Installing EMG's in a RGA121?

TonyG73 · #1 10-28-2008, 02:07 AM

Stupid question from someone who has NEVER installed pickups (much less active ones) in his life. I have some grand plans of dropping dual EMG 89's into a lucky MIJ Ibanez guitar. I noticed that the RGA121 does not have pickup rings. As dumb as this sounds, does that mean that installing EMG's is a no-no? Is there some work that needs to be done to the pickup or the body to get them to install?

Muchos gracias.

- Tony

kevlahnota · #2 10-28-2008, 04:01 AM

EMG 89 will fit on the RGA121 even with no pickup rings. It will be a body mount. to adjust the height, you must put a foam under the pickups.

something like this:

and will look like this after installation:

TonyG73 · #3 10-28-2008, 10:34 AM

Thanks for the quick reply and pics! It doesn't sound like it would be too stable to have foam under the pickups...also doesn't that detract from the tone?

Truth be told I'm trying to score an Ibanez SC420 to put my EMG 89's in (which does have pickup rings)...for the RGA121 I'm thinking of Bare Knuckle Pickups...probably ceramic warpig bridge, alnico V warpig neck with 4 conductor wiring.

**Ayrton** · #4 10-28-2008, 11:18 AM

Using foam under the pup is quite common, and in some cases better than springs for stability. Using foam as the "spring" has no effect out sound. (There EMGs anyway, nothing will make them sound good

)

TonyG73 · #5 10-28-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Using foam under the pup is quite common, and in some cases better than springs for stability. Using foam as the "spring" has no effect out sound. (There EMGs anyway, nothing will make them sound good

)

LOL! Alright don't make fun of me pickups! :P

Reality is they ain't the prettiest sounding but live with distortion nothing (and not even Bare Knuckle) beats an EMG 85 in the bridge for power and silence when you need it. Especially if you do the 18 volt mod!

EMG's do two things very well...supply tons of power and they remain quiet. I love Bare Knuckle Pickups...absolutely love them...but they ones I have owned (particularly the Holy Divers and Warpigs) were NOT quiet at all. Now for Strat pickups, I wouldn't be caught dead using EMGs. Bare Knuckle Apaches all the way. For a Les Paul? Bare Knuckle Mules. For my band that plays covers (rock and metal) Two EMG 89's please

TonyG73 · #6 10-28-2008, 01:18 PM

Thanks for the info guys, this is a great forum!

**Ayrton** · #7 10-28-2008, 04:14 PM

While you know I am not a huge fan of active pickups, you may want to consider trying Seymour Duncan's new "Blackouts". The EMG users seem to love them, and claim they are everything an EMG is and more.

TonyG73 · #8 10-28-2008, 05:52 PM

I'll definitely take a look at those...I have had great luck with Seymour Duncans including Hot Rails and a '59 in my Tele and a JB and a 59 in my ESP/Edwards Les Paul.

Thanks!

EDIT: I just bought a set of those for $148.60 on ****! Brand new. Should be here along with the new guitar (Ibanez SC420) I ordered by end of week. Once I have them installed and the guitar set up I will post pics.

All reviews I read in the last hour swear that the Blackouts kill EMGs...we shall see.

**Ayrton** · #9 10-28-2008, 09:47 PM

My work here is done...

Foulacy · #10 10-29-2008, 05:31 AM

eradicating EMG's, one guitarist at a time.

not that I support your movement.

LowYaw · #11 10-29-2008, 08:18 AM

EMGs are fine and cool, don't diss 'em.
But there's that little something in passive DiMarzios, that made me sell my trusty 89-85 pair

=)

TonyG73 · #12 10-30-2008, 05:12 PM

Scratch the Duncans...for my new SC420 (thanks Sevenstringer!!!) I found out that I'd have to drill and put different pickup rings and the cavity is too small for a 9 volt battery. I don't want active pickups that bad...instead I went with a Dimarzio MegaDrive (oldie but goodie) in the bridge and a PAF pro in the neck.

If anyone wants a brandy-new set of blackouts I hear someone is selling them in the classifieds...

LonePhantom · #13 10-30-2008, 06:06 PM

You couldn't fit the battery in? Thats' a surprise. A number of people have managed to fit in a 9 volt in the S guitars before.

callen3615 · #14 10-30-2008, 08:02 PM

just put it in the control cavity...

taracatac · #15 10-30-2008, 10:17 PM

I have an RGA321 w/ EMGs, and an S540 w/ EMGs and 18v mod. Contrary to popular belief, you can get a wide array of tones with them. You just have to set your amp properly and use your tone and vol knobs. One of these days I will record a sample with a clean tone. Maybe this weekend.