EMG 57/66 Set - Demo

Buy This Song: goo.gl/xn7hzK
Here are the brilliant EMG 57 & 66 pickups. Dynamic, sensitive and oh so good. I tried going for something other than a normal chug-fest. The main rhythm tracks were quad tracked to show how clear they stay even while layered.
Pickup DI Tracks: copy.com/v6R3YJN0ih41NFbv
Signal Chain:
LTD BW-1 Ben Weinman Sig Guitar (DROP B)
ProTone Misha OD
1995 Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (Modified)
Celestion Creamback
Shure SM57
Links:
Patreon: / riffsandbeards
Website: www.blackmetalbicycle.com
Ask.fm: ask.fm/RiffsAndBeards
Facebook: / riffsandbeards
Twitter: / riffsandbeards
Instagram: / riffsandbeards
Soundcloud: / riffsandbeards
Thanks to Dave Winter over on Patreon for making this video possible!

[@robscallon]

That is one rad looking guitar

[@TomTom-it2si]

Rob Scallon its a ben weinman,from the dillinger escape plan,signeture

[@haydenrix4287]

I agree.

[@samsancheziii]

That’s something a Scallon would say. 😠

[@kylesapp7614]

Dude honestly when I watch your demos I usually forget what I'm watching it for, I just get lost in the madness of your riffs. Keep rockin'. Cheers.

[@ctyelvis]

Fantastic riff! A lot of time people think metal has to be going at a bazillion miles an hour to get respect. This is a perfect example of metal with a laid back groove to it. Nice!

[@RNAMusic]

Ive watched a fair few of your vids. This is by far my favorite song you've written. Nice one dude. Tone sounds great.

[@jameso87]

Really appreciate you doing something different this time. If I had any gripe at all before it was that most demos were kind of a test of how good gear was at getting one certain sound. This one is a breath of fresh air.

[@sbbassslapper]

My Favorite Gear Demo-er...... I feel like you do the best at showing what you can do with it and be in-depth about it. I learn new tricks on guitar by watching you play... as a bassist turned guitarist this is welcomed surprise!

[@gaultiertyzo3513]

Fluff thank you! I was waiting for your review on these pickups for a long time. I bought six months ago and installed it on a gibson LP. I always spend good times when I look at your youtube channel, I hope you will continue long!

[@knifelover89]

i just wanted to say that i cant get these riffs out of my head. Damn good job sir. EMG sold a pair of these pickups because of this review. subscribing.

[@jamesford5919]

I love the 57/66. Was so excited to see they're coming out with dual mode versions at 2020 winter NAMM. Definitely going in my LP.

[@mr.phil.a]

Dual mode??

[@jamesford5919]

@@mr.phil.a I think it's a fancy way of saying, "Coil split." Sounds like they're using Fishman lingo.

[@jasonglover5989]

Have you done the install yet?

[@LukeCannotSkate]

This has always been my favourite demo song of yours, I love that it became a Rr song!

[@zippy61]

Dude that was great ! Really like the 1st demo you did, sounded amazing. Heavy cool and flowing nice work ! Oh and the 57 sounded very nice too.

[@jessesmith490]

Favorite riff of yours to date. So good.

[@TransientMobile]

Fluff, Totally dig the jam on this one! Love the trem picking on the lead. That part made it for me, keep up the great work!

[@buriedkings3256]

dude, this is awesome. I can really hear what the 57/66 are capable of. Awesome video.

[@myworstenemy680]

Thank you for the demo. I subscribed. Your demos are very thorough and I love what you did with your playing/recording? area. Well done Sir.

[@vinterterroristen]

Great demo! And its nice to hear your opinion and description of these pups'. Thumbs up!

[@DLawrenceMarketing]

Agreed, those are EMG's best to date in my opinion . Your arpeggios sounded wonderful .

[@juniorpentz405]

it's cool coming back and seeing the riffs like this that were turned into rest repose songs

[@troyhubert2046]

you sir, may have just gotten me to retry actives. I've sworn by passives for some time, but I haven't found that right mix of warmth and brightness. This is on my to do list. Thanks for the upload dude

[@elkinsplayboy]

Seriously the best song you've ever written! Luh your vids man!

