Active mount 7 string pickup questions

[allstarrme]

So I got a new 7 string and it has active mount passive pickups. All the active mount stuff is expensive and not all models have the active mount covers. Do I just put the covers on the passive mount pickups? What size covers do I need?

Someone should make mounting rings for passive pickups in active routes. Or sell me a used set of fishman fluence 7’s.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

I just went through this. There are a few options here.

1) Pickup Rings:

Most of the inexpensive 7-string pickup rings out there will hide an EMG soapbar active mount routing, but you will have to rout your body for the mounting tabs of the passive pickups, which are wider than the EMG housing. Also, you may have to glue dowels into the corners of the EMG routing for the trim ring mounting screws to secure to if there is not enough wood there. Just be sure to double check the measurements of the pickup rings.

2) DIY Passives in Active Mounts:

The EMG soapbar housing is known as their "35" model and is a 4-string bass housing. You can find aftermarket versions easily: LINK

However, most passives are a very tight squeeze into the 35 housing, the issue being the baseplate width. To fit a Duncan, you will need to remove both the mounting tabs and also the small "lips" that go up the sides of a Duncan baseplate in order for a pickup to slide into the cover fully. DiMarzios with the PCB type base are a little easier to modify using a dremel, but also need trimming. A perimeter of hot glue once in the case easily holds either pickup in place.

3) Wait for a deal on the pickups you want in active mount. (My suggestion)

 

[allstarrme]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

Oh, I’m gonna find a deal on the fluence eventually, I’m just thinking about grabbing a Nazgul/sentient set used and putting them in active mounts, I could at least give them a try, they have to be better than the stock legator alnico pickups.

 

[allstarrme]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

So I got a deal on a used set of fishmans moderns. Now I have to figure out where to put the battery box or if a universal battery will fit.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

Nice! Can't beat Fishmans

 

[nexion218]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

So I got a deal on a used set of fishmans moderns. Now I have to figure out where to put the battery box or if a universal battery will fit.

Grab a cheap battery compartment from ebay and mount it through the plastic electronics cover. I recently did that to a friend's guitar, worked out to be pretty cool actually. That way you don't have to drill the body and remove wood and you also wont need a screwdriver to change batteries.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

I've done that before...works great, makes battery changes super easy and most guitars have room somewhere under the back cover

Here's an example without holes that you can simply glue in place: https://www.amazon.com/KAISH-Battery-Compartment-Active-Guitar/dp/B01JRIYW22

 

[allstarrme]

Re: Active mount 7 string pickup questions

I’m not sure I have room to go through the back plate. The pickup switch is pretty tall and the push pulls will take up a bunch of room inside, plus the side input jack is right in the way. I’m trying to get them to send me an inside picture of the fishman equipped versions as there might be room under the cover inside for a plastic clip. Otherwise I’ll just route for a box, maybe in front of the cavity.