Seymour Duncan DISTORTION SH-6 vs EMG 81 - Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Clean and distorted rhythm comparison between Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6 (passive) and EMG 81 (active) pickups for electric guitar on the bridge position. Settings are the following:
GUITAR
Model: Custom strat (alder body with canadian maple neck)
Tuning: Eь / D#
Strings: D'Addario EXL140 (010-052 gauge)
AMP
Clean: EVH 5150 III profile (Kemper Profiler)
Distortion: EVH 5150 profile (Kemper Profiler)
RECORDING TECHNIQUE:
One centered mono track per pickup.
Same config and EQ for both.
Seymour Duncan official website:
www.seymourdun...
EMG official website:
www.emgpickups...
Subscribe to my channel: / mikestamper
My official website: www.mikestampe...
My music: mikestamper.ba...
00:23 Clean test
03:06 Distortion test
#pickups #comparison #guitar

[@metal571]

Finally, I found the best pickup comparison channel on YT. Thank you

[@mikestamper]

Enjoy and hope it helps! :)

[@AHGrayLensman]

To me, the Duncan sounds bigger and more raw, but the EMG sounds more precise. It's the difference between a battle axe (Duncan) and a scalpel (EMG). Neither one is better, just different flavors.

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

scalpel and battle axe are two of my favorite flavors no doubt

[@AlecWyld]

EMGs are tighter, better for metal imo.

[@timbuk1126]

@@AlecWyld neither is better for metal

[@randymiles904]

I use both. Depends on the guitar, tuning, and type of music I'll typically play on a particular guitar. There is no right or wrong. It just depends on what sounds good to you.

[@harls7317]

@@timbuk1126 stop the cap bro bro lay off the dust

[@JoelCSabo]

1. You make the best pickup videos around, bar none, so thank you for that. 2. I really liked the cleans of the Duncan and the Marshall-ish Maiden riff at the end. The more modern gain riffs were won by the EMG to my ears and brain. 3. Keep up the excellent work.

[@UnworldlySam]

AMAZING comparison video! Both pickups were demonstrated perfectly and clearly, making it easy to hear even the tiny minor differences. Thanks for posting!

[@mikestamper]

Glad to know you found it useful!! :)

[@angusorvid8840]

I've been using both for years. For all out crunch in a passive with great clarity it's hard to beat the Duncan Distortion, but for all around headroom and clarity the 81 is hard to beat. I play my EMG loaded axes most of the time.

[@MontaguStudios]

To me, the easiest way to look at this is if you like Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)'s sound, go with Seymour Duncan. If you like James Hetfield (Metallica)'s sound, it's EMG.

[@JAF2991]

Damn I went with the Duncan Distortion😆

[@christophergriego3019]

Dimebag also used Seymour Duncan pickups

[@serdar213]

This is the best argument in eternal Pick Up debate.

[@ChannelForty2]

I agree man, that definitely simplifies it!

[@DuneDee]

Mustaine's tone is shit. Get an SH6 if you want Adam Jones's tone.

[@zzr7502]

Both good but EMG sounds cleaner and more articulate to me.

[@kurtisgray6680]

I have a distortion in my bridge and I've had 81's when I was teenager. I like to think ima little smarter these days. Distortions win babyyyy

[@minimumwade]

What a wonderful selection to play to show the differences. The fast single notey stuff and some chordy stuff to get a good view sonically of what makes each unique. Thank you so much

[@farkle]

I love the different riffs you play to show the spectrum of sounds, I just wish there was some slow, muted chugs in there, since they are all metal pickups, lol.

[@rubielcadena4912]

Awesome video. I really loved the Duncan for some of the samples in the video and loved the EMG for other samples. Each one really changes the mood of the track even when you’re playing the same sample. Duncan is a bit fuzzier and the EMG sounds a lot cleaner. Duncan reminded me of 90’s metal in the distortion samples while the EMG made me think of modern metal and 2000’s Nu metal. I wish I could have a guitar that could easily switch between both of these as my bridge pickups

[@EM-zj1xm]

Emg sounds kinda nasaly and compressed, but focused at the same time. Sh-6 sounds less compressed, but slightly boomy

[@merrickbenton3549]

You prolly dont give a shit but does anybody know of a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my account password. I love any tips you can give me

[@mathiasjaxson4079]

@Merrick Benton Instablaster :)

[@valle4483]

@@merrickbenton3549 why the fuck do you ask this in a guitar pickup comparison video? Lmao XD

[@ddave3388]

@@valle4483 it's a common scam

[@benland8702]

Great demo !!! Duncan Sh-6 wins it for me . Ive been using this pickup for 15 years ( ive owned an ESP-ltd ex 400 with emg 81 before , so i can compare ) and the SH-6 is my favorite pickup . has follow me everywhere from my Fender HSS strat to my Gibson Les paul standard and still going strong 15 years later . For rythm palm muting ( thrash metal , punk rock , etc ) its just great under distortion .

