What Pickups Did Zakk Wylde Use?

Zakk Wylde's pickup arsenal is a tale of versatility, with Gibson SG's vintage humbuckers providing the foundation for heavy riffs. His signature Les Paul model boasts custom-wound humbuckers, voiced for a snarling midrange and warm tone. The EMG 81 and 85 combo in his Gibson SGs and other guitars yields a more aggressive, high-gain tone. Wylde's favorite humbuckers include Gibson's PAF, Seymour Duncan's SH-4 JB, and EMG's 81/85. This diverse range of pickups has allowed him to plunge into a distinctive sound, but the story doesn't end here – the nuances of his tone-shaping journey are just beginning to unfold.

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Early Days With Gibson SG

Zakk Wylde's earliest days as a guitarist were marked by his affinity for the Gibson SG, an instrument that would become an integral part of his signature sound and aesthetic. The SG's vintage tone, courtesy of its humbucker pickups, provided the perfect platform for Wylde's blues-infused, heavy riffs. The guitar's Neck profile, with its slim, fast feel, allowed Wylde to navigate intricate passages with ease. It's no surprise that the SG remained a staple in Wylde's arsenal, even as he experimented with other guitars. The SG's unique tone and playability made it the perfect companion for Wylde's early forays into heavy metal. With the SG, Wylde was able to craft a sound that was both nostalgic and innovative, laying the groundwork for his future success.

Signature Les Paul Pickups

In a deliberate departure from his trusty SG, Wylde's collaboration with Gibson yielded a signature Les Paul model featuring custom-wound humbuckers that would further define his sonic identity. These pickups were designed to deliver a tone that's both aggressive and articulate, with a focus on tone shaping that's quintessentially Wylde. The bridge humbucker is voiced to cut through the mix, with a snarling midrange and a hint of warmth, while the neck pickup is designed to deliver a smooth, rich tone with a hint of sweetness. The result is a pickup voicing that's both versatile and distinctively Wylde, perfect for everything from crushing riffs to soaring solos.

EMG 81 and 85 Combo

While his signature humbuckers are tailored to his Les Paul, Wylde's affinity for the EMG 81 and 85 combo in his Gibson SGs and other guitars speaks to his desire for a more aggressive, high-gain tone. This configuration allows him to tap into a more modern, brutal sound. The EMG 81's ceramic magnet and close aperture coils provide a scorching hot output, perfect for palm-muted chugging and pinch harmonics. When paired with the EMG 85's Alnico V magnet and wider aperture coils, the result is a harmonically rich, crushing tone.

Here are three key benefits of the EMG 81 and 85 combo:

1. Increased gain: The EMG 81's high output and aggressive tone make it perfect for metal and hard rock.
2. Improved clarity: The EMG 85's Alnico V magnet provides a clearer, more articulate tone, even at high gain.
3. Versatility: This humbucker configuration offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, from brutal metal to classic rock.

Active Vs Passive Debate

The eternal conundrum of tone-obsessed guitarists is the age-old debate between active and passive pickups, with each camp fiercely defending its corner. At the heart of this debate lies the fundamental difference in tone shaping. Active pickups, with their built-in preamp, boast a hotter signal strength, resulting in a more aggressive, in-your-face tone. Passive pickups, on the other hand, rely on the guitar's natural resonance, yielding a warmer, more organic sound. While active fans argue that their pickups provide a clearer, more articulate tone, passive enthusiasts counter that their pickups offer a more dynamic, expressive voice. Ultimately, the choice between active and passive comes down to personal preference and the desired tone. So, which camp will you join?

Wylde's Favorite Humbuckers

Zakk Wylde's affinity for humbuckers stems from their ability to deliver a crushing, high-gain tone that can keep up with his aggressive playing style. Humbuckers have been a staple in Wylde's arsenal since the early days of Black Label Society, and for good reason. Their ability to cancel hum and provide a fuller, more articulate tone is a match made in heaven for Wylde's unique playing style.

Wylde's favorite humbuckers include:

1. Gibson's PAF humbuckers, which offer a warm, vintage tone.
2. Seymour Duncan's SH-4 JB humbuckers, known for their high-gain, aggressive tone.
3. EMG's 81/85 humbuckers, which provide a tight, punchy tone with excellent clarity.

It's no surprise that Wylde's pickup preferences lean towards humbuckers, given their rich history and ability to deliver a powerful, high-gain tone that can keep up with his intense playing style.

Experimenting With Seymour Duncan

Delving into the domain of Seymour Duncan pickups, Wylde's tone-seeking endeavors led him to experiment with various models, each offering a unique flavor to his signature sound. As a self-proclaimed tone chaser, Wylde's pickup tweaking obsession is well-documented. He's been known to swap out pickups in pursuit of the perfect tone, often combining different Seymour Duncan models to create a distinctive voice. The Seymour Duncan JB, '59, and Jazz models have all been part of Wylde's tone-chasing arsenal, each bringing a distinct character to his music. By experimenting with these pickups, Wylde has crafted a sonic identity that's both recognizable and revered.

Custom Pickup Collaborations

Beyond the domain of off-the-shelf Seymour Duncan pickups, Wylde's relentless pursuit of tone perfection has led to collaborative custom pickup designs that further blur the lines between his instruments and his imagination. These bespoke creations are the result of his work with boutique builders, who share his passion for crafting unique, custom-wound pickups that cater to his distinctive playing style. The resulting pickups are tailored to amplify Wylde's signature tone, characterized by its aggressive, in-your-face quality.

Some notable collaborations include:

1. Wylde's work with legendary pickup designer, Tom Anderson, yielding a custom-wound humbucker that captures the essence of his tone.
2. Collaborations with boutique builders, such as Greg Prior, who shares Wylde's attention to detail and dedication to tone perfection.
3. Custom pickup designs with luthiers like Joe Boivin, who has crafted instruments that complement Wylde's playing style and tone.

Black Label Society Era

During the Black Label Society era, Wylde's tonal exploration led him to plunge into a diverse array of pickups, further refining his signature sound. This period marked a significant tone evolution, as Wylde's guitar experimentation ventured beyond his traditional humbucker setup. He began incorporating single-coil pickups, such as the Seymour Duncan SSL-1, to add a brighter, more articulate tone to his arsenal. This departure from his usual tone allowed for a more nuanced sound, perfect for the dynamic range required by Black Label Society's heavy, blues-infused riffs. Wylde's willingness to experiment with different pickups during this era demonstrates his commitment to take a leap into pushing the boundaries of his tone, solidifying his reputation as a master of sonic manipulation.

Current Tone and Setup

As Wylde's tonal trajectory continued to evolve, his current setup reflects a refined marriage of classic humbucker warmth and articulate single-coil clarity, yielding a rich, dynamic sound. This harmonious blend is achieved through a combination of tone shaping techniques and modern configurations. Specifically:

1. Strat-inspired single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions provide a snappy, articulate bite.
2. Humbucker pickups in the bridge position deliver a warm, full-bodied punch.
3. Active electronics allow for precise tone tailoring, ensuring a versatile sonic palette.

Wylde's current setup is a masterclass in tone shaping, expertly balancing warmth and clarity to produce a truly unique sound. By embracing modern configurations, he's able to push the boundaries of his signature tone, defying genre conventions and inspiring a new generation of guitarists.