[@bestboy897]

amazing playing and the pups sound killer

[@ThevonMusic]

I really like that main riff, nice sound too!

[@Sancte_Benedicte]

This setup is going to be in my guitar here soon, I can't wait

[@yusrikarim5511]

He composes killer riffs.

[@tylerwolfe648]

Very sweet Mastodon-esque intro. Very clear and clean distorted tone. Well, you know what I mean. Fluff you are awesome.

[@metalhed822000]

Great demo and playing brother!

[@animeguitar]

I use them on my LP and they're awesome!!!. Love 'em!.

[@kappachino2569]

Put them on a telecaster, then you get heavy metal

[@kylecasey6439]

Agreed, probly the best song on any of your videos. Great tune and thanks!

[@MetalHeadProductions]

Best pickups I've ever used in my life. You get the best of both worlds, all the punch and head room of an active, and all the tone and warmth of a passive, plus they look sexy. I have a 6 and 7 string set and they work for absolutely everything.

[@MetalHeadProductions]

***** totally. I bought the 57 when they first came out just to give them a shot and was blown away. I've used just about every emg, and a lot of seymour duncans, and a handful of other companies. I think these are the best period, active or passive. They are the best of both worlds, and work for every type of metal, rock and blues that I play. Also, I'm a schecter guy, and I know you like them too, I would love to do a proper demo of the new loomis schecter with 57-7/66-7 set, but it wouldn't comeout as nice sounding or looking. my camera sucks and I don't have the best software. I hope if you get to chance to try it out.

[@sleepwalker2112]

I'm trying a hellraiser hybrid in two days and I'm not sure weither I should go active or passive. They seem really nice, but I think I'm more of a passive pickup guy, fits more my style. Do you feel they can really do all a passive can do? for example a SD JB? I've been playing with EMG 81 and 85 for years and got rid of them cause I thought I'd go passive... But this guitar (and pickups) seems so nice! Do you think I'll end up regretting my choice? ;)

[@MetalHeadProductions]

sleepwalker2112 they are very smooth, and not harsh at all. trust me, the 81/85 don't compare at all to the 57/66. there is a reason so many great players are switching to them.

[@sleepwalker2112]

***** I ended up buying this guitar about 8 months ago and I really like it! I also got a Jackson slsmg with Sh4 and Sh1 that I also like a lot ;) Thanks for your answer!

[@guitarsaremyfriendzzz7077]

I have the Het Set and feel like they are the 81/60 perfected.

[@Joshua083]

That jazzy nodding was awesome

[@muriloninja]

Wow, someone who actually has and understands "tone" for change. Even with the down tuning, the tone is there. Up until 3:17 was perfect. Those pickups sound great. Cool guitar too, never seen on before.

[@skye7690]

Great vid fluff

[@codiewaldvogel3046]

This by far the best song of yours. Imho

[@N8sLaxLife]

I love how I instantly recognized he was playing a rest repose song when he started playing XD

[@checkthedist]

Great tone!

[@GnarlyGroove]

Reminds me of Cloudkicker. Great job.

[@llamaofvinter5801]

I can't wait for these to get more into circulation. I want to see how they perform under the standard gear set of a solid state modelling amplifier. All I've heard are beastly sounding mesas and marshals so far. They sound incredible but all pickups sound different through different amplifiers I think.

[@navahojn55]

RB............. True feelings come out when you play..........that is what its all about my friend!!!!

[@brendanb4357]

Sick writing/playing Fluff! Reminds me of Cloudkicker! a bit, in a really good way.

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

Nice demo fluff! I see your Protone Misha Overdrive has its paint peeling too. Mines did the same thing before I sold it.

[@erwannmaudez6062]

No more DI tracks ?! It was a great idea to have DI tracks ! I hope DI tracks will be back in this video and on your Channel because it's a great addition for a demo ! Great channel by the way !

[@SLAMSTERDAMN]

Well played FLUFF!

[@HeyItsAsmus]

When the EMG 57 meets the 24V mod, it's like a wonderful baby making experience.

