i got an emg 81 set they are supposedly 4 times louder than a passive pickup, but as most passive pickups vary in output...
i actually like my emg, a lot of people complain about how they all sound the same.. you have to realize that they do, they pretty much override your guitar, like tone woods.. but the tone they give is pretty good
they really.. i dont know how to say it, but they pick up a lot, they are very sensative with tapping and stuff, its easy to do it. They also make no noise clean! if properly installed and sheilded that is