Request for advice. 1 set of EMGs are from the 90s, and the other 2 are pretty current (not sure if that changes things). I'm testing all this through a boss katana MKII and downloaded patches. Would the actives sound better through a head and cabinet, generally speaking?
If you want help with a sound issue, we need your help in knowing what the issue even is. How do they sound bad? What troubleshooting have you done? Have you checked the wiring to see if all the solder points are solid? Is the battery fresh?
They don't not sound bad per see, just less vibrant and heavy (I'm not what adjectives are good for describing this). I was wondering if the battery being old affects the output. I've no idea how to check the wiring.
To check wiring, you normally just take off the backplate. But yeah, sounds like your pup batteries are dying. You can help preserve their life by unplugging every time you're done.
I have two ESP M-II both with EMG 81 one are neck through and one bolt-on, they sound a bit different but most notably are the sustain, the bolt-on have much better for whatever reason, but they are identical otherwise, same bridge, pickups, same height, string gauge etc.
Biggest reason that EMGs sound bad, aside from a dead battery, is they're not close enough to the strings. EMGs want to be as close as possible to the strings at all times. The closer the better.
Good. On a related note, I have a GT-1000 and I set patches specific to the guitar (I have 6 or 7 that are setup and used regularly). If your amp setup is close to your computer, you may want to consider tweaking your patch settings for the guitar you’re using. It’s a little thing but makes a difference for me. May help for non battery related sound issues/preferences.
I had EMGs on my bass for years. I replaced them with Seymour Duncan quarter pounds and it’s better. Better in the sense that I never have to change a battery and it sounds just as good.
The less there is between the pickup and the output the better, since that means fewer places for things to go wrong. Needing a battery for pickups to work is just a guarantee that they will stop working. Maybe there’s some active pickups that make it worth the hassle, but I’m using the same signal chain for effects and eq either way, and I have plenty of gain to compensate. Why throw more hassle into a pickup when I can achieve the same result by twisting a knob on the equipment I’m using either way?
I have a SD Nazgûl/Sentient set in a Charvel and they hit my amps way harder than all my vintage design, Alnico based pickups and its not even close. I love the classic stuff but for higher gain, modern, etc like I think OP is after, ceramic pickups are a great in between vintage designs and active pickups. No batteries but definitely hit harder than Alnico type pups.
Some tones works better for EMGs while others works better with passive.
In my experience, EMGs are really great at completely removing one register(either Metallica's AJFA style no mids/TOOL style no bass), while passive works for tones that doesn't completely choke out any frequencies. "full" sounding tones, if you say so. even then, Humbuckers are way better for scooped tones while single coils sounds better with high treble and decent mids for me.
Try different tones. Even without pickup difference, touch knobs everytime you play. That's the best way to find a use for having multiple guitars in my opinion.
Please explain scooped tones or scooped mids. I have one person tell me it's boosting the mids while cutting back bass and treble and another telling me it's the opposite.
Scooping the mids is cutting them.
Boosting or pushing the mids is adding more.
Scooped tones can sound big and meaty on their own but get lost in a band setting.
I would check battery first, then I would try to adjust the height on the pickups and the settings on the amp/pedals, I don't use the same settings on my active pickups and my passive, and one thing I really enjoy doing on my EMGs are putting an EQ pedal in-front of everything and adjust it how you like it, it really makes a huge difference, some like it scooped like Metallica, and some like me prefer the mids boosted like Slayer, anyway it really changes how the pickup sounds as you can hear on the albums and they all had EMG 81.
