Is it a sin to modify a Jackson RR5.....EMG 81/85 swap pictu

[scottyboy]

They replaced the JB semour duncans that it came with.

[GuitarFreak585]

Nothing compares to EMG 81's.

[Deacon Dark]

I hate EMG's. I know a lot of people who love them, and get a great sound, but I have never been able to make them work for me.

[scottyboy]

I agree the 81 is a screamer....i have a 81 emg in the RR24 but there is a night and day sound from the rr24 to the rr5. The 24 screams with a more higher tone in the bridge where the rr5 with the 85 in the bridge has a lower crunchier tone but the 81 in the neck has smoother highs while doing solos. Same style guitars with 2 different tones.....exactly what i was looking for.

Deacon Dark,for metal or hard rock you can't beat them. I like the tone that david gilmore and reb beech get with their single coil emgs but i have a humbucker style so i will have to settle with what i got Somehow they pull it off but that might be because they are both freaks on a fret board!

[GuitarFreak585]

The 81 should be in the bridge... Its the hotter pickup of the two. Normal set up is 85 neck/81 bridge. My M-1000 has two 81's though.

[scottyboy]

The 81 should be in the bridge... Its the hotter pickup of the two. Normal set up is 85 neck/81 bridge. My M-1000 has two 81's though.

We have tried it either way and the 85 seems to have more bottom end for the stuff i play (Metallica/Megadeth).

[jakesstepstool]

GuitarFreak is right. If you check out James Hatfield's EMG equiped guitars, you will find that the 81 is in the bridge position. Along with Kirk Hammett, Zack Wyld, the dudes in Killswitch Engage and just about everyone who uses EMG's puts the 81 in the bridge. It's perfectly fine for you to like the 85 better in the bridge but just so you know... The 81 has a deeper low mid or "throaty" sound which is where the guitar is it's punchiest. Again, you are not "wrong", just not doing the "norm" here is a quote from EMG's website about the 85:

"The 85 is one of our first pickups and is the slightly more sophisticated and well rounded half of its famous twin, the 81. Featuring close aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets, the 85 is a powerful pickup with exceptional tone and versatility. Most often used in the rhythm position, the alnico magnets of this model provide a muscular growl and smooth lead tones to enable you to play the muddiest of blues to the most extreme metal. Try it in the bridge position for exceptional smoothness and soul. This pickup pairs well with just about every other humbucker in our line. Give it a try and experience why it’s been a top seller for so many years."

The 81 likewise:

"One of the most popular EMG’s the 81 is the one that started a revolution. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain. Traditionally used in the bridge position, this pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix. When used in both neck and bridge positions the sound can only be described as blistering. Other recommended pairings include the classic 81/85 setup and the versatile 81/60 combo."

[StratoBlaster]

It's not a sin to modify it, it's a Jackson! Either way, the guitar is cool and it burns with either combo of p/ups!

[mondo-thrasho]

WWRRD?

[StratoBlaster]

WWRRD?

Put a RangeMaster Treble Booster and an EQ after it and play "Mr. Crowley"!

[mondo-thrasho]

WWRRD?

Put a RangeMaster Treble Booster and an EQ after it and play "Mr. Crowley"!

You maid me spilled my drink and it almost came out my nose.

[mondo-thrasho]

BTW They're some MEAN pieces of wood you got {both of them}. sorry about getting off topic

But like I was saying DIY "Make it Yours"