Something Different - EMGs.....

[Butch Snyder]

Here's a different scenario. I have been thinking about replacing the stock pickups in my Schecter. I've created a couple of threads about it. I thought I'd start a new one. I'm thinking of replacing my stock electronics with a EMG SA/SA/85 set. I have used EMGs in the past, specifically the 85 and I really liked it. It reminded my a little of a Duncan Custom. I also used a Telecaster "TC" set. Didn't like it at all. Ceramic magnets don't equate to good Tele twang. The "T" set has alnico 5 magnets and twangs well.

Anyway, I have always liked the 85 and with the styles I play; which are mainly Fusion, Prog, Jazz, and the like. I still enjoy playing Country but I use one of my many Teles for that. So, since that guitar is an HSS model, the SA/SA/85 set makes sense to me. I also think about players like Steve Lukather, who have used EMGs for decades. He is a huge influence of mine. I don't want to sound like a "stuck in the 80's guy"; but it is what it is....

 

[Masta' C]

SA/SA/85 set is a great combo. Should cover all the styles you want. I think Steve Lukather uses the SLV instead of the SA in the neck/middle, but many players prefer the SA models.

 

[Butch Snyder]

I think Steve Lukather uses the SLV instead of the SA in the neck/middle, but many players prefer the SA models.

The SLV is basically his signature model single coil.

 

[idsnowdog]

The GFS active pickups are great sounding and much cheaper. I have used them mixed with EMGs with goo success.

 

[Masta' C]

The GFS actives are very underrated

 

[alex1fly]

Here's a different scenario. I have been thinking about replacing the stock pickups in my Schecter. I've created a couple of threads about it. I thought I'd start a new one. I'm thinking of replacing my stock electronics with a EMG SA/SA/85 set. I have used EMGs in the past, specifically the 85 and I really liked it. It reminded my a little of a Duncan Custom. I also used a Telecaster "TC" set. Didn't like it at all. Ceramic magnets don't equate to good Tele twang. The "T" set has alnico 5 magnets and twangs well.

Anyway, I have always liked the 85 and with the styles I play; which are mainly Fusion, Prog, Jazz, and the like. I still enjoy playing Country but I use one of my many Teles for that. So, since that guitar is an HSS model, the SA/SA/85 set makes sense to me. I also think about players like Steve Lukather, who have used EMGs for decades. He is a huge influence of mine. I don't want to sound like a "stuck in the 80's guy"; but it is what it is....

I like the 85 too. It’s a classic humbucker voicing but with some pleasing EQ ala EMG. I’ve never not enjoyed it, and it doesn’t need much extra attention to sound polished.

 

[jeremy]

its a solid set for sure, i prefer adding a spc in the second tone spot for a fatter tone when desired

 

[Rex_Rocker]

The 85 is a cool bridge pickup.

 

[idsnowdog]

If you are mainly a single-coil player, consider the EMG89 because you can use it in humbucker or single-coil mode.

 

[Coma]

If you are mainly a single-coil player, consider the EMG89 because you can use it in humbucker or single-coil mode.

Second that. I have the 89/Sa/Sa setup in one of my axes. I rarely use the bridge in split mode but its good to have when needed.

 

[Mincer]

That's actually a pretty cool wiring scheme. Let us know how you like it.

 

[Butch Snyder]

That's actually a pretty cool wiring scheme. Let us know how you like it.

I should be receiving it today. I'll wired it up maybe tonight and will report back.

 

[donaldr]

I have a set of EMG 60/S/S that is doing a very good job on a 24.75" scale Godin Exit 22 with mahogany body.
I have a set of EMG Retro Active Hot 70 in a 25" scale Ibanez SZ520 that I also really like.
So I think EMG are going well on shorter scale mahogany guitars for me.

So yes, go EMG if you like it.

 

[Juanhanglo]

Emg57 is their most paf like bridge humbucker. The tw version splits nicely.

I think they also do a 60tw special order.

Take a look at the X series for less of the compressed emg thing.

 

[Butch Snyder]

Received it yesterday and worked on wiring it up past night. I like the solderless connections, but it be a little daunting if you're used to soldering because I'm used to actual wires and knowing where they go. EMG gives great instructions but they can still be a little daunting. I got everything connected and the only the bridge and neck positions work. I'm assuming I wired something incorrectly. Problem is that I didn't do my normal Strat routine; which is only use two mounting screws for the pickguard and use only one string. Of course, I used all 11 screws and all 6 strings. Oh well, gotta figure out this working issue.

 

[jeremy]

hate when i do that. hopefully its an easy fix

 

[Butch Snyder]

hate when i do that. hopefully its an easy fix

It's a huge advantage when there is an issue and instead of banging my head against the wall last night, I just left everything out and decided to look at it this morning with a fresh set of eyes and brain cells. I found I had reversed the wires for the middle pickup. Easy fix, especially because there is no soldering. This time, I'll connect two screws and one string for testing.

 

[jeremy]

ha! good plan

 

[Butch Snyder]

Issue resolved. Flipped the middle pickup wires and all is good. Now to see if I like them better than what I had in there.

 

[xxxplorer]

I really like EMG's on bass. I do prefer them to Fluence on guitar when I want that sound, but overall I like a passive on guitar. I will eventually have an EMG guitar around. Especially with singles.