer, and edgier than the 81, and very different than my blackouts. For me, i think so far, blackouts first, closely followed by these great JHs, then 81. Seems to be a great difference between JH and 81. great video. thanks.

[rambos]

"Sticky mids" Great description of the EMG. I couldn't figure out the way to describe it until I read this analogy, other than. "...yeah, that EMG sound, you know?" I Like them both but the Hetfield set wins it for me. Hopefully I'll find a cheap-ish set. They're waaaay pricey.

[Metalhead]

Of course, it does depend on taste but the JH's sound a lot clearer to me so if I was to pick between the two for a Metal setting I'd personally go for what sounds clearer

[jameslugo]

I like the Het’s better, more everything. Thanks for the vid Lasse.

[MaxPowersTastyTones]

The Hetfield sounds more open and warmer. I like it better than the 81. I tried the new ESP Snakebyte for myself and I have to say... awesome guitar. Looks and sounds more than you would expect.

[pivetlord]

The Hetfield Bridge PU seems to have alot more "Openness" and just a bigger sound overall. I want a set for my epiphone goth explorer.

[Pedrikikiki]

Loved the video Lasse :)

The only thing i don't really like about the Het is the airy feel, not really into that

[mostresticator]

i love the 81 sound...the het is hotter and sounds a little more wet on the attack tho

[LasseLammert]

@pantallicaremains thanks mate. It's my own band "Killfloor mechanic" we're about to release our debut album, find us on Facebook

[dimeoflo]

Thanks for the video, but got a question, the JH pickups have individual poles...are they F-spaced or normal spaced ?

[LasseLammert]

yes, same settings, same everything

[pantallicaremains]

whatever the music is its badass. WHAT IS IT?

[syzygy]

In this particular video I could not hear the difference. I'm not able to listen to it very loud at the moment though since the lady is sound asleep 2 ft away from me atm. Will re-listen later

[weecolski]

i have these in my charvel socal and 81 85 in my esp horizon the het set have m ore bass and mids but still the crunchy highs of the 81 85 and they look better and sound better a bit expensive though !!

[Imperialdeathband]

Did you use the same amp sound on both clips?

[westbohan]

i was comparing the price of jh set & emg 81

[Metalhead]

Loads of guitarists seem to brag about how EMG 81 85's are the best pickups ever but they really aren't. This video even shows that.

[CyborgBlade]

Imho the Hetfields sound Way better, I`m thinking about putting them in my Gibson Les Paul Gothic Morte