I’ve had a few 7 strings with 707s, I also had the KM7 with the nazgul/sentient. After all that I’ve sold the KM7 and am now buying another schecter 7 string with 707. To each their own but the 707 has that 2000s nevermore tone that is perfect.
You aren't kidding about the emg 707s. They definitely have that 2000s nevermore sound. I have a dean RC7 with them and they are perfect for my nu metal / alternative band
In my opinion SDs slammed through EMGs. Much more clarity, tighter and not fizzy at all. My heart is broken that they cost so much, but I'm set to get them for my RG8.
+onimusha13 I put a nazgul bridge pickup in my RG8 a while ago and it's amazing. Haven't been able to afford a Sentient but will be going for it. EMG 707 neck pickups are great for solos though
I know Im YEARS late to the party on this but, i listened to this on my surround sound, truck system, and Tv and there's almost no decreeable difference. They do sound good, that said, support your fav company and jam. No one but you will know the difference.
EMG 707 brighter and sharper a bit, Nazgul softer and weaker a bit...but basically both are very similar, with just hint of differences. - EMG is more metallic...It wins IMHO! Very good demo, thanks!
Duncan has a slight edge with distortion in having a tight and crisp sound, but I much prefer the clean tones of the EMG's - very clear and even sound across all the strings.
I prefer EMGs here. I have the Nazgul/Sentient combo in my Ibanez RGD and it's a bad match. The Nazgul kicks ass for B String chugging and tightness but the high mids and highs are too harsh for anything else I play. And while I like the sentient, it's a bit too dry for my tastes as a lead pickup.
Gotta hand it to Nazgul, they sound amazing. They were my favorite in Merrow's 6 string comparison; although the EMTY Blackouts were a close second. Need to get a set of these!
fantastic comparison video! I like your approach to using heavy riffs and also doing cleans. I think what a lot of comparison videos really miss is just doing a section of moderate tempo chug on the low B and low E and you did it perfectly. Thanks! I'm interested in the Pegasus so if you ever get one i'd love to hear a demo of it :-P
thanks man! yeah i was looking for comparison videos on these pickups but everyone seems to shred or play fast riffs. i thought people should hear the low b and e in an easy to hear form.
the EMG always have some upper mids spike that SD pickup doesn't, but the SD got a overall more balanced tone between bass, mids and treble they sounds more dynamic.
I know the EMGs have always been a powerful set of pickups, no question about it. The only thing I don't like about them is that I feel that sometimes notes get lost. Imo, Nazguls sound equally powerful and are clearer in terms of clean playing. Nazgul for me.
This is one of the videos who helped me to make my choice! Cya EMG 808 active and hello SD passive! I've just brought a ibanez RGIR28BFEWNF and i'm waiting for my Nazgul/sentient passive combo! :D can't wait!!
Thanks a lot for the review. I've watched several comparisions of Seymour Duncans by Keith Merrow and I liked Nazgul the most, but I was confused abot buying Schecter Hellraiser which has 707s. Now Im defenitely sure I need SD Nazgul
6 років тому+3
Nazgul has a tighter tone and clarity. EMG's (at least through the clean channel) have quite more low mids
I like the sound how EMG is all over the place, yet SD fit in the mix better, to my ears. I think both are good and depends on what you're purpose. For rhythm, i'd choose EMG, for leads, SD punch better.
Switched out the 808's in my Jackson for the SD Pegasus/Sentient and they sound amazing! Wasn't sure about the Sentient since there aren't a ton of clean vids on it but man is it beautiful.
SD sounds brighter and wins hands down especially in the clean tones, however it’s definitely fuzzier distortion wise when picking single or more strings at a time. EMGs are still cleaner for those who live by the cutting edge of the chuggy low ends. I have 707s but now i wouldn’t mind some SDs!
They sound pretty close to me high gain but i give a slight edge to the SD's. clean the Duncans. Its always hard to tell on youtube. i am sure there is more of a sound difference in person hearing the test. great video
the differences are noticeable but not as massive as everyone likes to make it out. The biggest difference between passive and active is the feel of playing usually. I'd say the only all biggest sonic difference here where the neck pickups. The 707 sounds a bit muffled in the neck position and the sentient is nice and clear and warm sounding.
