EMG's?

dex_ibanez · #1 08-23-2006, 04:53 PM

HI i'm planning to put EMG's on my RG3EX1 to replace the "designed by EMG" pick ups in there and i was wondering how involved it would be to do that since i haven't had any experience with EMG's. I've replaced pickups on my other guitar but it using Dimarzios, is there anything special i need to know before i buy some EMG's. I mean are the sizes different is it just a drop in repacement i.e. no body modifications needed.

and another one...i've heard that the 81/85 is a good combo for straight up metal, how different is it with an 81/81?

Thanks guys.

ChopTart · #2 08-23-2006, 05:00 PM

Ok, well first off EMG's are active pickups and Dimarzio's are passives (along with Seymour Duncans, Fralins, Lace Sensors etc.). This mean that EMG's require a 9v battery to be in their circut and they will draw current off of it (a very miniscule amount - one battery lasts quite a while) This also means that they will have different wiring to incorporate the battery. If the "designed by EMG" pickups in your axe already are actives as well, then to me it would seem like a simple run of the mill pickup-replacement task. If they are passives, you'll have to make some adjustments for the new circut.

If I'm not mistaken, the EMG's you're talking about require pickup rings, so make sure your guitar is routed for that.

I've never installed any myself, but there are several members here who use them to good results. Anyone else want to add/correct me?

tTz · #3 08-23-2006, 05:01 PM

Active EMGs require a battery, so you'd need to rout out a compartment somewhere in the body to house the battery. Quite a few people have had problems fitting EMGs into RGs that they've had to chisel the pickup cavity to make it wide enough for the pickups to fit, I think...dunno about your particular guitar though.

As for sound, no idea, I'll let someone who's used them reply to that.

dex_ibanez · #4 08-23-2006, 05:02 PM

yeah i know the difference between them and Dimarzios..and no my pickups aren't active...it's based on the EMG HZ and i want to install active ones. and my guitar does have pickup rings.

Ibanut · #5 08-23-2006, 05:20 PM

Its not hard if you know which wire goes where. I use EMG's and they are the best to my ears. If you buy a new set of 81's you should get everything you need. You'll need a stereo jack too (3 prongs) EMG's website has directions and tech support. The pots need to be 25k. I'd go for it.

dex_ibanez · #6 08-23-2006, 05:33 PM

so the EMG's are the same size as normal humbucking pickups? coz i read somewhere that it's bigger.

LonePhantom · #7 08-23-2006, 06:24 PM

They should fit ok in an RG with pickup rings, been there and done that with mine. You don't need to route any compartments for the pickups, the battery easily fits in your rear control cavity, just wrap it in some of the foam that the pickups come with.

The pickups will come with the pots and a stereo jack that should fit your guitars jack plate anyway so all should be quite simple.

I'd recommend getting an EMG 89 for the neck at least, sounds like the 85 but also gives you a single coil sound that is great. The EMG 89 will come with a push-pull pot for it too.

dex_ibanez · #8 08-23-2006, 06:34 PM

all right thanks everyone.

C.Thep · #9 08-23-2006, 07:10 PM

i wouldn't recommend them though.

**jaxadam** · #10 08-23-2006, 07:15 PM

81/81 and 81/85 are great combos.

I think the 85 in the neck is a little "smoother, warmer" sounding. But, the 81 in the neck sounds great, too.

I really like them both.