info on active pickups

[Tux789]

hi im new in the way of pickups and was wondering about what active pickups bring to a players guitar that passives cant

my questions are
1. can you modifiy the active pickups (swap magnets, polepieces, etc.)
2. what sounds can you get out of an active vs a pasive
3. can you feasibly change the pre-amp in such a way as to change the pre-amps characteristics
4. how long do the batteries last
5. is their any alternatives to the batteries for power
6. what should you change in regards to your amp's preamp
thanks in advance
7 what brands/models do you suggest and why

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: info on active pickups

1. can you modifiy the active pickups (swap magnets, polepieces, etc.)
No.
2. what sounds can you get out of an active vs a pasive
It's just as different as comparing different passive pickups. It's just a different type of tone. Faster tracking, more defined, tighter overall, more compressed.
3. can you feasibly change the pre-amp in such a way as to change the tone
No.
4. how long do the batteries last
3000 hours. Not kidding.
5. is their any alternatives to the batteries for power
If you feel like running an extra cable from a power source to your guitar, drilling holes in it for another jack, and wiring it up, then yes.
6. what should you change in regards to your amp's preamp
Lower the gain. Otherwise, adjust the EQ like you would normally when using a different pickup.

Also, if you're going to play metal with EMG's (really with any pickup period), running a Tubescreamer infront of ANY amp will make it sound better.

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

1. can you modifiy the active pickups (swap magnets, polepieces, etc.)
No.
2. what sounds can you get out of an active vs a pasive
It's just as different as comparing different passive pickups. It's just a different type of tone. Faster tracking, more defined, tighter overall, more compressed.
3. can you feasibly change the pre-amp in such a way as to change the tone
No.
4. how long do the batteries last
3000 hours. Not kidding.
5. is their any alternatives to the batteries for power
If you feel like running an extra cable from a power source to your guitar, drilling holes in it for another jack, and wiring it up, then yes.
6. what should you change in regards to your amp's preamp
Lower the gain. Otherwise, adjust the EQ like you would normally when using a different pickup.

Also, if you're going to play metal with EMG's (really with any pickup period), running a Tubescreamer infront of ANY amp will make it sound better.

so there are no mods whatso ever that you can do to an active pickup

 

[vinterland]

Re: info on active pickups

Use the search button and you will find a wealth of info on active pickups.

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

thanks

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

still trying to find an objective evaluation of the diffrent EMG and SD pickups
and input would be helpful

 

[vinterland]

Re: info on active pickups

are you just wanting the basic tonal differences between an EMG and a Duncan?

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

that would be nice though i would also like to know the diffrences between the diffrent models of each brand

 

[vinterland]

Re: info on active pickups

Well the best way to tell differences between models is to go to the Seymour tone guide page, and go to the EMG site and listen to their samples for each model. Basically DSS already mentioned the main differences between actives and passives. An EMG compared to a duncan is going to be clearer, tighter and more articulate. That being said a duncan is going to have a more vintage vibe, more guitar wood tone and in my opinion is better for cleans. An EMG is going to make your mistakes in your playing obvious. This will do one of two things, make you a better player, or frustrate the hell out of you.

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

Well the best way to tell differences between models is to go to the Seymour tone guide page, and go to the EMG site and listen to their samples for each model. Basically DSS already mentioned the main differences between actives and passives. An EMG compared to a duncan is going to be clearer, tighter and more articulate. That being said a duncan is going to have a more vintage vibe, more guitar wood tone and in my opinion is better for cleans. An EMG is going to make your mistakes in your playing obvious. This will do one of two things, make you a better player, or frustrate the hell out of you.

so you think an 81 in the neck and a LiveWire Metal in the bridge would be a good combo or not

 

[vinterland]

Re: info on active pickups

I actually don't know if you can mix an EMG active with a Duncan active. You probably can but I've never heard it done. I would think twice about getting a metal livewire unless you really really want one. Your going to get an extremely hot pickup that will distort any clean channel. I would recommend something like an 81 bridge with an 85 or 60 neck, or an 85 bridge with a 60 neck. If your wanting actives you should really just stick with EMG's as they do make the best.

 

[pinto79]

Re: info on active pickups

so you think an 81 in the neck and a LiveWire Metal in the bridge would be a good combo or not

It's combo I've wanted to try. I have an 81/95 combo in my Tele and I love it. I also have some LiveWires on the way that I will try in something. As far as moding them, EMG have a number of add on units or you can run EMG's at 18 volts to open them up a bit.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Mephis]

Re: info on active pickups

Why not just dual 81s?

 

[pinto79]

Re: info on active pickups

Why not just dual 81s?

I like to do the unusual. AND!!! if you have not heard a HM LiveWire, you have truely not heard an active pickup. It makes an EMG 81 sound like a PAF. My buddy has one in his Les Paul and it OWNS. I'm looking forward to mine arriving. Should have it on Tuesday. I will advise my findings.

 

[Mephis]

Re: info on active pickups

I ike to do the unusual. AND!!! if you have not heard a HM LiveWire, you have truely not heard an active pickup. It makes an EMG 81 sound like a PAF. My buddy has one in his Les Paul and it OWNS. I'm looking forward to mine arriving. Should have it on Tuesday. I will advise my findings.

Just like the 85 owns the livewire.

 

[ex-250]

Re: info on active pickups

Also, if you're going to play metal with EMG's (really with any pickup period), running a Tubescreamer infront of ANY amp will make it sound better.

....hows this?

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: info on active pickups

I had a emg81 and two emg singles complete with treble/bass expander curcuit and I thought it sucked. I currently have a set of livewire strat pickups and I like them much better than emgs. Quieter, cleaner, clearer and far more headroom than the emg's. I should have tried the 18volt mod but nobody knew about that mod back in 1990 when I sold that guitar.

Snowdog

 

[Mephis]

Re: info on active pickups

Isn't it halarious how you hear all these people buying 81s then saying EMGs suck, without even trying anything else?


81=Metal
85=Hot PAF
60=Mini Bucker

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

It's combo I've wanted to try. I have an 81/95 combo in my Tele and I love it. I also have some LiveWires on the way that I will try in something. As far as moding them, EMG have a number of add on units or you can run EMG's at 18 volts to open them up a bit.

Good luck in your search!

awesome glad to hear their are mods

 

[Tux789]

Re: info on active pickups

Isn't it halarious how you hear all these people buying 81s then saying EMGs suck, without even trying anything else?


81=Metal
85=Hot PAF
60=Mini Bucker

so you reccommed the 81/85 combo then