Are EMG 81 and GFS REDactive compatible?

[NateCordova]

Hello guys. I know this topic isn't about SD pickups but i would like to have a opinion if you guys don't mind.

I am interested in a cheap active single coil that behaves like a single coil, unlike the Dragonfire SA or S

So i am interested in the GFS REDactive Single Coil (Strat Neck) for the neck pickup on my guitar with a EMG 81 on the bridge.

a) Can i run both with the same circuitry (using the supplied GFS conector cable for the REDactive) ?

The system i use is not solderless.

b) Since GFS Recomends a 0,3 cap for the Single Coils and the EMG 81 uses a 0,1 cap, will the single coil on the neck be ridiculously bright or just a tad brighter?

I asked GFS but they didn't help me much. Any help would be apreciated, thanks.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Are EMG 81 and GFS REDactive compatible?

The green EMG .01 capacitor is notorious for not filtering away very much treble at all. Go with the .03 or even a .047 if you expect the tone control to actually do anything.

You will, doubtless, already be aware that there will be a noticeable difference in output levels between the GFS and EMG pickups.

 

[NateCordova]

Re: Are EMG 81 and GFS REDactive compatible?

The green EMG .01 capacitor is notorious for not filtering away very much treble at all. Go with the .03 or even a .047 if you expect the tone control to actually do anything.

You will, doubtless, already be aware that there will be a noticeable difference in output levels between the GFS and EMG pickups.

Thanks For your reply.

Is the difference in the Cap only noticable when you dont Have the tone in 10? Cuz the emg caps are wired In a odd Way.

 

[dominus]

Re: Are EMG 81 and GFS REDactive compatible?

You will, doubtless, already be aware that there will be a noticeable difference in output levels between the GFS and EMG pickups.

They seem about the same to me, output wise. Tone-wise they're closer to Blackouts but they still hit the amp pretty hard.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Are EMG 81 and GFS REDactive compatible?

The way in which EMG wires capacitors to its traditional, soldered tone controls is perfectly conventional. There are really only two terminals to choose between. After that, it is a matter of how and where the ground connection is made.

The issue has always been the li'l green capacitor. IMO, its cut-off frequency is too high to filter away enough top end.

I have an LTD EC-401w. When I replaced the stock EMGs with SD Live Wire Classics, I took the opportunity to install the SD capacitor at the same time. This made a world of difference. The tone control actually DID something.