Can I use EMG active pickups in a passive Fender P bass?

[BlueBic]

It is a standard p bass.
The pickguard must come off to access the wires and such.
I bought the pickups a while back, but never found any shops who would put them in. So after years of sitting on the shelf, i've decided to put them in my damn self.

I just wanted to see if anyone had similar experiances with this same situation.

Any help would be extremly appreciated.

My only concern is this. Is it a MUST to use the 9 volt battery? And how long do the batteries last?
I think it would be troublesome and annoying to constantly take the pickguard off to replace a battery.

Thanks

[SuperDuck]

Yes, you do need to use the batteries. The EMG pickups won't function without a power source. It's a hassle to take off the pickguard, but I have heard the EMG pickups will last quite a long time on one battery.

[BlueBic]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

Oh and nice picture.
I played Chrono Cross when i was younger.
Awesome game.

[SuperDuck]

Chrono Cross was good, but still never quite lived up to Chrono Trigger. Can't beat the classics!

[kraigo]

AFAIK you should be able to get the battery in there without any woodworking. Once installed, hedge your bets and unplug the cable when the bass is not in use.

KO

[meev992]

I hear that 9V's can be a tight fit in a P bass which is why I decided to get a Villex system.

[BigOldHarry]

This is a good argument for passive. The P-Bass pickguard is a pain in the butt to take off/put on even with strings on - so battery changes are extra fun (provided you don't but a battery pocket on the back). If you want a big sound, try Duncan quarter pounders. I used them on a P bass for years and loved it.

[dmusic148]

Once installed, if it's NOT a valuable vintage axe, and if you decide you like the active scene, you could have a battery box installed in the back-no more removing the pickguard.

[kraigo]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

This is a good argument for passive. The P-Bass pickguard is a pain in the butt to take off/put on even with strings on - so battery changes are extra fun (provided you don't but a battery pocket on the back). If you want a big sound, try Duncan quarter pounders. I used them on a P bass for years and loved it.

I'm in love with the Duncan Antiquities II in my P-Bass.

I prefer passive myself and I agree that popping the pickguard off a P-Bass is a pain. It depends on how badly you want EMG's (not without their charms), how long the batteries last and what your pain threshold is.

KO

[badstonebass]

I have them in my MIM P and they sound great.

What's the big deal unscrewing the pick guard.....what must take a whole FIVE MINUTES.

The 9Volt fits nicely in the cavity for me, but QC on Fender Cavities is mediocre to say the least.

I change my battery twice a year but it has never CRAPPED out in that time. I just do it for my mental health. I just know that on my birthday and on my anniversary to change the batteries in all my basses.

[SuperDuck]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Once installed, if it's NOT a valuable vintage axe, and if you decide you like the active scene, you could have a battery box installed in the back-no more removing the pickguard.

That's what I did with a MIM Fender Jazz.