They're very similar. The Nazgul has a bit more top end, but not as much low end. What kind of amp and distortion you use plays a million times more of a role than what high output pickup you use.
The EMGs sound SLIGHTLY and I mean VERYSLIGHTLY a barely bit more evil that the Nazgul, but w the Nazgul comes a prettier articulation. Ive always wanted a Nazgul :,) Perhaps its time! but got a pegasus instead lol
Mantis Toboggen good. If you put the nazgul next to the Pegasus, the peg wins everytime. For me anyways. I the nazgul, peg, and alpha/omega set in three guitars. Number one is the alpha omega. Then in the other two I find myself reaching for the peg over the nazgul. Just has a little more clarity and a little more thump in the bottom end. It feels a little more broad where as the nazgul is a little more sharp and less bassy. Probably due to the mids dialed into the naz. The pickups are amazing though, don't get me wrong. That's why they're in all of my top three used axes. Replaced all of my emgs with Duncan's.
George Pederson honestly the difference is very minor. I switched from stock EMG 707TWS to Nazgul/sentient. it's nothing a small amp tweak can't change
I think the 707s have a much more rounded sound when distorted, and are far less harsh on the ears than the nazguls when distorted, but the nazguls definitely clean up a whole lot better than the 707s!
+Dirty D Tends to happen when you record and mix the tracks... Raw, its like very different animals in the way of how tight the low end is while the mids get some brightness out of the Nazgul...
I'm actually looking at getting this exact guitar haha, I've always had emg's over SD's but the SD's in this sound a lot tighter when using distortion however I much preferred the Emg's clean tone, Ideally would Like the SD bridge and the EMG neck, would probably look silly but would nail sound versatility
I think the emg responds better to mids, But other then that, they sounds EXTREMELY similar.I personally own a pair of the 707s, and they sound great, but on the other hand the "quick connect" system was a complete and utter failure.All of the hardware aside from the pickups themselves is absolutely horrendous.the only reason I went for EMG was bc I needed a darker sounding pickup.
Passive mics needs a good signal or can be a antena for every electronic noise around but have a constant signal. Active don't have this problem but the moment they are triggered by a 9v, it is forced to have a curve and to ruin some milisec on the attack of your signal.
Another victory for SD. But are those really Nazgul sentient? the only ones that I saw looking like that are the SD Nazguls, but not the sentient line. All Nazgul Sentients that I saw were looking like SD JBs kinda.
Just ordered a nazgul for my 7 string, i have mostly emg81' so i wanted a passiv one.I hope the nazgul fixes the muddy sound i get, when tuning down, from the dean stock pickups.Wich are very punchy near a active but muddy fuzzy.
Sorry guys, I like the Nazgul's too, but here obviously wins EMG, it sounds more solid and open, + it is more readable and easier to understand while playing a riff. EMG's are more professional, EMG's forever and ever! :)
My Nazgul sounds nothing like that. My Nazgul sounds like the EMG at 1:07 It sounds really thin at times on the higher string like if I want to play E power chords or A. The low B string sounds good. Not sure if that's just how they make these pickups so they don't get muddy in the lower register. Your Nazgul seems to have more bottom end to it when you do the open E chug.
Nazgul sounds more natural and dynamic. EMG 707 sounds dull and plastic, as all EMG's for me, cleans are better tho. Nazgul sweeps the floor with the EMG 707.
I’ve had a few 7 strings with 707s, I also had the KM7 with the nazgul/sentient.
After all that I’ve sold the KM7 and am now buying another schecter 7 string with 707.
To each their own but the 707 has that 2000s nevermore tone that is perfect.
I have the nazgul set in my km7 as well. To me they sound so shrill I can’t stand it, thinking of swapping out the pickups to something different.
You aren't kidding about the emg 707s. They definitely have that 2000s nevermore sound. I have a dean RC7 with them and they are perfect for my nu metal / alternative band
Nazgul/Sentient wins!
