Recommend me a (passive) bridge pickup

[Mario8672]

I have an EMG81 now (in my Jackson KE3), it sounds too thin, dead, messy, and cold for me. I'm looking for a pickup with more warmth (without muddiness), sustain, a bit less output than the EMG, nice harmonics, and being able to hear each string clearly. I've looked at some DiMarzios and Seymour Duncans, but I'm not sure which to go for. I play old school metal (Testament, old Ozzy, old Metallica, etc)

Thanks!

[jonsgon]

my favs are the dimarzio tone zone or the seymour duncan tb-14, very nice well rounded pick-ups

jon

[Number Of The Priest]

I had an EMG-85 in the bridge of my old KE3 and it was perfect for what I was looking for in terms of incredible string clarity, warm fat tone with excellent low-mid chunk and harmonics flying easily off the fretboard. Since you're already on the EMG setup there, try simply changing the model before dismissing active pickups altogether.

As for a passive bridge pickup that matches the sound of my old KE3, the Seymour Duncan JB in my Les Paul currently gives me that tone. But there's a completely different wood and hardware combination going on to get the same tone...

[KBRR]

Duncan Distortion

[Mr Metal]

I know you said passive, but have you tried an EMG 85 or 89 in the bridge? If definitely looking for passives, what about Dimarzio Evolution, Super Distortion, or Steve's Special?

[Davey]

BareKnuckle Pickups: Miracle man, Nailbomb, Warpig
worth EVERY penny

[Mario8672]

I've tried the EMG85 in the bridge before; it got a tiny bit better, but it's not my thing.

[Super_shredder]

BareKnuckle Pickups: Miracle man, Nailbomb, Warpig
worth EVERY penny

+1 for the miracle man ive got one in les paul it rocks!

[patricef]

Di Marzio Super Distortion and Duncan JB (SH4) are the one used in most of the 80's.

[jcm800x]

I like the Tonezone for a full sound and a Super III for a tight low treble metal sound.

[dimobag]

Super Distortion from Dimarzio!!!!

[DonP]

Duncan Distortion

Sorry, the Duncan Distortion would destroy the EMG81 LOL!

But here is an issue. I have a real DD in my 750XL and it sounds badass. I also have a Duncan Designed Destortion (DDD) in my KE3/DK1. Not the same sound, but two totally different axes. Scale length, neck thru vs. bolt on, mahog vs. poplar, fretboard rosewood vs. ebony, floating trem vs. fixed bridge. Also, the DDD is trem spaced, the DD is regular spaced.

I'm not 100% sure I like the DDD in the KE3/DK1, so I might swap it with a trem spaced Custom Custom I just purchased.

Good luck!

And how the F' do you fit the battery in the KE3? Mine has NO SPACE. Passives only. Is yours a one volume control only?

[Mario8672]

Sorry, the Duncan Distortion would destroy the EMG81 LOL!

But here is an issue. I have a real DD in my 750XL and it sounds badass. I also have a Duncan Designed Destortion (DDD) in my KE3/DK1. Not the same sound, but two totally different axes. Scale length, neck thru vs. bolt on, mahog vs. poplar, fretboard rosewood vs. ebony, floating trem vs. fixed bridge. Also, the DDD is trem spaced, the DD is regular spaced.

I'm not 100% sure I like the DDD in the KE3/DK1, so I might swap it with a trem spaced Custom Custom I just purchased.

Good luck!

And how the F' do you fit the battery in the KE3? Mine has NO SPACE. Passives only. Is yours a one volume control only?

It has one volume, and I actually fit TWO 9 V batteries comfortably in there.

[Mario8672]

I think I'll check out the Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion. More suggestions are welcomed.

[toejam]

A DiMarzio X2N blows away the 81. A Super Distortion and Tone Zone are good choices as well.