[@_Moses44]

The EMG has a tubular sound, if that makes any sense. Like you’re playing in a piece of pvc pipe

[@mikecrete7983]

Great video. Hard to tell what's better as they are both good. Also depends on what speakers you are listening with on your computer. I've always liked the clarity of my EMG's but the distortion pickups also have a nice warm quality to them. Realistically I think you can build a great sound with either of them but everyone will have their favorite and there's noting wrong with variety.

[@xfactor445]

It’s really personal choice, both of them don’t sound bad but me personally after I heard rust in peace by megadeth I wanted seymours instantly.

[@fearofthedark88]

The JB is probably the best pickup ever. Can do everything.

[@stevendevault367]

@@fearofthedark88 .... if you like the JB then you'll want to marry the Mustaine thrash factor ... it's a scooped, higher output version of the jb...

[@stevendevault367]

You want the rust in peace tone.. gotta get the thrash factor... it's a scooped , hotter version of the jb

[@Benzodiazpine]

Thanks for doing the comparison. 🤘

[@coreyhart309]

Seymour Duncan SH-6 wins hands down. I’ve had the EMG 81 along with the 85 and 60 as well and all of the EMG’s were just thin and weak. Felt like it had no body to it. No soul. The Duncans I’ve had however have been beasts, especially the SH-6!

[@jinjalord]

👏🏽⚡🤘🏽

[@Unknownn_nx3]

Which out of the two the Sh-6 or the sh-4 would sound better for metal?

[@harls7317]

@@Unknownn_nx3 answer the man, unless you were capping

[@Bogdan27911]

Great clip, like all of your comparison videos. I just bought a second guitar with EMGs so I can downtune one of them to C standard. Do you think upgrading the bridge pickup to a Distortion (maybe even BW or Nazgul) in the downtuned guitar is my best choice?

[@jinjalord]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH61dJqFpZKgesk

[@mattocastermedia]

An interesting match-up. I use EMG 81s but the Seymour Duncan is NOT a bad pickup at all.

[@Obiwont]

I agree

[@rheymarvinsalestre4075]

Like the EMG 81 because it's much more forward-sounding. Plus you can feel the chugs you do with it.

[@randymiles904]

I own too many guitars. Some have EMG's. Some have Seymour Duncan. Some have DiMarzio, and some have DMT pickups. I like variety. All pickups have their strengths and weaknesses. You just gotta experiment and figure out what you like.

[@lfader]

True. Almost every pickup can be dialed into a great tone I've owned. Lollars Seymour's DiMarzio Gibson EMGs Suhr. Every pickup in a guitar that I bought BUT I was for sure going to pull It after buying it I ended up leaving in even a PRS SE custom 24. Stk Korean pkups. Lollars imperial high winds in a Les Paul -Suhr Aldrich in a Les Paul axcess Thinking about those guitars now the different tones I always need 1 more guitar ..

[@randymiles904]

@@lfader always need one more, hits home with me. 😆

[@lfader]

@@randymiles904 I'll tell you what- it's in the DNA your compelled so you gotta deal with it 🤣👍

[@gino3286]

Hi ! thank you very much indeed for your excellent video. I think that EMG pick-ups could mate better with tube amps ... if not it seems they sound too lean/thin ... constricted. A tube after them can provide some added harmonics ... just guessing Kind regards, gino

[@lauleavil]

Had both and I prefer the EMG as it sounds cleaner, clearer and it is more articulate and dynamic on cleans, plus it sounds better and more defined while distorted.

[@bigchocolate8547]

They're both great

[@jameswilson3554]

The 81 sounds a little weaker than the sh 6 both sound great though..good demo. 2thumbs up...

[@amasonedalnib1858]

The Duncan has more personality and better response to picking. The EMG, in comparison, sounds the same in every application, in the sense that it has a flatter response in all the sound samples.

[@Brad143]

I Love the balance EQ from seymour Duncan Sh6 🤟

[@ericspann7127]

Could you (if you haven’t already) make a comparison of the sh-6 bridge vs sh-6 neck(in bridge position)? keep the videos coming these posts are killer

[@avince]

SH6 is better: more organic, fat and warmer.

[@john1105]

Not sure what to make of this, just switch between 3:18 and 3:42. The EMG was not kept at consistent output, which makes it sound quieter in the second comparison (with the SH-6 @ 3:31). It's kinda tough to get a fair read on these pickups now.

[@gc1282]

For classic metal the SH6.

[@roadtonever]

They sound very close for thrash rhythm despite being totally different pickups.

[@Skullkar]

Wht do u think Mike, wht is ur favorite pickups for all?

