EMG ACTIVE PICKUPS

[Frederickbass]

Hey Guys, I need your help since I decided to take out one of my old basses that I'm in love with it's shape and the feel of the neck.

First Im replacing the bridge and the tuner + adding an extending tuner. Defretting It, changing the headstock e.t.c

I just purchased EMG PG style Pickups which are active. Do I still need a preamp since they say that the pickups already have one inside them. Do I just install them as directed with the power source and let the magic happen ?

thanks in advance

 

[levis76]

I installed some active PJ's in a Jackson without a preamp and they work just fine. I only have three pot holes to work with, so unless I wanted to drill out another hole or two, I couldn't install a preamp. I wired mine up as V/V/T.

 

[Joe Gress]

No, you do not need a preamp to make them work. They will work just fine.

The only thing a preamp will do is add more tonal varieties since you can sculpt you sound right at your finger tips.

 

[Frederickbass]

so, I can add a preamp if I want to then.

thank you

 

[Frederickbass]

But will I need to power the pickups with the preamp ?

The preamp is an Aguilar obp3. its a 3 control eq + a toggle switch. So basically I'll need 5 or 6 knobs I guess

 

[LCMBassist]

Interesting. So the EMGs have a pre amp in them? Can it be adjusted in any way?

 

[Joe Gress]

so, I can add a preamp if I want to then.

Yep. If you decide you want to add it later, you can.

But will I need to power the pickups with the preamp ?

Nope, just with the battery leads.

Interesting. So the EMGs have a pre amp in them? Can it be adjusted in any way?

From the EMG site:

What's an active pickup, and why would I use one?
An active pickup is one that uses electronics to improve the sound and enhance its operation. There are a variety of ways to "Activate" a pickup. A simple "buffer" pre-amp will do the trick, but it will also amplify the hum and buzz the pickup produces. Just because a pickup is "active" doesn't guarantee you'll get great results. EMG pickups utilize an internal pre-amp (inside the pickup), which not only makes the pickup louder, it also reduces the noise!

Why an internal pre-amp?
It's the most efficient way to create an active pickup. All the coil connections are shielded , the pre-amp is shielded, and the output of the pickup cable is low-impedance, which makes it less susceptible to noise. Also, it avoids a spider web of wires and possible loose connections in your guitar and the installation is simple. All the benefits with none of the hassle.

From me:
As far as I know, EMG pickups are epoxied and the only thing sticking out of them are the pickup leads and ground cables. I don't think you can adjust the internal pre in the pickup.