[@EasyHeat]

Totally "ultra mega" into the song you did demoing these pups! Had to replay it multiple times it's so good. It's got a little (dare I say) Doom sprinkled in there. Love it! Good stuff! Just got a Charvel DC-2 (on the very cheap) & it's my first active pup geetar. It's got their version of... I guess SD blackouts? I'm a PAF type of guy, so it looks like I might be getting a pair of these puppies for her. Although they might be more than the guitar was in price: ) HeHe...Great vid as always Fluff! You da Man!

[@TNEWBerlin]

Awesome Tone, Awesome Guitar, Awesome Tune, Awesome Guy With An Awesome Beard! :)

[@naurisfelice4221]

sick song!

[@Leprechaun7227]

AMAZING SONG :) AWESOME MR. FLUFF PLEASE KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING :)

[@fredmanto]

I hear that bit of Cloudkickery goodness in there ;) Sounds great!

[@guitarwes04]

Great video man Love that sound. I want a tab for that demo song it is AWESOME!

[@haydenhumpherys1578]

Best set EMG makes

[@Obijohn_Wick]

Since I heard you talk about cable lengths in a previous video I run a 3 ft cable between my interface and guitar now......j/k. I love me some EMG pups

[@nr1pimme]

Aethelwulf from Vikings?

[@SavageGrace89]

I like the "couldn't get it any cleaner it's a recto" tone you got. nice broken tone, I'm assuming the volume was rolled off. but that would be a good pedal platform

[@msi1985]

Update video with the new EMG 57/66TW , I just got an EC 1001-Ctm in silver burst running into a Mesa triple crown 50 , It sounds epic and so versatile! Would love to see your thoughts on the coil split tones ( as the OG 57/66 sounded great ) but the singles also have a noticable and pleasent tone difference worth checking out !

[@samoz9676]

awesome

[@WavyMacofficial]

Nice rest repose playthrough

[@pdxgearcon]

2:08 You keyed into a Vision Thing-era Sisters vibe for a few bars there ... nice.

[@Zhaggysfaction]

I was really impressed by this demo. Obviously I've heard these pickups before and liked them already. I think you were right to not do a full-on metal/sherd demo cause that's not what these were made for, sort of. I know it's a cliche to say, and everybody likes to use it, but these imo are best of both worlds. They do sound closer to passives which makes them sound great with low/medium gain. But they have the benefit of actives so that they don't get muddy when driven hard. I wouldn't buy these for a strictly metal guitar nor would I buy these for strictly blues guitar. But I would buy these for, again it's a cliche, an all-round guitar that is expected to do multiple genres. These are the only pickups I've been really impressed by for quite a few years now.

[@ZakRadek]

Wow what a great song! I love the mood :-) Is it quad tracked with same settings or did you changed anything? The clarity is really awesome...

[@SteveContreras]

Your videos just keep getting better. I am impressed with your editing. Which program are you using and how long does it take to edit a typical 8 minute video? Thank you!

[@EmilBringsli]

Really dig the tune, kind of Cloudkicker-y!

[@mattmartinez7135]

Literally just ordered these. Going to be great through my Laney Ironheart stack.

[@danielvalles9554]

Richard Martinez how'd they end up? I've been looking at the ironheart and these pickups.

[@mattmartinez7135]

They are cool pickups. Very fat compared to the 81. Not as hot and gainy. I ended up selling them because I needed something that could do split coils. Miss them. But I will say I never got a super 'heavy/brutal' tone.

[@danielvalles9554]

Richard Martinez actually I think I'd prefer fat over super saturated, I really like the idea of a medium high output passive pickup and a medium high output amp, which is why I'm looking at exactly what you described, the emgs and the Laney. I don't need a ton of gain, I need good gain, but plenty of it. and now that you mention it, for the price they should be able to do split coil, but.. not a deal breaker for me.

[@mattmartinez7135]

Definitely man. They are some sweet sounding pups. It's just that I'm a big time fan of coil splitting and couldn't live without that feature in my main guitar. So I sold them to fund buying new pups. I would say if your into the medium output pickup sound you may like the Seymour Duncan Custom. That's my favorite pickup and it sounds good when split. Low end on the SD Custom is tighter feeling compared to the 57 though. Just an FYI. I'm a metal player but I'm not personally into the over saturated tones either. I just wanted to mention it since I wasn't sure what you're specifically after.

