Guitar opinion.

Im fixing to get an ESP-ltd EC-400 and there are two models...one model with two EMG 81s, and another with Seymour Duncan JB and a '59. Im seriously considering the one with EMGs, because im a metal head and i think the JB/59 would be too "weaksauce" for the stuff i play...being mostly thrash...now its post-thrash i guess. But i was wondering can i get an okay clean sound from the EMGs? And how often do you have to change batteries in those beasts? All i want is a Metallica sound...that would be perfect for my band. I know alot of it is MesaBoogie but... EMG !!!!!!!!!!Hammett!!!!!!

Eric, help me out!!!

play it for yourself on the amp you have. if u like it buy it if not go get duncans, seriously look into super distortion pedal by boss, and a morley pedal, those will be my next two purchases

I have an EMG 81, and it's awesome
I also have a EMG HZ (passive, i.e. no battery) and it is just as good, but not as good as the 81.
They're on differant guitars.

I have an Explorer, ESP, it's a fantastic guitar, and I also own a XCort 900. 24 fret, floyd rose, double locking system, EMG 81, 89'R (neck) and SA (middle pickup)

tuned to E standard. The ESP is normally tuned to Droped D

Well Davo i have a question... Is the 81 bassy? Ive heard that its bright but is it bassy can i get a good chug out of it...my amp doesnt have a problem with the bass. So i need it out of the pickup now. Thanks for helpin' .

bassy? nuh, the 89-R is (neck pickup).
It's tone based, it's clear, it has a high cut (sharp).
A very, very good lead pickup, and a rhythm as well.

I can post some lead work I've done on both pickups (81, and 89-R) if you want

After much thought about the guitar...something more has come about. At my local shop, i think i may be able to get a MesaBoogie Dual Rec. Solo for ~$1500 half stack. That should take care of the bass. And for guitars im just gonna stick with the passive Seymour Duncans.

Okay, crap...mom says i cant use the money that im fixing to have for any guitar stuff, just car modding money??? WTF, its money, who cares what i spend it on. Anyways, after i get another job im gonna save up and buy a BRAND NEW Marshall JCM200 DSL100 ! I think thatll also be bassy enough to passify my chugging, heart skipping, palm mute addiction.

Okay, maybe no Marshall...I hear the new ones suck. Im beat, someone help me out...i really need a stack. A bassy bassy tight stack. Perferrably tubed. And not 2000 bucks. I may still be able to get the Mesa, doubt it, but maybe. Other than that my only other option is solidstate Randall RH200. So could someone drop me a line and give me advice? Should i suck it up put money down on the Mesa, get ANOTHER job, and make payments on it via layaway?

Marshalls are good for the bass, but I don't like the sound of them. I'm getting an ashton stack in afew months (my other amp blew up). Marshalls are not cheap.

You'll just have to play a million amps up really loud to see which one you like best.

Just for an update...I just bought a Randall RG100, solidstate choice by many 80s metalheads. Eventually gonna pair it with a Mashall or Mesa cab. Possibly an actual Randall cab.

As far as guitars... the ESP/Ltd KH202 is really looking in my direction. Im gonna go play one and maybe add it to my collection if i can.