EMG Height question

[Jslegacy]

On the topic of EMG's I read somewhere that u are supposed to have the pickup height as close to the string as vibration will allow. Because their is little sting pull. With passives you lower them to the output u want. are EMG's different am i supposed to have them as close as possible or like passives set them to the output height i want. I'm talking about neck and bridge positions. As anyone fooled around with this. Thanks

Phil

[Jammy]

After Installing EMGs in my RG I put the pickups as high as possible (remeber to fret at the 24th before doing this ) and I really like the tone I get, but Im all for big output . The way to see it is... They can be set closer to the string, but if you dont like the tone lower em a bit, its all personal taste. Just mess about with it, see what you like...
-better shred than dead- ANDY

[frankfalbo]

The EMG design is very awkward. Most of the "greatness" is in the preamp. The actual pickup portion is not very efficient. So you may like the EMG lowered, but unless it is up near the strings, it doesn't do what it was designed to do best. It is not an efficient design once the strings are farther away. Think of the magnetic field as "short throw." Its magnetic field fizzles out quickly. (Passive pickups usually have a larger magnetic field.) The lucid, effortless sustain, and the almost compressed and excited highs are not as apparent, and that's what most people like about the EMG's. I guess what I'm saying is that a well chosen passive pickup should outperform a "lowered" EMG. Again, whatever sound someone ends up with, if they like it, it is right! Many famous sounds and tones were made using gear against the manufacturer's instructions. But anyway, that's why you should plan to have the EMG up close.

[HamerHeaven]

EMG states the pick-up should be as close to the strings as possible without the strings rubbing the pick-up.

[pgmTim]

EMG's should be as close to the strings as possible or they will sound awful as well, and it does state this in the instructions when you buy a new EMG in case you do.. They are great pickups, but have their own sound for sure.. I think they sound great in a guitar that is too dark with most pickups.. EMG's will really brighten up your sound with the Bridge being either an 81 or an 85, etc, .. The 60 is a great neck pickup.. I've only used the Humbuckers.. and haven't tried the 89..

Tim