Is $80 for an EMG installation fair?

[primus150]

I got an appraisal from one of my local music stores about installing an active EMG pickup, and they told me I'd be looking at 80 bucks for labor. Does that seem fair, or should I find another opinion? My bass isn't especially complex or anything, but I'd rather take it to a professional than mess with it myself.

[BillJarrett]

$80 seems slightly steep to me, assuming they are only dropping in the electronics (which don't even require soldering nowadays)

I manage a shop here in FL, and for a dual pickup EMG deal (2 pups, and the pots & jack) we do it for $45

Now if you need a battery cavity routed, or a setup as well, that changes things...

[bassplayer8953]

$80 seems ok for about an hour of a tech's time, which is about how long the conversion takes.

That said, I installed an active EMG PJ set myself, a couple of years ago. No big deal. And this was before they offered solderless installation, which is standard now. EMG furnishes everything you need for a standard installation, & explicit directions. You don't have to be an electronics wizard to do it yourself.

[Foamy]

Gut reaction is that that's high. But again...if this is not somewhat of a drop-in upgrade, it may be OK. If they are also installing the preamp (which probably involves the additional work mentioned above by basplayer), then you may be getting a deal.
For us to tell you, we need to know more about what's being done.
Many of us here DIY, so many of us will think paying anything at all is not worth it. Keep that in mind.
:-)

[line6man]

Why don't you do it yourself for free?

What a waste of money to pay $80 for something you could do yourself. It really isn't that difficult.

[electracoyote]

A little more than I pay my electronics tech, but not too bad.

If the job gets done right, you did okay. Don't fret over a few extra bucks, enjoy your new bass tones.

[pedulla-2007]

Originally Posted by BillJarrett

$80 seems slightly steep to me, assuming they are only dropping in the electronics (which don't even require soldering nowadays)

I manage a shop here in FL, and for a dual pickup EMG deal (2 pups, and the pots & jack) we do it for $45

Now if you need a battery cavity routed, or a setup as well, that changes things...

Mr.Bill knows his stuff and probably has paid "THE MAN", just like me before going into business for himself. Working around finished paint jobs requires an extra amount of caution as there is a liability in effect, and he "owns" the bass if he scratches it up. My advice to You before You take any bass to a shop is to take extensive pictures of your bass so they cannot deny any damage if it does happen, and be sure to point out any scratches with the tech and document them on the work order. I have had tech's deny damages and scratches before. Good luck as I have probably scared You away from any work now. LOL

[pharaohamps]

I've done MANY EMG installations starting back in '95 when I installed a set in my first Jazz. Sometimes they go very quickly, and sometimes not so much. I usually charge $100 for an EMG install with no routing. If I'm installing a battery box or if I have to rout out to clear the pickup (the single-coil guitar pickups are usually taller than regular passive pickups) then that's extra. $80 for changing the pots and jack, installing the pickups, and finding a place for the battery is a fair price.

I have fixed MANY botched pickup installations. MANY. I wish I had taken some pictures of the more ...creative jobs If you're not sure you can do it, you might want to find a friendly tech to show you the basics.

Good luck!

[Rano Bass]

What kind of bass doyou have?
What kind of pickups are you gonna be using?
Are you gonna be using a preamp with that?

If its just a simple P or J bass instalation with passive controls its pretty easy to do.