WHAT’S AN ACTIVE PICKUP, AND WHY WOULD I USE ONE?
An active pickup is one that uses electronics to improve your sound and the overall performance of your instrument. EMG pickups utilize an internal preamp, which makes our pickups louder, more responsive, and reduces unwanted noise.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AN EMG PICKUP?
The greatest advantage to using EMG pickups is the reduction in noise. No longer will bad power, dimming house lights, neon signs... cause your guitar to buzz incessantly. You can use an extra long cable runs, wireless systems, pedals... all without the loss of treble or your overall tone. You’ll get your sound consistently every time.
WHY USE AN INTERNAL PREAMP?
An internal preamp is the most efficient way to make an active pickup. All the coil connections are shielded, the preamp is shielded, and the output directly from the pickup is low-impedance, making it less susceptible to noise and outside interference.
WHY USE EMG SOLDERLESS SYSTEMS?
By changing all of our wiring to solderless, EMG has eliminated the hassle of replacing, upgrading or swapping out your pickups and accessories. Once you've converted to EMG's solderless quick connect cables, switches, and pots; changing components on the fly is fast, easy, and sounds consistently great. No more cold solder joints.
CAN I SPLIT THE COILS IN MY EMG ACTIVE HUMBUCKERS?
No. However, the EMG 89, 89R, and TW pickups offer true dual coil (split) sounds utilizing separate coils and preamps for the humbucker and the single coil. This is very unique to EMG and makes our dual-coil pickups produce accurate humbucker and single coil tones from one pickup.
CAN I CHANGE THE COVERS ON MY EMG PICKUPS?
No. Once the epoxy in the pickup is cured, the pickup covers cannot be removed without damaging the pickup.
MY PICKUPS AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY. CAN EMG HELP ME?
Yes. We have many wiring diagrams on our website and have techs available during business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 -5:00 PST). They can be reached at [email protected]
WHICH PICKUPS GO IN THE NECK AND BRIDGE POSITIONS?
Traditionally, guitar players have put the 85 or 60 in the neck position, and the 81 in the bridge. However, many prefer the pickups swapped in the other positions. Most all EMGs are not position specific and we recommend experimenting to find your tone. With our solderless system, it's easy to swap pickups around.
WHAT KIND OF WOOD SCREWS SHOULD I USE IF I'M DIRECT MOUNTING THE PICKUPS TO THE INSTRUMENT BODY?
Products designed for mounting to pickguards or pickup rings do not come with wood screws, we suggest using the screws that came with the instrument to prevent damaging or stripping the threads. Pickups that are designed to mount directly into the instrument come with a #4 Wood Screw, length = 1 & 1/4".
