Replacements for EMG SA pups

C

ChipBurns

New member
Some time ago I bought a Strat full of EMG SA pups.
I want to replace the SA pups with passive SD pups (I really hate batteries, almost a phobia :smash: )

My only consideration is that I've written some material that has a Pink Floyd-ish nature (David Gilmour plays/played EMGs) and I like not to lose that character. I'm using some effects (Keeley Compressor->Keeley Katana->DigiTech Delay->MXR Smart Gate->Blackstar Reverb) and I'm not sure how dependent my sound is on the pups vs. the pedals.

Any suggestions?

:feedback:
 
Last edited:
Re: Replacements for EMG SA pups

To clarify, are you seeking to retain a Gilmourish tonal quality or an EMG-ish tone sans onboard battery power?

The passive Gilmour formula is two grey baseplate vintage single coils and an SSL-5.

EMG does offer passive replacement pickups for Stratocaster. Combining these with a treble booster might get you into the ballpark.

My preferred choice for an active Stratocaster is the EMG-SAV or -SLV. The rod magnet polepieces in these pickups contribute to a more convincing attack transient.
 
Re: Replacements for EMG SA pups

Funk,

1 - I'm not trying to copy David Gilmour

2 - From the limited research I've done on EMGs my gut says I should avoid EMGs and stay with SD pups.

3 - I've written a song that has a slide-riff solo that sounds little like the solo from "Comfortably Numb", sort of an owl hoot but with a little more rasp. I'm looking for a setup that will allow me to emulate that sound but not necessarily be defined by it.

4 - What I don't know how to calibrate is the output power of the EMGs. I'm not certain what SD pups to get to give sufficient gain to drive into my effects and get the same result I'm getting with the EMGs.

I should also mention that I've been playing acoustic guitar for 40 years but have < 1 year on electrics. With re-working the tele & the strat I'm on a steep learning curve...:haha: One thought I've had is to stay with SD pups to establish a baseline.
 
Last edited:
Re: Replacements for EMG SA pups

Before ditching the active system altogether, I recommend trying SLVs.

I found the SAs a bit lacking, but the SLVs (Steve Lukather) are warmed up versions and hit the spot nicely. For even more options, the EMG SPC adjustable mid boost is extremely nice to fatten up for leads. But then of course you'd have two systems needing those demonic batteries...:firedevil
 
Re: Replacements for EMG SA pups

Whilst I do realise that you are not attempting to replicate the exact sounds of Gilmour, there is a problem with the reference tone that you have nominated.

ChipBurns said:
the solo from "Comfortably Numb"
Click to expand...

The renditions on "The Wall", "Is There Anybody Out There?", "Remember That Night" and "Live At Gdańsk" are the black Strat.

The renditions on "A Delicate Sound Of Thunder" and "Pulse" are EMGs.

To which guitar sound do you refer?
 
Re: Replacements for EMG SA pups

Funk,

I continue to be impressed by your depth of knowledge.

Which leads me to be embarrassed to say "The Radio Version". (I'm not a huge Floyd fan, just associate my solo with "Comfortably Numb" on the radio).:doh:
 
Re: Replacements for EMG SA pups

Thank you for clearing that one up.

For the passive Gilmour-inspired sounds, you require something along the lines of SSL-1, SSL-1, SSL-5(T) or SSL-2, SSL-2, SSL-6(T). 10 gauge strings. Everything else is down to hands, compression, overdrive, delay and playing at stage volume to get controllable feedback.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top