Yeah. But surprisingly not that much better.
Aye
Yup, which is why I'm throwing them in my custom Jackson this Monday, oh and they win by a long shot.
I sub
its so hard to find someone who does good pickup reviews on here. bravo sir bravo!
+teh_black_d00m Thanks!! :)
I think the Nazgul/Sentient set sounds far better alone, but I like the sound of the EMGs in a mix way more
In my opinion SDs slammed through EMGs. Much more clarity, tighter and not fizzy at all. My heart is broken that they cost so much, but I'm set to get them for my RG8.
yeah i spent quite a fortune upgrading to them from emgs. the aud dollar not doing so good and all
+onimusha13 I put a nazgul bridge pickup in my RG8 a while ago and it's amazing. Haven't been able to afford a Sentient but will be going for it. EMG 707 neck pickups are great for solos though
My Nazgul is pretty fizzy maybe doesn't like basswood I don't know. It is a great pickup
Wow I'm surprised they both seem similarly voiced. SD's always clean up better for me. Great playing and tones too.
they are not similar in front of an amp.
I know Im YEARS late to the party on this but, i listened to this on my surround sound, truck system, and Tv and there's almost no decreeable difference. They do sound good, that said, support your fav company and jam. No one but you will know the difference.
The clarity from the Nazgül 👌🏻
EMG 707 brighter and sharper a bit, Nazgul softer and weaker a bit...but basically both are very similar, with just hint of differences. - EMG is more metallic...It wins IMHO! Very good demo, thanks!
Duncan has a slight edge with distortion in having a tight and crisp sound, but I much prefer the clean tones of the EMG's - very clear and even sound across all the strings.
I prefer EMGs here. I have the Nazgul/Sentient combo in my Ibanez RGD and it's a bad match. The Nazgul kicks ass for B String chugging and tightness but the high mids and highs are too harsh for anything else I play. And while I like the sentient, it's a bit too dry for my tastes as a lead pickup.
Have you tried the Pegasus yet? I thought it sounded like a more rounded and versatile pickup.
Gotta hand it to Nazgul, they sound amazing. They were my favorite in Merrow's 6 string comparison; although the EMTY Blackouts were a close second. Need to get a set of these!
The EMGs do have the body that I need in a production
the nazgul is so aggressive!
fantastic comparison video! I like your approach to using heavy riffs and also doing cleans. I think what a lot of comparison videos really miss is just doing a section of moderate tempo chug on the low B and low E and you did it perfectly. Thanks!
I'm interested in the Pegasus so if you ever get one i'd love to hear a demo of it :-P
thanks man! yeah i was looking for comparison videos on these pickups but everyone seems to shred or play fast riffs. i thought people should hear the low b and e in an easy to hear form.
Yeah man, you got it! Pickup comparisons need the format you just threw down. Love it.
the EMG always have some upper mids spike that SD pickup doesn't, but the SD got a overall more balanced tone between bass, mids and treble they sounds more dynamic.
How all demo videos should be done. Can actually and clearly hear the gear you’re testing.
I've been dreaming about full track with the initial riff from your review... Make it please, I beg you... Sounds so aggressive and cool!
Not about winning or losing,,, Both pickups has its own character,,
THAT's how you must do a pickup review. Great job, man
I know the EMGs have always been a powerful set of pickups, no question about it. The only thing I don't like about them is that I feel that sometimes notes get lost. Imo, Nazguls sound equally powerful and are clearer in terms of clean playing. Nazgul for me.
Super sick comparison video. Duncans for sure!
That is a goddam good comparison, wish everyone did it like you
Duncans sound waaaayyyyyy better than the EMG's. They look better too.
This is one of the videos who helped me to make my choice! Cya EMG 808 active and hello SD passive! I've just brought a ibanez RGIR28BFEWNF and i'm waiting for my Nazgul/sentient passive combo! :D can't wait!!
kinda have a similar voicing IMO
That’s the best comparison video I’ve seen on here thanks
I like the Seymour set.
