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EMG Pickups

Only new strings will give you a "new string" sound. But, EMG pickups will give you a very hi-fi sound that some people like/hate. Go on youtube and search EMG bass pickups and you'll find what they sound like. Spector uses EMG's and a lot of people love how they sound, and the basses they put the P/J sets in are very expensive so I think that says something right there.
 
Only new strings will give you a "new string" sound. But, EMG pickups will give you a very hi-fi sound that some people like/hate. Go on youtube and search EMG bass pickups and you'll find what they sound like. Spector uses EMG's and a lot of people love how they sound, and the basses they put the P/J sets in are very expensive so I think that says something right there.


Well, I'm a rock guy, so I love that aggressive hi-fi clear/slightly crunchy sound, and here are a couple examples I found of guys who I know for sure use EMG P/Js. Obviously the kid is.
:D

But Gene only uses an EMG P.


 
EMGs have RIDICULOUS output, by the way. The only pickups/pre that I've heard louder were Status.

They give you the sound of EMG and whether you love it or hate it is up to you.

I'd get some again. Quietest operating level (no noise!) and maximum output at 9v even that I've ever heard and are perfect for hard rock. Or funk. Or jazz. Whatever you want!
Not vintage, though... unless (like me), your VINTAGE is in the 80s and your "classics" are usually played on Steinbergers.

I do, in fact, love the 80s and EMG had a big voice in the music written and recorded then.
 
I'm thinking of using EMG P/J pickups soon.

Is it accurate to say that EMG pickup's sound basically gives you a "new string" sound all of the time??

Nope, not accurate at all. The EMG PJ set definitely has a modern flavor but only in the hi-fi kinda sense. If you feed it new bright strings, it's gonna give you new bright strings. If you feed it old worn strings, it's gonna give you old worn strings. It's not entirely true that they give you the "EMG sound" either. They have a built-in preamp which contributes to this misnomer but there's a lot of parameters controlling the end-product that goes to your amp (materials, quality, strings, pickup placement, onboard EQ, etc.).


Well, I'm a rock guy, so I love that aggressive hi-fi clear/slightly crunchy sound, and here are a couple examples I found of guys who I know for sure use EMG P/Js. Obviously the kid is.
:D

Shameless self-promotion: check out my band (Link Removed) if you want to hear EMG's in action in a rock (metal) setting.