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EMG X-Series 81X, 85X and SAX Pickup Review

81X 
The new 81X has indeed been upgraded in the headroom department compared to the old model. It cleaned up better when turned down, and when cranked it presented the full- on screaming harmonic laden tone that the 81 series is so famous for. While it is still great for heavy rock tones, it cuts through better, making faster passages more articulate. Also because of this headroom it invites some players who might have considered EMG pickups to be too over-the-top sounding. The pickup tone was much more organic feeling—much like a good passive pickup.

85X 
The 85X has the same organic feel as the 81X. It is a very sensitive warm and clean pickup when played clean. It produced an excellent warm blues tone with just a little bit of overdrive applied. Cranked up, it is another matter. For those who like to play the fast legato lines and sweep arpeggios, this is your pickup. The newer improved headroom of this pickup makes it a sure winner. It can hold its own as far as power output goes with the 81-X The older model 85 was a bit bland by comparison; still a great tone, just far less versatility.