EMG1505 vs EMG3085 — Compare
EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black vs EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
The Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 is a warm, noiseless passive system designed for studio work and groove-oriented genres, while the S/S/81 is an active system with aggressive output optimized for metal and hard rock. Choose Lukather for funk, pop, and rock; choose S/S/81 for metal, progressive, and djent.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black
EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black | EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $289.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black
- ✓ Warm, meaty tone with noiseless operation ideal for studio sessions
- ✓ Versatile passive design works across funk, rock, and pop
- ✓ Custom-designed SLV single coils with increased windings for tonal depth
Why choose EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Active circuitry delivers articulate highs and aggressive lows for heavy genres
- ✓ Consistent output voltage and low noise floor across temperature and humidity changes
- ✓ High-output 81 bridge humbucker cuts through dense mixes in metal and progressive music
Frequently asked questions
Do these pickups require battery power?
The Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 is passive and requires no battery. The S/S/81 is active and operates on a single 9-volt battery with approximately 1000 hours of runtime.
Which is better for blues and jazz?
The Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 is suited for these genres with its warm, noiseless response. The S/S/81 is explicitly not ideal for jazz and blues due to its aggressive voicing designed for metal and hard rock.
What's the main tonal difference?
The Lukather delivers warm, meaty single-coil tones with uniform response across the spectrum. The S/S/81 emphasizes articulate highs from its single coils and aggressive lows from its 81 humbucker, with higher overall output.
Are both suitable for intermediate players?
Yes, both are rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional skill levels. Installation competence in basic soldering and routing verification is required for either.