Torn between Active pickups.

[sasha76]

My Parker Nitefly M needs new pickups, studio recording needs require minimum noise so after weeks of agonizing dilemma's i decided to go with active pups. Blackouts or LW Mustaines.
But EMG now has coil splitting options for 81 and they have the original 89 model aswell.
These would allow me to have 6 sounds on my Parker. This is my only guitar and versatility is very important in the studio.

I'm torn between these 3 choices.
Mustaines seem to be versatile and closest to passive pickups.
Blackouts seem to be better versions of EMG 81's and the EMG 81TW and 89 will give me single coil sound aswell.

What do u think i should do, whats ur opinion on the EMG's, too sterile ? What about the 89 which apparently sounds like an 85 in humbucking mode. I could do 89/89 .........
And hows the 89 for metal/harmonics/distortion compared to the 81. I read its less sterile than the 81.

I have to decide real fast and am most embarrassed that i come up with a new combo everyday but i hope u all will still give me advice.
Thanks guys

F

 

[jmh151]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

IMO, running EMG's at 18 volts eliminates the "sterile" problem. The EMG 85/81 with 18v in my Les Paul sounds sweet

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

Passives...why, because nothing is more versatile than a good set of passives. I record several times a week, and I have never noticed a properly wired set of passives (except true singles) to generate any more noise than actives.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

Stick a passive guitar in front of a computer monitor, then do the same with EMGs. You'll hear the difference.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

Stick a passive guitar in front of a computer monitor, then do the same with EMGs. You'll hear the difference.

I do, but, I have a flat panel.

"Studio recording needs" would lead me to believe that he won't be sitting in front of a CRT monitor.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

Some studios have dirty power. EMG's are quieter in those situations than the passives I've tried.

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

Having used both EMGs and Blackouts i'd say go for Blackouts. They feel a lot more like passives,with less noise than EMGs and imo the overall tone is nicer and more organic than EMGs. But if youw ant splitable actives your only choice so far are the EMGs. Think really hard about if you want better base sound or more different sounds.

 

[prophetofthor]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

i'm perplexed.

unless i'm mistaken, you have a double humbucker setup in that guitar. the only "noise" you might get is from coil splits. actives will be quieter, but i would say the net effect will be not worth it.

i'm more concerned with you changing your sound right before you go into the studio. generally speaking DO NOT DO THAT. when you get to mixdown or final product you will start thinking "that doesnt sound right", but the die has been cast and you are stuck with it. its a common "mistake" for musicians to make sudden changes in instrumentation before recording. drummers get new cymbals or new drum sticks, or new drum heads (that is a major disaster). bass/guitar players get fresh spanking strings. vocalist's are a wierd group, but for and example they may "take a week off" from singing and come into a studio with a "tight" voice.

i would say just break in a set of strings before you record and worry about the MUSIC, not the noise. you have invested money and time in your instrument and created a sound pleasing enough to be recorded, dont jack with it.

 

[sasha76]

Re: Torn between Active pickups.

prophetofthor that is good advice.
Good thing is i'm not recording a full album at the moment.
Its mostly session work for clients, so i wont be really losing out on a certain tone, and i am not happy with my current tone.

I have flat panel screens, but yes the power in my studio is not the best.
Question now is to go with the more versatile Mustaine set and lose the coil tap/single coil options or go with the 81TW/89.......