Replacing EMG's

[Gothic]

So, cutting right to the chase.

I have an LTD EC-414 bass equipped with EMG 35DC and CS pickups, stock, and while I really like the bass, I REALLY dislike the EMG's! So, I was thinking of swapping them out for something completely different. The thing is, I'm playing it semi-safe. I will not have any routing/drilling done to the body, but I also don't want the classic replacement options - such as Nords, Barts, SD soapbars etc. I was actually thinking of replacing the bridge pickup with a SD rick replacement (neck) and the neck pickup with a SD quarter pounder single coil.

I can't, in any way, foresee the end result in sound, but I do think it would beat the horrid EMG set it's got on right now. I also know that the cavities will be a little... empty, if you will, with the aforementioned pickups but I care very little about looks. I know my replacement choices fit in there, and it seems they'd line up quite efficiently as well, and I can manage with the output differences being what they'd be, but I can't help but think there might be some other problem I can't think of...

Any advice/suggestions?


Here's a photo, in case it might help.

 

[Aharon]

I feel you on the EMGs. I got a pair of 35 DCs thinking they would be the dog's b*****k's but infact they just sounded like dog Its put me off active pickups a little I have to say.

 

[Gopher Bob]

Describe 'why' you don't like the EMGs.


I'm thinking the safest swap would be to put an EMG 35P in the neck position. (you should just be able to use the quick connect and plug in the 35P). I've always liked the 35P and I do believe even though it is in a humbucker casing it is as offset coil like a P pickup?


Never used the EMG 35CS I just know it stands for ceramic and steel.

 

[Gothic]

Well, first off, let me remind you that the EMG's on my bass are running without a preamp, and I do prefer it that way. Also, I did try the 18V mod, which is still on because simply it does sound quite a lot better than before, but still this isn't the sound I'm looking for.

I've worked with other EMG equipped basses in the past, during recording sessions and what not, and I just plain don't like that uber-quiet, uber-sterile, lifeless and devoid of character sound that EMG provides. I am aware that some people swear by them, and I do know that others are after exactly that sound, but I feel it just sucks out any character the bass might have right out of it. As I said, they're exceptionally good pickups and serve their purpose, they're just not my cup of tea. Plus, there are some tonal qualities I just can't EQ out, and it's getting quite irritating, actually.

As for your suggestion about the 35P. While I do believe and quite like the "true" P and J EMG's, I can't say I feel the same about their pseudo P. Yes, the coil placement is different under that cover, and yes the sound is different than the CS or the DC, but it still maintains that lifeless quality I dislike in almost all EMG's. Hence my strong urge to swap'em out for something completely different and completely passive.

 

[enemybass]

I got a schecter with emg hz passives
hated the sound so i went to the 35dc's they sounded the same just louder so tried the CS and they were too warm and dark

bought a cheap old fender jazz and never played another bass since lol

Emgs do produce the power but the tone is pretty boomy and generic for me

 

[Gothic]

Well, it's not I haven't thought about selling it and getting a good ol' precision and get it over with, but I do really love the rest of the bass so I'm thinking of just changing the pickups for now and getting the p later!


Just a note, please let's not turn it into an EMG bashing thread, I'm just looking for interesting, helpful ideas and solutions.

 

[Hoover]

I've worked with other EMG equipped basses in the past, during recording sessions and what not, and I just plain don't like that uber-quiet, uber-sterile, lifeless and devoid of character sound that EMG provides.

Two words:

Dimarzio

Now

I feel it just sucks out any character the bass might have right out of it.

Well...I don't know about the particular model EMGs you have, but every EMG-equipped bass I've played seemed like it was more about representing the actual character the instrument possessed. They're pretty neutral pickups. Some say too neutral...and if your bass doesn't have the character you're looking for, EMGs definitely aren't the way to add some.
See above re: Dimarzios.