[@mikestamper]

Hi, Volkan!! I don't have a favorite pickup, because I own many different guitars and not always the same pickup works well on all of them. But I can tell you that I prefer passives nowadays, in spite of loving the tone of many actives I had. I find passives more suitable for the kind of sounds I'm looking for right now (this can change again in the future!). Best thing is to test and find whichever fits you the most for your music. That's all I can tell you! :)

[@Peesashit284]

I'm actually impressed with bow saturated the tone of the Sh6 is compared to the emg 81

[@gerdez]

I have the SH-6 for a year nowin my Ibanez. I love it. Recently got an explorer with EMG’s 81/60. The guitar is nice, but no EMG’s for me in the future. Thin, impersonal, soulless. I watched this video to confirm that there is nothing wrong with my EMG’s. It’s just the way they are.

[@ddubbz1979]

Which one sounds closer to the 81? Invader or Distortion?

[@bilrogar]

The Duncan Distortion has a soul and the EMG is lifeless. The Duncan Distortion sounds more natural.

[@alexandrebozier4703]

In a mix EMGs are great, i have both pickups, they are amazing.

[@timbuk1126]

Emg 81 rule

[@gerdez]

I also have both. Never buying EMG again. It has no soul.

[@A.S.-ty7rv]

I love these words like "natural" or "organic" which pretty much mean nothing in audio

[@wyldeslash2003]

Hmm I’m noticing a lot of string sqeak on the 81.

[@m.c.388]

Emgs anyday of the days

[@NoobOnATele]

First of all.. your playing !!!!! Holy smokes save some women for the rest of us! Second of all, i am able to buy the Seymor Duncan pickup unused for about half the price. What is a good pickup to pair it up with? I have an ltd explorer :)

[@metaldreams3595]

If money is tight check on Dimarzio site.

[@coreyhart309]

I have the Seymour DuncanSH-6 in the bridge of my ESP EC paired with a Seymour Duncan 59 in the neck and it sounds amazing.

[@vincebu6441]

For fast palm muting the SD pickups capture the dynamics and overall character. Emgs do too but the sensitivity of the SDs just go a touch farther. I was surprised a passive SD could do this so well..

[@shannnism]

For my ESP LTD 200, Its the Seymour hands down.. Love the emg but the dirt sounds almost identical.. It doesn't justify me going to an active pickup.

[@jinjalord]

Why does it sound like the SH-6 sounds more authentic, warmer more developed sound. Like professional studio vs. home studio...

[@Wrathofkala]

Your hearing a passive pickup verse an active pickup. The passive pickup is going to naturally sound more organic and the active somewhat hi-fi or sterile.

[@deathmetalmadness4642]

I just ordered a epiphone sg400 61 custom with the 3 pups in it, the bridge is the sh-6, the neck is a seymour duncan paf n the middle is the stock epiphone pick up, did I make a mistake? I want to play stoner doom riffs on it so will it work?

[@luckyg8971]

I'd take the EMG 81. Easy choice

[@Obiwont]

I actually like both but for custom shops I use EMG but for a standard guitar I use Seymour Duncan

[@sukottoshinobe7360]

Duncan’s do it for me. They have that little extra punch that I feel emg lacks in comparison. Duncan’s are a little fuzzier which I like.

[@holgergorleben8224]

thx for sharing 👍 i dont like the cleans on sh6. Both are damn good pickups, especially sh6 for Low String chugging 🥰

[@loserforlife4134]

You must be tone deaf

[@islamabouelata6575]

Seymour Duncan won this one hands down!

[@timbuk1126]

Could you do a review of the Duncan Custom tb/sh-5?

[@mikestamper]

Yes!! It took me time to get a SH-5 but it's finally here. Comparison series start tomorrow! :)

[@lepureur4657]

Emg, very tight sound

[@Kanthon]

I think we’re probably hearing the difference between a cable without and then with a buffer. Of course that’s the draw of the EMG. Excellent video!

[@emo_bruh1018]

Emg’s are amazing

[@stevekaufmann8109]

I just got a new schecter diamond series hh strat that come stocked with active emgs and I can’t get them to come alive just dull with no sustain idk if it’s a problem with the pickups or If they are just like that

[@timbuk1126]

Maybe you just don't like EMG pickups. They aren't for everyone. I love them personally.

[@whitescape]

Have you tried changing the battery? Usually dull sound is a symptom of low power in the active pickups

[@kiezersosay49]

Just got an ibanez genisis 521 reissue with this SD set equipped...also have a jim r tele with the EMGs. The Duncan's are better everywhere.

[@SteveBurk]

Seymour wins, richer in tone

[@Zombie_13x33]

I have both of these. I like emg better as I have more guitars with them but the distortion is great too. It really all depends on what guitar they are in. I makes a big difference.

[@PC85X]

Passive all day. Hate the 'compressed' sound of active. It's like listening to an MP3 after a vinyl.

