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EMG Alternatives - Blackouts vs D Activator

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13K views 23 replies 13 participants last post by  linthat22  
#1 ·
Hey guys. I need to build a guitar to play metalcore with really soon. So I decided to use my trusty RG370dx (with 550 neck).

At first I was gonna go with EMG because they were well known. Then I saw an ad for SD blackouts in a magazine and did lots of research on them. After learning more about them, I had my heart set on them. Then I turned a few pages in my mag and saw the D activator ad. Did the same thing. Now I'm torn between the two.

The thing that attracts me most about the blackouts is that it comes in a set all ready to be installed. And what attracts me to the D activator is that it doesn't need a battery, and I personally like the way traditional humbuckers look like.

I'm gonna be using a H-H pickguard so I can delete the middle single coil. The guitar is tuned to Drop C. I want to use this guitar for metal and sound as good and heavier than my ESP. I have an ESP custom shop with a JB in the bridge and hot rail in the neck if that helps

Let me know your thoughts and opinions on this.
Thanks guys.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the replies guys. Do actives (emg/blackouts) have any qualities that the d activators can't achieve? If so, changing batteries shouldn't be too much of a hassle if I can benefit from it.

I basically need a pickup that is tight for chording and chugging; squeals well; and good tone for leads. Also keep in mind, my guitar is basswood made in indonesia (not sure if the tone wood is any good though compared to higher models). I changed the neck to a MIJ one if that helps.

The reason I wanted to go active in the first place is because i heard they don't rely too much on the tone of the body wood. I want a pretty thick tone like mahogany bodied guitars have.

Also which pickup is clearer for low tunings (drop c). The stock ibanez inf pickups are so muddy.
 
#8 ·
I have not tried blackouts, but I have quite a few guitars here that are in drop C that I have EMGs in with 18V mod and they do the trick for me.

D Activator, not so much, but like I said, I haven't tried Blackouts (yet).

A lot of people bash EMG, but EMG wouldn't be where they're at now if they weren't good pickups, and if you know how to EQ an amp, you can get killer tones out of them.

P.S. I can't imagine using EMGs now without 18 volts.
 
#9 ·
Hm. I might consider the EMG now since the 18v thing has been thrown in. Gonna do some research on it now. If the EMG are better for drop C than the D activators, then the D's are outta the question I guess.

I want to get a Caparison one day (just don't know how to get one into Canada >_<). And they seem to get nice heavy sounds with their stock passives.

Thanks again for the replies.
 
#10 ·
I don't know if this helps, but I've said on several occasions (and had it substantiated by pro artists) that if you're someone who likes the difference between 9 and 18 volts on the EMG's, you will love the Blackouts. It wouldn't be right to say that Blackouts sound "like" EMG's on 18 volts, but if 18 volt EMG's are what you like, we've made a pickup that will make you very happy.
 
#14 ·
i also just did the 18 volt mod last night on my les paul(emg 81/85) and i was blown away how much more output and gain it achieved they snarl like a pissed dog! and i hear that you play metalcore? go with the emgs (my opinion) they are great for that kind of music. i was in a metal core band myself and i had them in my jackson they rip heads of man!!!
 
#21 ·
emg alternative = adder plus

while i haven't played blackouts yet, i did try d activators before. they're definitely good pups, but they're not as emg-like as an adder. the dimarzios have many desirable characteristics, but if you like the sound and feel of emgs, adders are pretty much dead on.