Actives for an LP

Johtosotku

Johtosotku

New member
How have you experimented with active pickups in an LP? Which pickups have sounded good in either position?

I've grown fond of the EMG 85 in the bridge on my previous guitars. I've liked it's thicker and middier sound compared to the 81, but I wonder if it's overkill in the bridge position of an LP.

How do Blackouts compare? I haven't yet tried one out, but I'm a bit wary as they seem to really emphasize the bottom end even more than the EMGs and I feel like they would suit thinner sounding guitars better.

Also, what kind of pots come with the Blackouts? Short or long, and what diameter? I'd hate to buy a pickup set that's just generally marketed as coming with all necessary hardware and finding out the pots aren't suitable for the guitar.
 
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Re: Actives for an LP

Usually, they are short. You can order long shaft pots from EMG. The Zakk Wylde set has long pots.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

The EMG-85 can sound fine in the bridge/Treble position of a Les Paul. The problem that it creates is, what to pair it with in the neck/Rhythm position?

For my tastes, the EMG-85X is a better pickup than the regular -85.

It you desire your Les Paul to retain some of the character of passive pickups whilst using active ones, check out the SD Live Wire Classic II or the EMG-57/-66 pair.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

I have NEVER done active in a Les Paul, and am generally not a fan period. That said, i really like what Zakk does with his EMGS!

I do however, really like the Blackout, and would not hesitate to try it in a Les Paul. I like it a lot more than an EMG.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

I like my share of passive pickups but I've always loved the emgs I've had. I haven't had actives in an LP but I figure this could be the time; why gamble with passives if actives work for me more consistently.

I'm really tempted by the ZW set if they're the only set with correct pots right in the box. Maybe I'll try some others out when they show up used with a good price.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

Pick up a ZW set and flip them. I always put the 85 in the bridge and the 81 in the neck. This has always worked well for the tones I like.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

I have an 85/81 set in my Les Paul Standard. I want to change them out.

It sounds fine, but I'm just finding EMGs way too compressed feeling lately. I struggle to get the dynamics out. Compared to the passive pickup loaded guitars I have, I'm definite about changing out. But as the guitar doesn't sound terrible as is, it's on the back burner. More pressing engagements.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

jonsick said:
I have an 85/81 set in my Les Paul Standard. I want to change them out.

It sounds fine, but I'm just finding EMGs way too compressed feeling lately. I struggle to get the dynamics out. Compared to the passive pickup loaded guitars I have, I'm definite about changing out. But as the guitar doesn't sound terrible as is, it's on the back burner. More pressing engagements.
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Are you running them at 9v or 18v? If its 9 you owe it to yourself to try 18
 
Re: Actives for an LP

I'm running on 9v. I did try the 18v mod in a few guitars and I didn't get as much difference as has been touted before. I don't plan on pickup shopping for the LP any time soon, so may try 18v again just for fun.
 
Re: Actives for an LP

jonsick said:
I'm running on 9v. I did try the 18v mod in a few guitars and I didn't get as much difference as has been touted before. I don't plan on pickup shopping for the LP any time soon, so may try 18v again just for fun.
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Its not a cure all but its so cheap to do just being the cost of a battery and another battery clip that its well worth it to give it a shot.
 
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