[@danielvalles9554]

Richard Martinez yeah, that's all good info. I'd probably go for the fatter sound than tighter, but thanks for the alternative. I'm not wired for coil tapping, but I hear you on just not being able to cope without a vital feature. I love the little orange that I got, but no matter how good the gain sounds there just isn't enough of it...also, idk if I said it yet, but I'm surprised that at the price point, the emgs aren't capable of splitting...I was also going to ask about the Laney, how do you like that thing? I was looking at those for a while until I saw the Randall diavlo. kind of leaning that way now.

[@BejiVGM]

Nice sounding pickups, but I prefeer EMG 81/85, I feel 81/85 fits more in my style and as always, awesome review fluff

[@ajkcoleman]

Next up: Fluff makes $15 Amazon pickups sound like vintage PAF's

[@TheBzg07]

From first hand experience I do believe these are some of the best pickups EMG has made. I like the 707 85 bridge and 66 7 together BEEF.

[@nomad100hd]

The 57 been my favorite pickup since i installed it about a year ago or longer. Sorry i have no perception of the passing of time.

[@marcushall4171]

Brother Fluff, I just subscribed , great vid bro. I also just bought this git fiddle! It will be here next week. Have you tried any other pups in the esp ltd bw that you dig? Is the 57/66 still your replacement recommendation for this guitar? Thx man & Rock on!

[@scottishbawbag315]

I play a lot of stuff like among amarth, would these be able to cut through the mix? I use 11's an 12's?

[@Cas_anova]

I use seymour duncan ahb-2 blackouts I like high output pickups and I used emg 81/85 which are low output. I do like the solderless install what emg brings with their pickups though. but a gas soldering iron isn't hard to carry in my guitarbag.

[@felinekaiju4517]

Thanks Fluff, this is a perfect vid, although, will there be a chance of you demoing the 7 string set like you did with this one?.

[@k3wlzyz0p]

How does it compare to Seymour Duncan Blackouts? Blackouts are also marketed as "passive tone, active clarity and punch" and to my taste they are much better balanced than EMG81/85 but still lack kind of saturation and fullness of passives.

[@BlownPSP]

Great review. I bought a 57 to replace an 81. Because everyone is recommending these new EMGs. So I had to try ;) Quickly I found that the 57 (like most PAF) is voicing the biggest strings way more than the small ones (while playing chords) as the bigger strings get all of its output 'attention' (saturation). The 81 does not act like that. The 81 gives a more than fair voice to smaller strings when playing multi-string chords. The 81 is, for me, still the best pick up for voicing smaller strings during multi-string metal chords. The 57 does not do that. Not at all. So I put the 81 back, and quickly! The initial 81 design goal was to give a nicer tone to Jazz guitarists. It ended up being the pickup for metal. Surprinsingly, It still is today one of the best PU..

[@AdamYoudell]

I use the 81 in the bridge on everything. Thought about trying an X series 81 in a guitar that still needs EMG's in it(it was a cheaper LTD that came with ESP's cheap actives). Alot of these guys hate on the 81 but there's a reason it's still heavily in use by pros that could play whatever they want. The fact that guys like Kirk Hammett and Gary Holt still use the good ole' 81 says alot...

[@BlownPSP]

I also tried the 81X in the bridge. Beside its lower output (which didnt matter at all) I quickly found the X to be very tuff to mute between quick chords. WIth the 81, muting is so easy and natural. So the X ended up being a very noisy PU on stage because of that. I just ordered an brand new ESP E-II guitar and its coming with the 57/66 combo only......lIke a lot a guitar manufacturers do now. Will give it a last time shot, but will likely move again to the 81 in the bridge.

[@AdamYoudell]

BlownPSP That's interesting. You're the second one I've heard from that they had played the 81 prior to the 81x and didn't end up liking it. hmmm. maybe just stick with the old tried and true

[@Iamadroid]

I agree. I have tried to like this combo but i cant.

[@mcg413]

I'm definitely replacing the Duncan Designed ones I have with these. They sound killer.

[@keeelane]

the pickups sound really good. thanks for the demo. is that a baritone guitar, btw?

