EMG P/J and BTS pre- questions

[RBrownBass]

I'm about to pull the trigger on an EMG BTS preamp for my Spector NS-2A (I already have the EMG P/J pups). I have some questions, tho, that I hope someone here can help answer.

1- I've read that full EMG systems do not need to have a ground wire connected to the bridge. True or false?

2- If the answer to #1 is "True", do i need to shield the control cavity and/or pickup cavities for this setup or can I leave them unshielded? Stupid question, maybe, but I'm asking anyhow.

3- I play mostly jazz and Latin music (soft to moderate volume), I generally do not dig in and I do not slap. Is there any real reason for me to need 18 volts?

[ErebusBass]

Active EMGs do not need a ground wire. I did not shield the cavity in my bass and it works just fine.

Also, changing the power supply for 9 to 18, or 18 back to 9 is so easy that there is no legitimate reason not to try it and see if you like what it does.

[RBrownBass]

Originally Posted by ErebusBass

Active EMGs do not need a ground wire. I did not shield the cavity in my bass and it works just fine.

Also, changing the power supply for 9 to 18, or 18 back to 9 is so easy that there is no legitimate reason not to try it and see if you like what it does.

Thanks for the quick reply. My question is because it'll require more room in the cavity than I have to go 18v. I'd have to rig up some sort of watch battery setup or go with 9v.

Still looking for more answers...

[NS2A]

I think the BTS will work great for the type of music you are doing. That said, is there a reason you're switching from the Hazlab copy you (should) have in the NS2A? I've had both in the past and they are fairly similiar to my ears.

[RBrownBass]

Originally Posted by NS2A

I think the BTS will work great for the type of music you are doing. That said, is there a reason you're switching from the Hazlab copy you (should) have in the NS2A? I've had both in the past and they are fairly similiar to my ears.

The hazlab copy was broken before the bass was sold to me. The eBay seller was up front about it during the auction.

[NS2A]

Ah. I was wondering as it's been said the BTS and Haz are somewhat similiar. I've never A/B'd them, but have owned both at separate times and generally agree with that assessment.

[walterw]

it's definitely worth the trouble to rout out extra wood under there for the 18 volt option.

(edit: that thing has 4 knobs, right? you should be able to fit 2 9Vs in there anyway.)

[RBrownBass]

Just ran into a deal that took me in another preamp direction. Thanks, and please see my new thread.