EMG MM vs CS differences

[jkkkjkhk]

So supposedly the DC was meant to sound like a stingray in the sweet spot, so why does the MM's only come as CS's? Also is the MM the same as the CS just in different housing? Or does it sound different?. Do the MMCS and 35CS or MM5CS and 40CS sound the same?

I posted this over at the EMG forums as well but each thread has to go through an approval process now and it hasn't been approved yet.

[jkkkjkhk]

anyone?

[jkkkjkhk]

So I got an email back from EMG today about this, in case anyone in the future is curious. They said the MM4CS, 35CS, MM5CS, 40CS are all EXACTLY the same pickup just in different housing, of course the 5 and 40 are just 5 string versions. I also asked about how the DC was designed to be a MM copy so why doesn't the MM come in DC and he said it does. I don't see it on their site so maybe it's coming out soon or maybe I'm just not seeing it.

Exactly what I wanted to hear.

[4848277]

From what I gather, EMG makes 3 different styles in the Musicman Stingray form factor.

1) MMHZ | Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups

Which is a passive pickup.

2) MMCS | Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups

Which is an active pickup.

3) MMTW | Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups

Which is also an active pickup, but is twin coil. (ie: splittable)

Each of those are available in 5-string versions as well. They all use the "CS" technology (Ceramic and Steel) which is referring to the magnetic portion of the construction.

Pickups like the EMG 35DC are a soap bar form factor, and supposedly can sound like a Musicman Stingray pickup. DC stands for "dual coil", so the MMTW would be a similar pickup, but in a different package. They also use ceramic magnets like the others. The 35DC is also an active pickup.

35DC | Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups

As for the sound of each of these EMG pickups, I'm sure you can find sound samples on the net. (on youtube for example.)

I hope this helps.

[jkkkjkhk]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I knew of the 3 different types and I actually have EMG's in most of my guitars. I was just curious if the MM's were sonically different, which turns out they aren't.

[4848277]

Originally Posted by jkkkjkhk

... I was just curious if the MM's were sonically different, which turns out they aren't.

By that, I'm assuming you mean the original Musicman Stingray pickup...? If so, I'm sure somebody will chime in to rebut.

I own an EBMM SR4, but I've never tried a bass with any of the EMG MM pickups, so I couldn't say whether they're sonically "identical" or not, but somehow I doubt it. Stingray pickups use large Alnico V pole pieces, and EMGs use ceramic magnets with steel blades. They're a completely different animal.

BTW, I took a look around the net for an A/B comparison clip of the 35DC and a Stingray, but I couldn't find one as of yet.

Anyway, good luck with whichever pickup you choose.

[jkkkjkhk]

oh, sorry I should have clarified. No I was meaning an EMG MM compared to the 35/40CS's. I'm not expecting them to sound like EBMM pups, not even interested really. I'm thinking about putting EMG's in one of my basses and I like the 35DC's and CS's. My bass routes are a bit bigger than the 35's so I was wondering if the EMG MM's sound the same cause they might fit better.

[4848277]

Ahhh... I see. Gotcha.

I hope somebody else can confirm that the EMG MMTW and 35DCs sound alike.

Good luck!

[jkkkjkhk]

Well EMG says they're identical, good enough for me. Thanks for the info though.