Or you simply don't like EMGs, they have a distinctive sound that some people just don't like and some love, I personally love how tight it is, but I get the love some people have for more dynamic pickups.
i started out on EMGs, in a schecter C1 Platinum. i thought they sounded great, until i started getting into more nuanced guitar subjects and came across the wide ranges of passive pickups. EMGs sound horrible to me now. they have a boosted EQ curve so they’ll sound decent in a mix with a full band, but won’t have a lot of the dynamics that passive pickups have. not my cup of tea, but that’s just me. passives are more full. if you want a better sound out of your EMGs: change the battery, experiment with varying pickup heights, check to see if the wiring is still in good condition, and play with the EQ on your katana to see what gets a more balanced tone.
if you want to try some good passives, i’d look into Bare Knuckle. they have many options so it’s all up to what you prefer. look up some tone tests and side by side comparisons on youtube to get an idea of what sounds good to your ear. i play a lot of high gain stuff, and my favorites are the Polymaths and the Juggernauts. honorable mentions to the Nailbombs, Ragnaroks, and Aftermaths.
also, i had a strandberg exactly like that one. i loved the pickups on it, i miss that guitar a lot.
EMG’s are like AMG’s (the Benz’s I drive), fast and furious. Fast on battery life, and loud AF. They’re one dimensional too. But that’s ok. I still love em. They have their place in my mix of instruments. Keep your batteries fresh my friend. Buy a box of them from Amazon, they’re cheap. Party on, Wayne.
I agree with pickup height but string gauge and tuning really make a difference too. I had the same issue with my LP Prophecy and tried thicker strings, D standard, and raised those pickups up stupid high. Definitely found the sweet spot for my axe. Batteries last a long time so don’t stress out too much if that doesn’t immediately fix your issue. Cheers and good luck!
My passives are Seymour Duncan Black Winter, Nazgul, and Sentient. The other passives are whatever is standard for Solar and Ibanez GIO. Ignore tele and strat.
EMG’s have never sounded great to my ear honestly. Passives offer a whole lot of dynamic and shape. Actives really just always seem to have their own sound. Maybe swap them with Fishmans which I like a little more for actives.
Ok. I can turn your head here. If you think bareknuckle go bareknuckle. Fishmans are Solid but noch overwhelming and if you are coming from emg the impact might be small. It‘s pretty much taste as well, imo the fishmans also have what I don’t like in EMGs (compression) but lack what I like in EMGs (tone)
If you like me enjoy the emg tone but want a little more beauty and passive dynamic the Black Hawks should be the right choice.
If the batteries are the issue and you don't want to deal with batteries, look at ceramic pickups. I have a SD Nazgûl/Sentient set in a Charvel and they hit my amps way harder than any old Alnico type pickups and its not even close.
I have an 81 and 85 on one of my guitars, and it sounded really thin even after changing batteries. I decided to try the 18V mod on it, and it sounds so so much better now.
Ok? Is this a question, a request for advice? There are plenty of people who prefer passive to active.
Request for advice. 1 set of EMGs are from the 90s, and the other 2 are pretty current (not sure if that changes things). I'm testing all this through a boss katana MKII and downloaded patches. Would the actives sound better through a head and cabinet, generally speaking?
I assume you've checked the battery levels on the EMGs?
I take it, as the battery fades, that effect tone?
Yes, very much so. The signal degrades and starts distorting. It is definitely the most likely cause.
Awesome, thank you for that.
No problem. :)
...also, never leave them plugged in...lol... instant battery drain...lol (I understand this may be info that is widely known)
If you want help with a sound issue, we need your help in knowing what the issue even is. How do they sound bad? What troubleshooting have you done? Have you checked the wiring to see if all the solder points are solid? Is the battery fresh?
They don't not sound bad per see, just less vibrant and heavy (I'm not what adjectives are good for describing this). I was wondering if the battery being old affects the output. I've no idea how to check the wiring.
To check wiring, you normally just take off the backplate. But yeah, sounds like your pup batteries are dying. You can help preserve their life by unplugging every time you're done.
1. EMG from 90s = current EMG. 2. Battery freshness matters. 3. Pickup height matters. 4. Amount of knobs matters. 5. String gauge and freshness matters. 6. Tonewood matters. 7. Neck joint type matters. 8. Bridge type matters.
