Normally, I'm not that lucky

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #1 10-15-2010, 06:21 PM

Hi everybody.

As I said here, I've been thinking of replacing the stock electronics of my new Cort Axe bass for an EMG PJ set (which is the one that can be found in the expensive version of the instrument). When I was waiting for the bass to arrive (around one and a half month ago), I found that EMG has an authorized dealer in my country (different city) and I called asking for the price just for the sake of curiosity. 236 USD at the current exchange rate, including shipping.

But I just really made the decision this week after noticing that, while I really like the tone of the bass, it doesn't "cut through" that well in a heavy drums/guitar environment. So yesterday I called the store again:

- "We do have the EMG PJ set. It costs 130 USD" (including shipping)

- "Er... are you sure that's a PJ set?"

- "Yes. I have it in my hand".

- "Well, that's great since it wasn't that cheap one and a half month ago. That's why I'm asking".

- "Yes. It used to cost around 280 USD"

- "And why are you now selling it at so much lower price? Is it an special offer?"

- Yes. We are selling this at factory price".

Needless to say, I immediately went to the bank and sent them the money. The package has just arrived:

I know this set costs $160 in the U.S.A., so maybe you American friends won't find this that cheap. But living in South America makes stuff from the U.S. much more expensive than it really is, so that's why I feel so lucky (coming from a guy who firmly believes in Murphy's Law, has never won a single raffle and never caught the attention of a gorgeous woman

). Now I have to wait until next wednesday (aarrgghh!), when a local technician will be able to spend some time installing the new electronics in my bass. I'd love to be able to do that job, but frankly I don't dare to do it. Thanks for reading!

walterw · #2 10-15-2010, 07:24 PM

score!

that's obviously the real thing.

the store was probably blowing them out (that's got the old packaging, which they haven't used for a year or two now).

**bassybill** · #3 10-15-2010, 07:52 PM

Nice to hear you got a great deal. I have EMG Js in two of my basses, they are great pickups for a modern, very high clarity tone. Let us know how that PJ set sounds when you get them installed.

rolandm · #4 10-16-2010, 07:25 AM

I have EMGs that came in my Steinberger Spirit (the new kind, not the older ones), and they make a really mediocre bass sound really nice. After about 5 years of serious playing they still sounded great, and I still gig with it when I can.

Rano Bass · #5 10-16-2010, 03:08 PM

That is pretty cheap, congrats.

Please report back when you have the pups installed.

Suertudo!

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #6 10-20-2010, 04:22 PM

And here it is. The original guts of my Axe have been replaced for a brand-new EMG PJ set, complete with two volume and one tone pots (instead of the original pickup selector switch) and two 9V batteries connected in series for a 18V setup.

So far I just can't talk about the sonic differences as heard in my room. As I said before, I didn't dislike the tone of the stock electronics and I just decided to replace them after hearing the bass in a rock band context since I felt it didn't "cut" enough. Now I can tell that, while the difference is not "overwhelming", it is definitely noticeable. I mean, someone would expect that going from passive to active would make the bass much louder, and that didn't happen. The stock passive electronics are really loud. The most important differences: Mid frequencies are more present and defined without making the instrument to sound like a goose. Also, the bottom end has improved both in power and clarity. I feel the overall tone les colored and more natural as well. Of course, the active setup has made the bass really quiet. So far, I haven't heard any background noise. Needless to say, the quality of this electronics package is really evident.

Haven't tested it with the band yet, but I'm pretty sure this time I will have no problems being heard playing along with a double kick drum set and a heavy guitar. I'll report back after the next rehearsal. BTW, the technician did a great job (all in front of me) and he only asked the equivalent to 16.50 USD (30000 colombian pesos).

FunkMetalBass · #7 10-20-2010, 04:46 PM

Active =/= louder, it just means that they have an internal buffer.

If you really want some control, you might consider going with an active preamp of some type.

Congrats on the score too.

Rano Bass · #8 10-20-2010, 07:40 PM

It looks a lot better IMO.

Good decision on the V/V/T configuration.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #9 10-24-2010, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

while the difference is not "overwhelming", it is definitely noticeable.

Wow! But now I'm truly overwhelmed. I took the modded Axe to its first rehearsal with my rock band, and I simply couldn't believe the difference. The bass isn't buried by drums and guitar anymore. Its tone is now a true combination of power, presence and definition. My bandmates instantly noticed the difference. For those of you with a PJ bass with not so great electronics, please do yourselves a favor and get this awesome package.