Can anyone here give me some history/info on EMG pickups?

andrew · #1 07-15-2011, 12:03 AM

I'm interested in trying a set of EMG pickups in a jazz bass. I'm wondering if the EMG pickups from the 80's are different than the ones available today?

Randall · #2 07-15-2011, 08:24 AM

All I know is they offer passive options now and the new ones use a quick connect clip. I have not had a chance to compare the current vs my 1983 versions.

FunkMetalBass · #3 07-15-2011, 09:40 AM

I think they've changed the internal buffer once or twice since then, but I could be mistaken. Why not email Rick over at EMG? He's a superb guy.

SGD Lutherie · #4 07-15-2011, 09:50 AM

I started using EMGs back in the early 80s.

Some of the 80s pickups (pre quick connect) are a little different. For example, the J soapbars (35J, 40J, 45J) used to have a longer coil positioned diagonally from corner to corner. The newer ones have a smaller coil positioned like half a humbucker. I haven't tried any of the newer ones, but they might sound a little different.

Some of the early Strat pickups were wound a lot hotter, but they have trouble fitting them into the covers. So they sounded fuller than the newer ones. I don't know if this is true of the bass pickups as well.

The new X series are the ones to get though. The preamp sounds much cleaner and more open.