Do you prefer EMG's with or without a preamp ?

**MAJOR METAL** · #1 05-26-2007, 01:48 PM

birminghambass · #2 05-26-2007, 01:56 PM

I've tried a several preamps with my EMG J's and the only ones I really liked are the Aguilars and Sadowsky. Both do a good job of warming up the classic EMG sound without sounding artificial. I usually only boost the bass or cut the treble.

Modulrob · #3 05-26-2007, 09:38 PM

I had a 70's p-bass with an EMG p-pickup, no extra preamp (just the emg volume & tone knobs). Loved it. I haven't liked the emg preamps in other basses, especially the one with the mid control. I like the idea that others have mentioned, if aguilars work nicely with them. I've liked how clean aguilar OBP-1s and OBP-3s have been with passive pickups (*especially* the OBP-1).

-rob

LifeIsBass · #4 05-27-2007, 10:50 PM

I just had an EMG BQC system preamp put in my Spector with a EMG P/J setup. I absolutely love it. It's 3 band with a variable mid control and also has switches on one of the circuit boards to select from 4 different treble frequencies.

Some folks say EMG products are sterile. If that means clear and hi-fi, yes. But that's a good thing in my book!

And yes, the EMG preamp can sound warm if you want.
You've got so much control over your tone it's unreal!

I'm thinking of switching over to an all EMG setup on some of my other basses as well.

TheJimster · #5 05-28-2007, 08:57 AM

I have a bass with an EMG active set up with the preamp and their is no other sound like it.

Without the pre its kinda....dull.

danomite64 · #6 05-29-2007, 12:34 PM

I'm not a fan of the EMG pickups I've used (PJ, JJ), but I do like the BTS preamp, and they did sound better with it.

**MAJOR METAL** · #7 06-16-2007, 08:59 AM

How do you think an Aguilar pre amp would match up with a set of EMG PJ's ?

Risen Ashes · #8 06-27-2007, 01:40 PM

OK you EMG guys I seek your counsel...I have been at this for a while, I have gone through SMASHs J bass configurations and these are want I am interested in. I started looking at EMGs because I very much like the tone Eddie Jacson's (Queensryche) tone from his Spectors with a P/J EMG configuration.

I have a Geddy Lee Jazz Bass I just got my MESA Powerhouse cab, and I play an SVT II head, my active IBanez SRX 700 sounds great through the rig, but my Geddy needs more JUICE. I know a lot of bassist use Dimarzio Model Js on their Geddys, what about EMGs? I have been at this for a while, I have gone through SMASHs J bass configurations thread and these are what I've narrowed it down to...

I AM TORN BETWEEN:

AN AUDERE PREAMP WITH 3 BAND SWITCH + KEEPING THE GEDDYS PICKUPS,

http://www.audereaudio.com/JZ3.htm

AUDERE preamp with 3 band switch + DIMARZIO MODEL Js

http://www.audereaudio.com/JZ3.htm

EMG JAZZ PICKUPS (will I have to change the volume pots on these?)
http://www.emgpickups.com/displaypro...&categoryid=25

I am wanting more output, I play mainly Hard Rock/Metal. At first I was attracted to Dimarzio Model Js because of the aggressive growl but I have read that the bass does not sound like a Jazz bass, I am not sure about EMGs because I don't know how it would sound on this bass...