[@loserforlife4134]

Nice analogy mate

[@whitescape]

Exactly

[@eldirtyfaygo5395]

Distortion has more of an edgier attack and the emg is more like a blanket that envelopes. I much prefer the distortion, the emg sounds too metallic and hollow.

[@timbuk1126]

The Duncan Distortion is raw yet round, rude and aggressive yet warm.. and it's pretty tight. The EMG is clear, sterile and good for metal but it isn't hairy enough. It's too cold. It's not versatile either.

[@DatRiven]

that seymour duncan just blows the EMG81 out of the water. The seymour duncan sounds way better, period.

[@bashamichi-bowie]

good

[@scottgroves5204]

SH-6 For me...Mind is made up!!! Thanks :) :) :)

[@SidusBrist]

Cleans: EMG 81 Distortion: SH-6

[@oddoutdoors]

Actives always sound a bit gutless to me. Its like a solid state vs a real tube amp.

[@jenniferthompson9441]

U can compare one is operating a battery. Believe me in the room U will definitely go with emg

[@KeepAnOpenMind]

Can you elaborate, please?

[@dyursky]

SH-6 all the way

[@joao_miguel_lc]

3:06 3:18 3:31 3:43

[@FrancisMetal]

Emg is better, but Seymour Duncan is very good, even for metal

[@e.jordan544]

3:30

[@marijazlatar5457]

Big difference in harmony. Duncan have better harmony and you can hear analitic every detail

[@cainpeele1083]

Who dislikes this!!

[@amirhesambistoon7733]

For me is egm 81

[@jayjaymerritt2785]

Egm huh😂

[@mdnaz2845]

it's look like not much different...emm

[@sogo8280]

EMG win

[@dillonmaurer7616]

Duncan

[@DeXx_The_Reaper]

I get the vibe that pickups are meant to be active.

[@deathmetalbob8900]

Fuck a EMG

[@mcfek7575]

Clean = emg 81 wins High gain Chug = SH6 wins

[@nmnmnm9509]

Exactly inverse! Emg 81 is not good for clean... Often sounds so tin and compress ( although with some reverb and boost sounds great). indeed Emg81 is great for high gain Chug and even better than Emg81 is SH8 invader, SH8 is the best pickup for high gain Chug and also has so beautiful clean sound.

[@kilianruvalcaba6904]

I prefer SH6 for clean and distortion, but the clean sound of the emg 81 no is bad, the distortion sound of the emg 81 don't like me

[@therealjulez7886]

@@MadaraSy666 hahahaha yes man

[@Dastardly_X]

💚

[@mcfek7575]

Emg sound sterile

[@toemasmeems]

EMGs r sTeRiLe

[@Mindartcreativity]

How exactly does sterile sound? LOL Repeating what everyone ever said about EMGs, good job!

[@toemasmeems]

@@Mindartcreativity right!

[@toemasmeems]

@@Mindartcreativity I installed the 81/85 in my 7 string (km7) and honestly if anything it’s TOO perfect of a metal tone. Nothing sterile about em. Honestly pickups are a means to an end...folks need to learn how to dial in an amp.

[@dyamicorriveau9677]

@@toemasmeems compressed to absolute shit :)

[@zafarsyed4312]

Emg has a better clean tone more clarity and output imo

[@adamelliott9581]

Don’t care for the EMg ones tbh

[@przypadkowybekowicz]

EMG 81 sounds awesome, SH-6 sounds like smelly cat

[@TimothyHuffGuitar]

I'm replacing my EMG's in my Schecter with Fishman's. The Fishman's sound better than both.

[@_yungfrankz]

No they don’t

[@eldirtyfaygo5395]

No shit. Fish Man is the evolution of pickups, now if only they could get rid of the pesky recharge or using batteries.

[@TimothyHuffGuitar]

@@_yungfrankz to each their own

[@MegaMitchell07]

The EMG is way thin. Seymour Duncs always CUT through most mixes. Emgs always get lost between.

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

in what universe does the emg 81 not cut through the mix lmao

[@MegaMitchell07]

@@AcceleratingUniverse I'm definitely kinda ignorant in this matter, but an example would be maybe Slipknot? Sick riffs, but I really can't friggin' hear them in the mix. And I love Children of Bodom as well, but EMGs always seemed "washy" to me in a mix. And I've had the EMG 81s on my guitar too. Clean tones, they're amazing, but distortion wise they're too mid-ranged for my taste.

[@lorewind]

Having recorded with both for metal, I've found the opposite. EMGs seem to cut way easier than duncans or other passive pickups in a mix. Not to say the duncans can't, but the EMGs just have more clarity. I would guess it's because of a more pronounced mid range and controlled low end.

[@john1105]

oh ffs get on with the metal riffs already

[@thedddemon]

EMG 81 sounds like crap

[@timbuk1126]

Nah