EMG pickup swap

[evan47]

I have recently scored an ESP LTD EC1000FR on fleabay with the intention of swapping out the stock EMG 81/60 set for something a little more vintage sounding.
What I have noticed on the EMG website is the newer range of retroactive pickups and simply love the demo of the Fat 55s.
What I am hoping is that the Fat 55s will be a straight swap with the 81/60 set (The fat 55 kit is for 2 v and 2 t whereas the 81/60 set is for 2 v and 1 t ).
Would simply just removing the 81/60 pickups only, and simply plugging in the fat 55s work or would I need to put in the whole kit minus 1 t pot?
Also, would the fat 55s be tapable and would they be safe to run on 18v if I wanted to experiment?
Another thing I am trying to source is a bridge pickup ring for a les paul carved top style body with trembucker spacing (in black).

 

[jmh151]

Re: EMG pickup swap

Email EMG- I have in the past and they were quick to respond- in about a day- may be a little slower this week with thanksgiving but they’re still fast

 

[greekdude]

Re: EMG pickup swap

all their actives are interchangeable. What I have noticed with my sets (81/60 and 85/81) is that with alder 85 works better in the bridge and 81 in the neck. For mahogany 81/60 is great. Also if you want more vintage add the second battery (=18v mod). If you want distortion leave it at 9v.

 

[evan47]

Re: EMG pickup swap

all their actives are interchangeable. What I have noticed with my sets (81/60 and 85/81) is that with alder 85 works better in the bridge and 81 in the neck. For mahogany 81/60 is great. Also if you want more vintage add the second battery (=18v mod). If you want distortion leave it at 9v.

The guitar is mahogany body and neck, maple top, rosewood fret board.
I am going to try the 81/60 set on 18v but after listening to the demo of the fat 55 in a les paul I think that I will get a pair of them sooner or later.