Re: EMG's @ 18v?
Just go to Radio Shack, buy a 9 volt connector (they come in packs of 5 or so), cut the negative of the connector on the EMG 9 volt connector, attach the positive of the new connector, and attach the negative of the new 9 volt connector to the remaining negative. Basically, negative of battery one to positive of battery 2.
I did this mod on my LP when I switched the 85 to bridge and 81 to neck. I'm very happy, through a tube amp I don't see the EMG's as being sterile or compressed, they sound like passives, but no noise and clearer.