EMG P/J vs the P/J "X"

Bob Barley · #1 07-01-2011, 10:04 PM

Anyone gotten to compare these? Which ones are better?

Also, did EMG discontinue the regular active PJ set? It's not longer on their website, only the PJ X set is.

walterw · #2 07-02-2011, 12:04 AM

the X stuff is better by a mile! just stronger and clearer, yet less "sterile" or "artificial" sounding than the old EMG stuff. i don't even carry the old versions anymore.

mcpancakes · #3 07-02-2011, 12:29 AM

I'm practicing using PJ-X pickups right now! I'm not a huge fan of the neck pickup, but the bridge pickup is alright. I'm playing on a budget instrument though (Ibanez GSR200) so I'm not sure how much of my dissatisfaction I should attribute to that.

cataract · #4 07-02-2011, 01:20 AM

I purchased an '83 franken-P back in 1999 that had active EMG P/J's installed.
It's been my main instrument ever since it arrived at my door! Amazing tone!!

I usually keep the P pickup soloed at full volume and add in some J as needed.
The maple neck/Badass Bass II bridge combination seems to make any highs overly trebly and sharp, and the J pickup is extremely sensitive.. it does come in handy whenever I need to cut through more in the mix, whether it be live or in the studio.

Seeing this new "X" series has piqued my curiosity.
If it's similar, but better- I probably should have bought some already!!
If I ever decide to plunk the money down for a swap-out, I'll be sure to give a comparison review.

Bob Barley · #5 07-02-2011, 04:18 PM

What I'm basically gathering is that the X series ones are essentially regular active PJs with an 18v setup "built in" tonewise if you know what I mean.

GangstaBean · #6 07-19-2011, 08:38 AM

Do the "x" series sound more vintage?

Broomwinkle · #7 07-19-2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

Do the "x" series sound more vintage?

Yes the "x" is ment to make them more vintage but emg vintage is just not good, seriously for vintage either get some custom 'wizard' pickups or custom Kent Armstrong pickups or some seymour duncan pro active they are more vintage by far.

GangstaBean · #8 07-19-2011, 08:50 AM

I want to have the hi-fi sound but maybe a little vintage, too.

Broomwinkle · #9 07-19-2011, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

I want to have the hi-fi sound but maybe a little vintage, too.

Hmm ok, well they aren't bad but I wouldn't buy the set of P-X and J-X, if your set on emg's 100% buy the JVX it is buy far the best jazz pickup they make it can capture the sound beutifully it is the only emg I would have to buy for one of my basses (if I didn't want to keep the stock pickups for my fender because I want passive) The P 'x' series pickup would be ok to go with it or maybe keep the normal emg P, but I would go for the emg PAX it is your best choice to go with the JVX that combo is IMHO the best emg bass pickup combo by a mile. But just whatever you do don't buy the standard JX it is as bad as the standard emg J pickup.