Pickups

[Ollie]

Hi All,

I've an old ESP LTD M-50 and it plays really nice but it could really do with better pickups. For a death metal style, what are the best pickups to get?
I'm researching around and there seems to be a lot of info. There's the EMG 81/85 combo, and some high output Seymour Duncans. There's a few Dimarzio that look good too.
I can go down the active route of course, but my first inclination is to stay with a passive pickup.

[Emphyrio]

Those EMGs are active aren't they?

[Ollie]

They are indeed, and I'll go down the active route and make room for a battery if it's the best option. But I'm just wondering if there are passive pickups that are just as good.

[Emphyrio]

I wouldn't know the ins and outs of changing from a passive to an active setup, maybe it's handy enough....

Bareknuckle pups are very highly regarded but they're saucy. I'd say you wouldn't go too far wrong with high output Duncan's too.

[Makeshiftatomsmasher]

There's a mod for Emg pickups to up the voltage,  and make them run hotter. It gives you 24volts.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/24-VOLT-MOD-for-EMG-81-85-60-89-57-66-ACTIVE-PICKUPS-PLUG-AND-PLAY-18-VOLT-MOD/124180322948?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648

[Melmoth]

I use Seymour Duncan Invaders, they are really high output passive pickups and made for ultra high gain stuff.

https://www.seymourduncan.com/single-product/invader

[Ollie]

I use Seymour Duncan Invaders, they are really high output passive pickups and made for ultra high gain stuff.

https://www.seymourduncan.com/single-product/invader

Thanks Melmoth!