Although the EMG-P85 has more measurable output than the P81, its frequency response and string interface are different. The P85 uses two Alnico magnet loaded coils in a P-90 style housing, while still featuring a wide aperture to maintain a beefy lowend and a fatter top end. Because of a more natural tone, it works great as a rhythm and blues pickup because it has loads of output but isn t muddy. It s a perfect choice as a rhythm pickup in combination with an P81 in the bridge.