I'm tired of people (and web sites) saying and believing the EMGHZ's are active.... go to the EMG site (www.emginc.com) and figure it out for yourself. I own a buzzsaw Wylde custom and having the EMG ZW-81/85 pickups put in it. It just gets me that people buy this guitar and then praise the active pickups or say the ZW EMGs are worthless, because neither are true... the EMGHZ's aren't active and how are you going to say the EMG ZW-81/85 set is worthless when your guitar isn't equipped with them stock?

As far as I know there isn't a single Epiphone that has active EMGs. Thats why they are Epiphones. Epiphone makes guitars that are similar to the Gibsons.. but some of the materials are cheaper. The wood isn't quite as premium. and Gibson probly snatches up most of the best luthiers. That doesn't mean that the guitars are bad. I've tried the HZs and the ZWs and they are both great pickups. The ZWs are a bit louder and slightly less muddy. But its really nothing to be complaining about. More of the guitar's sound comes from the wood used anyway.

When this guitar first came out, I ordered it right away. I was hoping that perhaps Epiphone would change their ways, but not a chance. The guitar is outfitted with Emg Zw pickups and if your a fan of them (I'm not) then thats about all the guitar has going for it.

Got this guitar for Christmas and it rocks. The sound is smooth and it sounds. The finish is way beyond what I expected. Definitely worth every penny.

I tried several of the Bullseye models out at local stores. I think these guitars are great for the price. I own two Gibson Les Paul Customs and I honestly can't say that the Gibsons are worth thousands more. The major difference between the Zakk Epiphones and the Zakk Gibsons is the hardware, pickups and the ebony fret board. The genuine Zakk EMG pickups are much better. Buy an Epiphone and put the Zakk EMG'S in it. You still saved a ton.