[@FretsOnFyre]

I can't even pay attention to the pickups - that song is so good! Wouldn't sound out of place on Cloudkicker's "Beacons" :)

[@andrewt248]

I really want one of those BW sig guitars with the Evertune in it.

[@Frettimo]

The Ben Weinman Sig looks so sexy. Pretty decent shaped LP imo. Good video!

[@tweeee100]

This reminds me of Pelican,,,,,, which is a good thing.

[@TheSonsofHorusx]

Hey Bruce, you know alot about pickups, so I have a question. One of my guitars has an EMG 81/85 in it (Jackson SL3MG Soloist). The neck pickup doesn't have much chunk or bite to it, it sounds like...well an emg 85 lol. On another guitar I have (Ibanez RG1550m prestige) I have a Liquifire in the neck and I can get a chunky thick and almost even a bit of spank out of it. Do you know of any other EMG that could match this tone? or at least come close for a neck pickup sound that I'm looking for? Thanks man.

[@DevinThe242]

The new Rectos have really great clean. I have a Roadster and it was one of the best cleans that I have ever heard. Maybe you should think about upgrading, unless you just really like that one in particular.

[@RRtradestar]

Cool demo, great song! How is that evertune treating you?

[@thevileirish6764]

Soooper dope

[@FernandoRivera-dm7hh]

Fluff should i buy these or fluences?

[@haydenrix4287]

I'm definitely considering a set for my RGIB6.

[@padraig88]

I just bought an ESP LTD MH-400B with EMGs 81/85 and I don't like what I'm hearing that much so far!

[@Metalbass10000]

57/66 set sound completely different. Way more dynamics, more note separation and clarity, and it's especially noticeable through clean channels sounds. They sound better playing metal, too, IMO. How you liking the new instruments?

[@AmpliFIRE]

Awesome demo as always. I've hear that chambered and semi hollow guitars don't have the tightness or attack for metal...but yours clearly does. Is it more of the function of the active pickups or the guitar? I'm tempted to get a chambered les paul but hesitant based on what I've read. Thanks!

[@mattlombardi54]

Hey Ryan, what tuning were you playing in? Great vid!

[@hubertparker9036]

Rob those riffs are very Cloudkicker-esque

[@robinater]

Nice Demo. How would you compare them to the Dimarzio Crunch Lab and Liquifire?

[@derKleine92]

which Drum Kit do you use in EZ Drummer 2? Love the sound!

[@wAiEr1009]

hey love the vids im kinda sold on a 81 89 set however wat are the cleans like on these much appreciated

[@LykaonMetalMusic]

I like this Pick up's really much but for me the Het set fits better! Oh yeah and what an awesome song!

[@stbreal]

Great sounding pups. What's the mod on your dual rectifier?

[@jjgeorge7728]

nice to see where that one rest repose riff came from haha

[@jordanb8650]

hey stranger lol

[@Kufojohn]

Would you recommmend them for EMG Eclipse I? Full Mahogany, rosewood fretboard.

[@arsenalfanrichi]

Around 5 minutes in, that's how I usually find my Bridge pickups sounding when I record them, does anyone have any advice on how to make them sound slightly better? Also Fluff that song was awesome!

[@BourbarianSammy]

Thinking about replacing the 81tw/89r pickups in my schecter hellraiser with these. You think It would be a good idea or not much of a difference?

[@MasterSploder]

Really good review, thanks. I was wondering if you tried these with any fuzz pedals at all? I was thinking about getting these but I play a lot of doom metal and heard EMG's don't go well with fuzz.

[@TheBluezInc]

Can these pickups be installed on my guitar with a tremolo bridge, will the pole pieces and string spacing align?

[@Crysteps]

Can someone make a tutorial for Fluff's riff for this demo? THAT SOUNDS AMAZING!

[@jus10_lee]

Hey fluff, how would you say these compare to the X series that EMG has? I believe the X Series were supposed to do what the 57/ 66 pickups do: Be more of a passive sounding pickup with the benefits of an active. I love the good ol' 81/ 85 set but I'm seriously considering getting this set for a new guitar. Should i give the X series a chance or just go straight for the 57/ 66?