1. Tonewood matters. 2. Neck joint type matters. 3. Bridge type matters. These are simply not true. Especially with EMGs
Did you test it? I did. All my guitars except 2 had EMG 81 in a bridge position. Each of them sounded differently.
I have two ESP M-II both with EMG 81 one are neck through and one bolt-on, they sound a bit different but most notably are the sustain, the bolt-on have much better for whatever reason, but they are identical otherwise, same bridge, pickups, same height, string gauge etc.
It was an excuse to post a picture of all of their guitars.
This really sounds like an empty battery to me
I love the sound of my 81s versus my SD or Fishman pickups.
Same. I have an 81/60 set in an LTD and a Fluence modern set in a Schecter. I’m not in love with the Fishmans. The EMG just sounds better to me.
Swap in fresh batteries, report back.
Biggest reason that EMGs sound bad, aside from a dead battery, is they're not close enough to the strings. EMGs want to be as close as possible to the strings at all times. The closer the better.
Ok, I'll give that go. Ty.
Did you try changing the battery?
Update: As everyone suggested, fresh 9 volt made a world of difference. Thanks so much!
Good. On a related note, I have a GT-1000 and I set patches specific to the guitar (I have 6 or 7 that are setup and used regularly). If your amp setup is close to your computer, you may want to consider tweaking your patch settings for the guitar you’re using. It’s a little thing but makes a difference for me. May help for non battery related sound issues/preferences.
I had EMGs on my bass for years. I replaced them with Seymour Duncan quarter pounds and it’s better. Better in the sense that I never have to change a battery and it sounds just as good. The less there is between the pickup and the output the better, since that means fewer places for things to go wrong. Needing a battery for pickups to work is just a guarantee that they will stop working. Maybe there’s some active pickups that make it worth the hassle, but I’m using the same signal chain for effects and eq either way, and I have plenty of gain to compensate. Why throw more hassle into a pickup when I can achieve the same result by twisting a knob on the equipment I’m using either way?
I have a SD Nazgûl/Sentient set in a Charvel and they hit my amps way harder than all my vintage design, Alnico based pickups and its not even close. I love the classic stuff but for higher gain, modern, etc like I think OP is after, ceramic pickups are a great in between vintage designs and active pickups. No batteries but definitely hit harder than Alnico type pups.
I have always felt that actives sound bad with guys who have heavey right hand technique. They really reward a light touch.
Is this how you store your guitars regularly?
I need a sideways rack but space is tight. I have a half dozen stands kicking around.
Hahaha. No shite! Buy some wall hangers. Or cases. Or a rack for Christ’s sake.
Fuckin sick; never change brother.
Some tones works better for EMGs while others works better with passive. In my experience, EMGs are really great at completely removing one register(either Metallica's AJFA style no mids/TOOL style no bass), while passive works for tones that doesn't completely choke out any frequencies. "full" sounding tones, if you say so. even then, Humbuckers are way better for scooped tones while single coils sounds better with high treble and decent mids for me. Try different tones. Even without pickup difference, touch knobs everytime you play. That's the best way to find a use for having multiple guitars in my opinion.
Please explain scooped tones or scooped mids. I have one person tell me it's boosting the mids while cutting back bass and treble and another telling me it's the opposite.
Scooping the mids is cutting them. Boosting or pushing the mids is adding more. Scooped tones can sound big and meaty on their own but get lost in a band setting.
Change the batteries man….
EMG's aren't bad but outdated. Replace them all with Fishmans. You'll be so much happier.
SD Blackouts are cheaper and better.
Subjective, as was my comment. I've had a set and felt they were a bit dark. Not my style. But to each their own. Cheers.
...buy economy packs of batteries...lol...keep them in the freezer.
