I will be purchasing a P-J setup sometime in the near future, and was thinking of getting the EMG HZ setup. I've searched the forums, but have found hardly anyone that actually has them/heard them. I know active EMG's sound great, but I'm really leaning towards passive with no preamp.
If anybody has experience with these, maybe you could share.
Thanks!
I think the HZ series are the only passive pickups that EMG, IIRC. I personally think that they lose a bit of the EMG vibe, but that might be what you're looking for. They do NOT suck. Most peeps just prefer the active ones. I know I do. BTW, the active ones don't require an active pre.
I replaced them with EMG active pickups and I am so glad I did. The tone and response is greatly increased. Basically go for the full active set.
I have done the maths before, but in short two pickups with two 9v battery's require replacement every year to keep the tone exceptional, or every two years for average playing.
I like EMG's, but not the HZ series. I have had 3 basses with active EMG's and two with the HZ series. Of all of them, I prefer the older soapbars, and the PJ set-ups. The new DC series not so much, but still better than the HZ series.
It would be nice if you could actually try a HZ equipped bass out to see how they work for you.
Are you looking at the newer PJ's that look like soap-bars? Just this year, I had a ESP LTD with those exact pups, ash body with a maple top. One of the worst sounding basses I have ever owned.
Mark
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I have been looking at the standard p-j configuration, not the humbucker housings. I'm pretty sure I want straight-up passive pickups, although I know the active p-j set sounds really good. I'm getting a Peavey Zodiac, and I'm thinking space for batteries is probably at a premium. I have also considered Basslines Quarter Pounders. I'm just not sure what to get yet, but I've got some time.
Thanks for the input, and keep it coming!
I know active EMG's sound great, but I'm really leaning towards passive with no preamp. 
I'm pretty sure I want straight-up passive pickups, although I know the active p-j set sounds really good. I'm getting a Peavey Zodiac, and I'm thinking space for batteries is probably at a premium. I have also considered Basslines Quarter Pounders. I'm just not sure what to get yet, but I've got some time.