Opening Riff is so badass! Great work
Thanks a lot for the review. I've watched several comparisions of Seymour Duncans by Keith Merrow and I liked Nazgul the most, but I was confused abot buying Schecter Hellraiser which has 707s. Now Im defenitely sure I need SD Nazgul
Nazgul has a tighter tone and clarity. EMG's (at least through the clean channel) have quite more low mids
I like the sound how EMG is all over the place, yet SD fit in the mix better, to my ears. I think both are good and depends on what you're purpose. For rhythm, i'd choose EMG, for leads, SD punch better.
oh god the cleans is where its at! love the sentient cleans
I think in a mix with proper eq both would be equally great
Switched out the 808's in my Jackson for the SD Pegasus/Sentient and they sound amazing! Wasn't sure about the Sentient since there aren't a ton of clean vids on it but man is it beautiful.
SD sounds brighter and wins hands down especially in the clean tones, however it’s definitely fuzzier distortion wise when picking single or more strings at a time. EMGs are still cleaner for those who live by the cutting edge of the chuggy low ends. I have 707s but now i wouldn’t mind some SDs!
They sound pretty close to me high gain but i give a slight edge to the SD's. clean the Duncans. Its always hard to tell on youtube. i am sure there is more of a sound difference in person hearing the test. great video
Nazgul / Sentient all the way !
...OR EMG 707 bridge position and Seymor Duncan neck combination! amazing results..
the differences are noticeable but not as massive as everyone likes to make it out. The biggest difference between passive and active is the feel of playing usually. I'd say the only all biggest sonic difference here where the neck pickups. The 707 sounds a bit muffled in the neck position and the sentient is nice and clear and warm sounding.
You should try a final mix featuring both sets of pickups just to see how they mix together.
Nazgul 100%
Btw what rig did you use for this (amp/plugin, interface, etc)? You have a huge sound so I'm curious!
I liked the EMGs much better distorted, and the Nazguls with a clean tone.
so incredibly close, makes me wonder what was the whole debate on active and passive
I like the passive version of those Duncan pickups
Nazgul is passive. There are no active versions. The soapbar version is just called "active mount'.
EMG all the way!
Surprising these sound so similar
The EMG sound has fallen out of favor but I think there may be a revival in times to come.
The Duncans sound too muddy for my taste. I have that exact same guitar (the trem version, unfortunately) and I love its sound with the 707s.
They're very similar. The Nazgul has a bit more top end, but not as much low end. What kind of amp and distortion you use plays a million times more of a role than what high output pickup you use.
"Nazgul Sentient" is brilliant
Nazgul every time. Passive for the win.
I'm not an EMG guy. I struggle with them most of the time. But I prefer the EMG's in the mix.
Honestly it's just a matter of EQ. They both can sound the same if we add an overdrive or a bright EQ in front of the 707
I usually am a passive pickup person but emg is the winner
I'm getting sentient and nazgul this week from Mikey at action sound
The EMGs sound SLIGHTLY and I mean VERYSLIGHTLY a barely bit more evil that the Nazgul, but w the Nazgul comes a prettier articulation. Ive always wanted a Nazgul :,) Perhaps its time! but got a pegasus instead lol
Mantis Toboggen good. If you put the nazgul next to the Pegasus, the peg wins everytime. For me anyways. I the nazgul, peg, and alpha/omega set in three guitars. Number one is the alpha omega. Then in the other two I find myself reaching for the peg over the nazgul. Just has a little more clarity and a little more thump in the bottom end. It feels a little more broad where as the nazgul is a little more sharp and less bassy. Probably due to the mids dialed into the naz. The pickups are amazing though, don't get me wrong. That's why they're in all of my top three used axes. Replaced all of my emgs with Duncan's.
Sentitent has that creepy cool cleans
i like the EMG 707
The duncans may sound slightly better but for a bedroom player like myself, an upgrade hardly seems necessary. Nice video btw.
George Pederson honestly the difference is very minor. I switched from stock EMG 707TWS to Nazgul/sentient. it's nothing a small amp tweak can't change
I think the 707s have a much more rounded sound when distorted, and are far less harsh on the ears than the nazguls when distorted, but the nazguls definitely clean up a whole lot better than the 707s!
