Swapping 60 for 85

[ESPdude]

Hello,

just thought that I might be able to get in a quick question. I was thinking about swapping the EMG 60 on an Eclipse for an 85 in the neck. This seems to be a pretty popular modification. I just wanted to check and see how simple it really is. I have come to understand that the EMGs have that quick connect, so do you literally just unscrew the old pickup and disconnect it then plug up the new one and screw it in? Nothing else to change? Thanks so much.

[ToRo Pj0tR]

Just like that...

[Bridge The Void]

Yes. Don't do it though, 60 is much nicer in the neck than the 85 IMO. Put it in the bridge instead :p

[xcc]

to change emgs is easier than changing strings;) I would put an 81 in the neck tho, and if you really want an 85 on the guitar for some reason, put it in the bridge;) it's too boomy for the neck IMO

[njrusmc]

Hey ESPDude, I am considering trying a 60 in the neck of my guitar in place of the 85. Want to consider a trade? I am assuming your pickup is in mint condition, without scratches or defects, as mine is. PM me if you are interested.

[espdood]

I love the 60 in the neck. Sound's like an active vintage pickup..lol. The 85 sounded too thick and fat for my tastes.

[njrusmc]

How would you compare the two (60 vs 85)? I like the 81 sound, more throaty and thrashy. The 85 is kind of fat for my tastes as well.

[monty]

In terms of cleans, the 60 has more of a sparkly snap while the 85 is warmer and thicker but with more gain. As far as overdriven stuff goes, the 85 is the winner IMO because it's much smoother, fatter, and buttery than the 60. The 60 just seems too think compared to the 85 when it comes to overdriven stuff.

[espdood]

In terms of cleans, the 60 has more of a sparkly snap while the 85 is warmer and thicker but with more gain. As far as overdriven stuff goes, the 85 is the winner IMO because it's much smoother, fatter, and buttery than the 60. The 60 just seems too think compared to the 85 when it comes to overdriven stuff.

+1. I like to add that the 60 reminds me of an active version of a Seymour Duncan 59' model. The 60 to me sounds the best in the neck. It almost has a bit of a twangy quality to it. The 85 is easy to overdrive and sometimes I think that its meant to be a bridge pickup exclusively. I did favor the 85 in the bridge cuz at that time I liked the aggressiveness to it, but I came to learn that I prefer the voicing of the 81 better. I'm not so much of an 85 fan anymore. My fav. EMG combo would be the 81 (bridge) and the 60 (neck).

[Bridge The Void]

+1. I like to add that the 60 reminds me of an active version of a Seymour Duncan 59' model.

My thoughts exactly. ;)

[ESPVIPERCAMO]

keep the 60 , if you dont like that the 85 is gonna drive you nutty

ditched it in 3 of my guitars sold um all on the bay for 60's

[ESPdude]

Thanks to everyone for all of the great advice. I really do appreciate it. Now I have something to consider. Thanks again.