I would check battery first, then I would try to adjust the height on the pickups and the settings on the amp/pedals, I don't use the same settings on my active pickups and my passive, and one thing I really enjoy doing on my EMGs are putting an EQ pedal in-front of everything and adjust it how you like it, it really makes a huge difference, some like it scooped like Metallica, and some like me prefer the mids boosted like Slayer, anyway it really changes how the pickup sounds as you can hear on the albums and they all had EMG 81. Or you simply don't like EMGs, they have a distinctive sound that some people just don't like and some love, I personally love how tight it is, but I get the love some people have for more dynamic pickups.
i started out on EMGs, in a schecter C1 Platinum. i thought they sounded great, until i started getting into more nuanced guitar subjects and came across the wide ranges of passive pickups. EMGs sound horrible to me now. they have a boosted EQ curve so they’ll sound decent in a mix with a full band, but won’t have a lot of the dynamics that passive pickups have. not my cup of tea, but that’s just me. passives are more full. if you want a better sound out of your EMGs: change the battery, experiment with varying pickup heights, check to see if the wiring is still in good condition, and play with the EQ on your katana to see what gets a more balanced tone. if you want to try some good passives, i’d look into Bare Knuckle. they have many options so it’s all up to what you prefer. look up some tone tests and side by side comparisons on youtube to get an idea of what sounds good to your ear. i play a lot of high gain stuff, and my favorites are the Polymaths and the Juggernauts. honorable mentions to the Nailbombs, Ragnaroks, and Aftermaths. also, i had a strandberg exactly like that one. i loved the pickups on it, i miss that guitar a lot.
The Strandberg is a delight to play. Thank you for the advice.
Change your batteries. Active pick ups dont work with dead batteries.
I have a set of Fishmans. They are active, quiet, and sound better than any set of pups on the market. They are amazing.
EMG’s are like AMG’s (the Benz’s I drive), fast and furious. Fast on battery life, and loud AF. They’re one dimensional too. But that’s ok. I still love em. They have their place in my mix of instruments. Keep your batteries fresh my friend. Buy a box of them from Amazon, they’re cheap. Party on, Wayne.
Put a new battery in it. Also yes 81/85 sound like shit (in my opinion)
I got new batteries and it sounds pretty mean to me.
Glad you got it fixed!
I agree with pickup height but string gauge and tuning really make a difference too. I had the same issue with my LP Prophecy and tried thicker strings, D standard, and raised those pickups up stupid high. Definitely found the sweet spot for my axe. Batteries last a long time so don’t stress out too much if that doesn’t immediately fix your issue. Cheers and good luck!
My passives are Seymour Duncan Black Winter, Nazgul, and Sentient. The other passives are whatever is standard for Solar and Ibanez GIO. Ignore tele and strat.
Either something is wrong with the pickups or your ears
I did spend four years in combat arms in the U.S. Army, so I definitely can see it being my ears.
EMG’s have never sounded great to my ear honestly. Passives offer a whole lot of dynamic and shape. Actives really just always seem to have their own sound. Maybe swap them with Fishmans which I like a little more for actives.
I've been thinking about Fishmans. Lots of good press for them. I've been thinking about Bare Knuckle but the selection is preyty overwhelming.
Ok. I can turn your head here. If you think bareknuckle go bareknuckle. Fishmans are Solid but noch overwhelming and if you are coming from emg the impact might be small. It‘s pretty much taste as well, imo the fishmans also have what I don’t like in EMGs (compression) but lack what I like in EMGs (tone) If you like me enjoy the emg tone but want a little more beauty and passive dynamic the Black Hawks should be the right choice.
If the batteries are the issue and you don't want to deal with batteries, look at ceramic pickups. I have a SD Nazgûl/Sentient set in a Charvel and they hit my amps way harder than any old Alnico type pickups and its not even close.
EMG’s are kinda op bruh,
Either battery or just the compression that some actives have naturally.
I have an 81 and 85 on one of my guitars, and it sounded really thin even after changing batteries. I decided to try the 18V mod on it, and it sounds so so much better now.
Go 24v
How old are the strings on the passive and how old on the EMG
Sure, I don't have the same problem.
yikes!