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P bass project- adding EMG PX and BTS system

RaginRog

RaginRog

Last guy you want to see is Employee Relations guy
Nov 29, 2009
2,662
28
Formerly Staten Island
#1
Right now I have 2 passive Fender jazz basses ( a Select, and American Std), as well as a P bass. I had it customized by having an additional P pickup added in the bridge position about a year ago, but have decided to take it a step further. It currently has Dimarzio Model P's, which sound good, but I want a bit more of a hi-fi/non-traditional sounding P bass. I'm having my guitar tech, who also happens to be an authorized EMG dealer install 2 sets of EMG PX pickups, a BTS system, an 18 volt Gotoh battery box. The BTS system is Volume, Blend, Bass, Treble. I prefer it this way, as I don't care for EMG's concentric knobs. I can't wait for this to get done. The pickups arrive Thursday, and I just ordered the battery box from Bestbassgear.com.

Anyone have any experience with either the BTS or PX pups they care to mention?

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#2
you're gonna what, make the jack spot the last knob and put the jack on the side?

the PXs rock, and the EMG pres are good and transparent, especially at 18V.

it's going to be loud and aggressive.
 
#5
tylerwylie said:
I have the PJX set in my Aerodyne. The PX and other X series pickups are just outstanding. Meaning to go 18V with a 2 band preamp ones off these days.
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Do you find them to be a bit more...how do I put this...clear/electronic than traditional passive pickups. I had a set of EMG jvx pickups in a jazz, but they sounded damn close to passive traditional jazz pickups.
The only sound clips of these are of Bobby Vega on the EMG website. He's great, but doesn't have the tone I'm looking for. Come to think of it...he sounds exactly the same in each video. He must have a certain tone he hears in his head and emulates it no matter the instrument he's playing.
 
#8
azzyrazzy said:
Is it him or is it the "EMG-sound"?
Click to expand...

I'm sure that's a factor...but, it's got the clarity I'm looking for. So, that's okay with me.

grendle said:
They sound different in different basses.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I really had a good experience with the JVX pups I used, and I've played a couple of different basses that had the old style P/J pups, which I liked.
 
#9
the Xs have less of that "EMG sound", because the dynamics are closer to passive pickups, instead of slightly squashed like old EMGs; the hi-fi clarity is there, but they "feel" more natural.
 
#11
Got it back yesterday...let's just say that it no longer sounds like a traditional P bass. It now has an extremely hi-fi/modern sound, which is what I wanted. I know some P bass purists would probably be upset with the tone, but my two Jazz basses get me the passive Fender tone.


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#15
#16
Nice setup! Digging the black with mirror pickguard. The PX's are significantly brighter and deeper on the lows than the regular P's. I still like the P's but the X's are quite killer. They do sound similar but you can tell the difference in the top and low end.
 
#17
JimmyM said:
Nice setup! Digging the black with mirror pickguard. The PX's are significantly brighter and deeper on the lows than the regular P's. I still like the P's but the X's are quite killer. They do sound similar but you can tell the difference in the top and low end.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jimmy. I had to use the extra black pickguard because the plexi-glass one didn't have enough flex. Since it's aftermarket...I may try and do the slight shaving/sanding when I have the patience to do so, but I just wanted to get this baby assembled.

The lows are very deep, but still manage to stay very clean. Reminiscent of Musicman basses...not comparing tone, but the ability to get some great lows, while still maintaining clarity and definition of the notes.
 
#18
Never cared for the tone of double P basses, but i love the look!

It gives the bass an aggressive "souped up" vibe, like the giant tires on a monster truck or something.
 

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