PJ EMGs, Fodera & Sadowsky

[cheopsnet]

Hi,

Has anybody tried to to put EMG PJ onto a Sadowsky NYC 4?

I owned a Sadowsky NYC 4 (Vintage 24 w/ Koa top, Ash body & Maple neck), but am not so happy about the stock Sadowsky PJ. I recently tried a Fodera Ying Yang and, while I don't care much for its look, the sound was on steroids, which I really liked, and I am considering changing my pickups for EMG PJ.

1. Some folks recommended that I put passive EMG PJ. I am not sure why.. What are the pros & cons about putting passive vs active EMG PJ sound-wise?

2. What about the EMG x?

3. Have heard some dimension differences between different builders: Will the EMG PJ fit on a Sadowsky currently drilled for PJ Sadowsky pickups?

Thanks for helping!!!
Louis

 

[Luckydog]

Have you tried EMG pups with a Sadowsky pre? Seems like the end result, at least in active mode, would be hit or miss, unless your intent is to do away with the pre.

 

[20db pad]

A Fodera YY and a typical Sadowsky are different animals in terms of design and construction. I'm not sure a pickup swap will get a Sadowsky sounding closer to a Fodera-style tone.

That said, I had the active EMG J set in my NYC Sadowsky for years, and the Sadowsky pre definitely warms up the usual EMG sound a bit. Roger said he had lots of clients who ran his pre with active EMG pickups. If you like your pickups close to the strings, the active EMG pickups have lower magnetic pull and will allow for that.

Almost all builders use standard pickup routs that will accept any brand of aftermarket Fender style pickups, as the sizes are standard.

 

[cheopsnet]

Thanks guys. I guess that I pretty set to try the EMG PJ. Relative to sound replication, definitely not trying to make my Sad sound like a Fodera, I just want a punchier sound that I'm getting right now.

What I am still unclear on is whether trying the Active EMG PJ or the Passive EMG PJ.. @Luckydog or @20db pad: Why would active EMG w/ Sadowsky preamp 'active' mode be a 'hit or miss'?

Louis

 

[20db pad]

I've been a Sadowsky guy for 25 years and have never heard the term "hit or miss" applied to using a Sadowsky pre with active EMG pickups. The combo sounds great and works just fine - no battery trouble, no installation concerns. Anyone who says otherwise is terribly misinformed, didn't have Sadowsky do the install work, or is trying to talk you out of that setup because they can't figure out how to install it.

I'm pretty sure John Patitucci has EMG actives in the bass he plays in this clip, along with the Sadowsky preamp. Sounds good to me!

 

[Baird6869]

IMO a lot of the "steroids" come from the Pope pre in a Fodera. The Sadowsky pre is killer too, but the Pope seems to give even more with all pickups I have tried with it except Aguilars.

EMG with the Sadowsky pre will likely sound great in any case!

 

[Luckydog]

Sorry for the confusion...all I meant by "hit or miss" is if you yourself haven't heard the combination, then you may or may not be happy with it. Sorry I was certainly not trying to disparage the combination...I've not heard the combination, so could not describe it at all.

 

[narud]

i had some emg pj's in a monarch with a bart ntmb that sounded fantastic. no pope pre needed. im sure the emg's will sound great with the sad pre.

 

[cheopsnet]

Thanks guys. EMG Active PJ Pickups ordered, I will let you guys know how it goes.

 

[Thummel]

Well?

 

[gkbass13]

I recently picked up a monarch bolt on with EMG pj pickups and a pope pre and now completely get it. This combination mixes clarity, musicality and punch in a really amazing way.

Definitely interested to hear how it works with the sadowsky pre, as I could see another metro hpj 4 joining my stable sometime down the road.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

I've heard the EMG PJ set through a Sadowsky on board preamp, it was quite awesome. Go for it!

 

[gimmeagig]

I just built a PJ bass from parts. Finished it a couple of days ago and I have EMGX PJ pickups in it. They sound incredible. I have been playing Jazz basses in various forms for over 35 years. Didn't think I would like a PJ setup, but I do. Jazz basses sound really great with both pickups on full, especially for slapping. For my taste that doesn't sound good on a PJ. But messing around with various blends I'm really liking the EMGX pickups.
They have a lot of punch and they are bright enough that I can play with the tone knob rolled back about a quarter and still have a lot of zing.
I have a bunch of basses but this one might become my main one.Here's a pic

 

[madbass6]

Hi,

Has anybody tried to to put EMG PJ onto a Sadowsky NYC 4?

I owned a Sadowsky NYC 4 (Vintage 24 w/ Koa top, Ash body & Maple neck), but am not so happy about the stock Sadowsky PJ. I recently tried a Fodera Ying Yang and, while I don't care much for its look, the sound was on steroids, which I really liked, and I am considering changing my pickups for EMG PJ.

1. Some folks recommended that I put passive EMG PJ. I am not sure why.. What are the pros & cons about putting passive vs active EMG PJ sound-wise?

2. What about the EMG x?

3. Have heard some dimension differences between different builders: Will the EMG PJ fit on a Sadowsky currently drilled for PJ Sadowsky pickups?

Thanks for helping!!!
Louis

takes more then just changing the pick ups to get that yin yang fodera sound! i'm sure mike pope pre amp has a lot to do with it !

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Active pickups with the Sadowsky preamp? Are you sure?
Pickups need to be passive!
I hope the OP didn’t make a mistake.