Holy shit! I had no idea you could tap humbuckers??? :O
(pretty sure he meant coil SPLIT)
Duncan is clearer... But I like it dirty
emg is the shit for full attack sound vs grittier Nazgul, both solid choices tho
Sounded extremely similar.
+Dirty D Tends to happen when you record and mix the tracks... Raw, its like very different animals in the way of how tight the low end is while the mids get some brightness out of the Nazgul...
the pickups definitely are voiced similar, the major difference i noticed going from emg's to this set was the massive increase in clarity
I'm actually looking at getting this exact guitar haha, I've always had emg's over SD's but the SD's in this sound a lot tighter when using distortion however I much preferred the Emg's clean tone, Ideally would Like the SD bridge and the EMG neck, would probably look silly but would nail sound versatility
I wish there were more passive pickup options for a soapbar type mount
Awesome video !
man i fucking love the first riff
for drive it's almost a tie, for clean definitely the SD have the edge
I like EMG's but I liked the Duncans better for clean and dist.
Nazgul/Sentient
I think the emg responds better to mids, But other then that, they sounds EXTREMELY similar.I personally own a pair of the 707s, and they sound great, but on the other hand the "quick connect" system was a complete and utter failure.All of the hardware aside from the pickups themselves is absolutely horrendous.the only reason I went for EMG was bc I needed a darker sounding pickup.
The emgs sound so much more powerful and focuses while the duncans sound kinda lifeless to me
Great video man. really helped.
Thanks for the comparison!
EMG 707 all the way up
Nazgul - perfect
like the dirtyness from the 707s
Nazgul DESTROYS ABSOLUTELY
The Duncans are passive aren't they? they sound better and they don't need any faffing around with batteries...no brainer haha.
+Tyler Pagett exactly! haha
Passive mics needs a good signal or can be a antena for every electronic noise around but have a constant signal. Active don't have this problem but the moment they are triggered by a 9v, it is forced to have a curve and to ruin some milisec on the attack of your signal.
agreed!
Duncan's where tighter and a bit brighter.
Richard Martinez exactly what I was thinking. They just have better clarity.
That Nazgul tho! 😍
Another victory for SD. But are those really Nazgul sentient? the only ones that I saw looking like that are the SD Nazguls, but not the sentient line. All Nazgul Sentients that I saw were looking like SD JBs kinda.
I feel passive guitar pickups sound better than active pickups regardless of brand. Even the blackouts have that artificial sound.
Just ordered a nazgul for my 7 string, i have mostly emg81' so i wanted a passiv one.I hope the nazgul fixes the muddy sound i get, when tuning down, from the dean stock pickups.Wich are very punchy near a active but muddy fuzzy.
after 1 year, how is it going?
holy shit awesome pickups! i need those
yip id emg it rythym as more low mid info and cut thru lead with the ns, diff colours
Clean SD wow.
Eng for the win.
Really well done.
Sorry guys, I like the Nazgul's too, but here obviously wins EMG, it sounds more solid and open, + it is more readable and easier to understand while playing a riff. EMG's are more professional, EMG's forever and ever! :)
My Nazgul sounds nothing like that. My Nazgul sounds like the EMG at 1:07 It sounds really thin at times on the higher string like if I want to play E power chords or A. The low B string sounds good. Not sure if that's just how they make these pickups so they don't get muddy in the lower register. Your Nazgul seems to have more bottom end to it when you do the open E chug.
EMG Bridge+Nazgul Sentinent Neck could be best option
Watching this pickup review randomly and noticed I have exactly the same studio monitor and speaker combo! HS-80M and DM110 what are the odds?
Similar, but EMGs seems to have more to offer in a mix. Just my opinion and how my ears "see" it.
Nazgul sounds more natural and dynamic. EMG 707 sounds dull and plastic, as all EMG's for me, cleans are better tho.
Nazgul sweeps the floor with the EMG 707.
this is pretty much the passive version of the EMG
cool demonstration!!
I put the nazgul/sentient on my jackson