How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

[LonePhantom]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

They were not designed to run optimally at 18v, they used 9. It can go greater than 9 definitely and they have perfected the design in recent years. But try them against the blackouts, the x series, or anything else. They are noisier. It's not THAT much. Someone had to tell me then I had to A-B them with another set, then just see using 18 then switching back to 9. With the extra headroom and touch of output you get, some hum and feedback is included because of how sensitive they are.

The EMGs were designed to be capable of handling up to 27 volts (three batteries). It's just that there's no discernible difference in tone above 18. If there is noise, it obviously isn't really a big deal. I noticed nothing different to a set of passive pickups.

 

[J E C]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

I've known of Jazz players that have used EMGs, like the 81 / 85 set.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

I always got great cleans from EMGs, and I do prefer the 85 over the 81 in the bridge, and it was easier to set up a series of EMG-specific variations of my favorite preamp patches when switching between guitars.

But in the end, I much preferred passives.

I did find that an 85 in the bridge with the tone backed off gave a convincing Dave Murray neck soloing tone. At least with my setup.

 

[crguti]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

The problem is the strap. Get a leather strap... it works!. If you don't believe me, read the 'The Vault'.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

All fun aside, the original series EMGs are not going to deliver the passive tone & feel. Either change the pickups or change your playing style. Once I've learned the different way of pick control and dialling in my amp, I found them quite usable, actually.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

The EMGs were designed to be capable of handling up to 27 volts (three batteries). It's just that there's no discernible difference in tone above 18. If there is noise, it obviously isn't really a big deal. I noticed nothing different to a set of passive pickups.

^Exactly..... & I second trying the 18V mod for a more open, slightly rounder sound with extra headroom. Also lighter gauge strings..easiest (and cheapest) fix for your problem

Otherwise, have you thought of the Lace Aluma Deathbar/Xbar? They fit EMG routes & are passive. My 6 String 'Deathbucker' is one of the fattest, roundest, fullest, meatiest, crunchiest pickups I've ever played...while still staying sweet & organic ....& as tight as an EMG 81 (or pretty damned close...).

I'm hoping to get a set of these for my 7 string myself (as soon as funds permit lol....)

 

[Grindspine]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

I have a 7 string with EMGs and it sounds lifeless. Everything is compressed and flat. It has a 707/607 combo in it which I believe is the 81/60 but 7 string.

The 18 volt mod can add some clarity. Moving the pickups a bit away from the strings might help as well. Make sure you are using a cable with low capacitance or at least a buffer.

If those do not work, it may be time to change the pickups.

 

[Grindspine]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

In my experience the emgs with 18v are pretty noisy. And yeah emgs are pretty compressed and midrangey. You might want to switch to passive to open up the tone and give you more picking control. Heck you could even give duncans new 7 string line up a go and tell everyone here what you think.

I have a switch on one of my guitars to switch from 9 to 18 volts with an 81/85 combo. The 18 volt mod does not increase noise, just headroom.

 

[Grindspine]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

They were not designed to run optimally at 18v, they used 9. It can go greater than 9 definitely and they have perfected the design in recent years. But try them against the blackouts, the x series, or anything else. They are noisier. It's not THAT much. Someone had to tell me then I had to A-B them with another set, then just see using 18 then switching back to 9. With the extra headroom and touch of output you get, some hum and feedback is included because of how sensitive they are.

Here is the official EMG explanation of proper voltage for their pickups.

http://www.emgpickups.com/content/wiringdiagrams/PowerTips_Tricks_0230-0190C.pdf

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: How do I get more clarity from these EMGs or is it time to switch them out?

Some rudimentary questions still not getting answered here.

What make/model of guitar?
Is there enough charge in the onboard battery power supply?
Is it reaching the pickups?

Solder connections can dry. The plug-in Solderless connectors can pull undone.