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Volume 3-way switch Tone components for EMG GZR PJ set

Kikegg

Kikegg

Mar 3, 2011
461
568
Madrid, Spain
#1
Hi all!
I'm thinking about changing the standard VVT wiring in my Precision (EMG GZR set) for a master volume, 3-way switch and master tone to be able to put the jazz pickup totally out of the circuit.

The main goal is to get a pure Precision tone if just the P pickup is selected and override the volume drop and tone changes of the VVT circuit. Currently I've unplugged the jazz pickup so I've a very nice "spare" jazz pickup and a pure VT circuit. The use of just one volume is 'cos I use to play even volumes, so one volume is enough.

Can anyone confirm (or not) that for this application I should buy the 3-way switch (B289) and the "pickup buss" (B245) ? or just the switch?

BTW, the EMG diagrams for these two components, although very related, fail to show how to connect them as V/Sw/T. Any tip?

Thanks a lot!
 
#2
Always feel free to contact EMG tech support. I couldn't answer your question myself, but I can tell you I've wired a Geezer to the jack directly and heard zero difference between that and using the stock PJ wiring.
 
#5
JimmyM said:
Always feel free to contact EMG tech support. I couldn't answer your question myself, but I can tell you I've wired a Geezer to the jack directly and heard zero difference between that and using the stock PJ wiring.
Click to expand...

Is this to say that the P pickup *always* sounds like a P pickup with a J pickup in parallel (IOW, not a "real" P pickup), or that the P pickup with the EMG Geezer set *always* sounds like a P bass pickup (IOW, it's just that good)?

I too would like an isolated P bass sound in this build (I mostly want it to be a P bass). I'd just really like to add a Jazz bass feel from time to time. If the Geezers can do that without a switch, it's a no-brainer.
 
#6
John Metta said:
Any reply on this? I'm building a PJ now and am looking at the EMG Geezers. It'd be nice to know if a switch is doable.
Click to expand...

HI! Yes, they replied quickly and confirmed that to change the wiring from vvt to vst I needed the 3 way switch, obviously, and what they call "pickup buss". Damn easy to install. I don't have the bass here, it's in the tech's bench for a full setup, so I couldn't post any photo, but basically is pickups wires to the buss input, from the buss to the switch and finally the output to the tone pot. More or less. I'm writing from memory.

Not as cheap as standard switch but as said, easy to put together. It took me less than 10 minutes.
 
#7
Kikegg said:
HI! Yes, they replied quickly and confirmed that to change the wiring from vvt to vst I needed the 3 way switch, obviously, and what they call "pickup buss". Damn easy to install. I don't have the bass here, it's in the tech's bench for a full setup, so I couldn't post any photo, but basically is pickups wires to the buss input, from the buss to the switch and finally the output to the tone pot. More or less. I'm writing from memory.

Not as cheap as standard switch but as said, easy to put together. It took me less than 10 minutes.
Click to expand...
That's brilliant, thank you. I'll contact them. Did you get the switch and bus hardware from them or someone else?
 
#8
John Metta said:
Is this to say that the P pickup *always* sounds like a P pickup with a J pickup in parallel (IOW, not a "real" P pickup), or that the P pickup with the EMG Geezer set *always* sounds like a P bass pickup (IOW, it's just that good)?

I too would like an isolated P bass sound in this build (I mostly want it to be a P bass). I'd just really like to add a Jazz bass feel from time to time. If the Geezers can do that without a switch, it's a no-brainer.
Click to expand...
YMMV, but for me it's the latter...it's just that good. It is not the very brightest P pickup ever made, but it's certainly reasonably bright and not nearly as dark as something like the DiMarzio Model P, and I've found the wiring and the extra pickup does nothing to diminish its brightness.
 
#9
If you want to use a blend pot instead of a switch EMG has that as well.
Invalid Link Removed
The downside is that you have to add a 9 Volt battery.

There have been many threads on what happens to the tone of a 2-pickup instrument with a traditonal pot with passive pickups.
Some will disagree, but I think the tone changes as there is pickup loading even with the passive blend pot all the way to one side.
Search under passive blend pot as Walter W has a way to modify a pot to work.
 
#11
I know this thread is dated. But, EMG Lists 2 different 3 way switches on the website. Does anyone know if the beefier NA switch or the smaller metric one would fit into a new Fender Player MIM Mustang bass?
Thanks in advance.
 

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