I understand the differences in them (active/passive, etc), but how to the tones compare. I was once told that the EMG has the same Fender P tone, just juiced up. Anyone able to confirm or deny?
I've got a P with an active EMG and one without. They sound pretty similar. The EMG is very clear. It has a clean, clear (trebley?) range that doesn't exist on the passive bass that I find not useable anyway. I bought the bass with the intention of putting a passive pickup back on but I can't see a reason to change it. Hope that helps.
+1. Very similar, except the EMG has a slight compression to it that the Fender doesn't have. But it's so slight that I wouldn't go changing out pickups because of it.
I think the EMG P sounds great myself- way better than the stock pickup in my MIJ P bass. Clear, punchy, slightly compressed for more even response- higher output, cuts through better...
I think the EMG P sounds great myself- way better than the stock pickup in my MIJ P bass. Clear, punchy, slightly compressed for more even response- higher output, cuts through better...
I compared the EMG against the stock pickup in a 2001 Mexican P. It sounds better and is much like the sound of any decent P. Possibly a bit more top end available.
