#emg pickups

[musicmags]

[velmas-guitar-shop]

New bass project, 2024

Managed to find another History KBJ short-scale bass from a Japanese seller. Snagged it for under $200 (but the shipping cost was about the same price).

This time around I'm kitting it out as a BEAD-tuned fretted bass.

Upgrades will be:

Hipshot KickAss bridge in black (their version of the Leo Quan Badass II)

Hipshot Ultralite tuners, black

Set of short-scale BEAD strings with a .130 low B from Pitbull Strings

Swapping the stock pickups and electronics for an EMG MJ set - this is their set for upgrading Mexican Jazz Basses which often had same-length neck and bridge pickups, which is the case here. Also includes EMG vol/vol/tone controls and output jack.

Kilo International black knobs with white line pointers

[velmas-guitar-shop]

Also: Check out that custom chrome-finished Steinberger GL2T!

David Bowie photographed by Brian Aris in a lime green Thierry Mugler suit at The Factory in Dublin, Ireland in 1991 during the filming of Tin Machine’s ‘You Belong In Rock n’ Roll’ music video.

[allanodyne]

For only iron speaks

by AllanOdyne

[arthistoryanimalia]

For #MusicMonday:

“SPIDER 13” Electric Guitar KH-3 ESP Custom Shop, Tokyo and Los Angeles c. 1992 Alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard; 24¾ in. scale; black finish, decals; active EMG 60 and 81 humbucking pickups, three-way selector switch, two volume controls and one tone control Collection of Metallica and Frantic Inc.

From the Met’s 2019 “Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll” exhibition

The name of this instrument derives from the decals of a spider and the number 13 on its body, which were designed by hardcore punk, metal, and skate artist Brian "Pushead" Schroeder. Kirk Hammett first used the instrument on tour in 1992 in support of Metallica's 1991 self-titled album, commonly known as "the Black Album," and has continued to use it for live performances since.

[chordsykat]

Can you explain what type of guitars and speakers someone like Toki might use when he's on stage? I'm a noob and don't play at all, but, want to write some music scenes into a story. Sorry if this question is dumb.....

No such thing as a dumb question around here, OP -- just dumb answers because it's me. :D

And apologies that it took me a while to come back around to this one. Talking guitars gets the neurodivergent side of my brain all sex-crazy, so you're in for a ride. And so, I'm proud to present:

A Semi-Competent Explanation of Gear for Metalocalypse-Inclined Persons Who Might Not Speak Guitar-Weirdo.

Strap in and learn a thing, kids!

The Guitar: Toki uses a Gibson Flying-V and in later seasons, he's shown using an Epiphone Snow Falcon Flying-V. Gibson is a guitar manufacturer that's been around for a longass time, and they actually own Epiphone these days. Generally speaking, Gibson makes high-end guitars and the Epiphone division makes more affordable versions of those guitars.

Though they've steadily lost some ground to competition from other brands, (ESP/LTD/Jackson to name a few) Gibson/Epiphone Flying-V's are still a common sight and a favorite guitar amongst metal artists. The author of this guide finds them to be more balanced than the Gibson Explorer, and notes they allow better fret access than even a Gibson Les Paul. In fact, I have no idea why Skwisgaar chooses to play an Explorer (except the whole aesthetic/James Hetfied thing - I get it, I do)... given the choice between Explorer, V, and LP, I'd go with the Les Paul or the Flying-V over the Explorer for playability, alone. But that's me.

(Side note/bitch: Eden's Reverse Flying-V? Much as I love how they look, I have no idea how anyone ever managed to think making such a thing was a good idea... Yowza. :D)

The Pickups: If you're not already aware, pickups are the little "soap bars" that hang out in the middle of the instrument which are responsible for "picking up" the vibrations of the strings and converting them into an electrical signal which an amplifier can translate into "guitar sounds."

Dethklok uses EMG pickups, and according to Skwisgaar's interviews, they're probably 81/85's. These are active pickups, which means they have a battery they hook into in order to work. This also makes them louder than traditional magnetic humbuckers. 81's are usually positioned at the bridge (lower on the guitar) and are a preferred lead pickup for heavy metal artists especially. 85's are the all-around reliable rhythm humbucker most often paired in the neck position, but some artists also use a second 81 (I wouldn't be surprised if Magnus, king over-overdoing everything, does this) for rhythm. Less commonly, metal artists might use an 89 in the neck position, which can be setup to toggle between a humbucker or olschool single-coil mode (Caj uses an 81-89 setup). There's also an EMG 60, which produces a super clean tone in the rhythm position.

The Amplifiers: If you're going to end war and stuff, you gotta play loud. Dethklok used to play Krank amps but have since moved on to Marshall. Unfortunately, Krank seems to have gone out of business as of 2013, which is a real shame, because in the early-aughts, they were (in my opinion) setting themselves up to shake up the gear industry in some very innovative ways. I remember getting into them and Orange at the same time, having only known Marshalls, for the most part.

But Dethklok now uses Marshalls exclusively, so no reason for me to be getting all reminisc-y. Typically, guitarists of a professional capacity will use tube amps - so named for the vacuum tubes they use to get their sound. The alternative, solid state amps, work well enough... but they don't sound half as good when they get loud.

Pedals and Junk: Not really sure what pedals Dethklok might be using, specifically. I'm sure there's the usual wahs, choruses and distortions. You're better off asking Brendon about this one. :D

Anyway -- hope this was helpful, OP. It's not a lot but if you want more details about how any of these things work, hit me up and I'll do my best to be a resource for your music-related questions.

Sorry it took me a while to respond!

[end-of-pizza]

Tangents

okay, so heres that tangent I warned about

so for the last like 10 years I have had this fantasy of winning the lottery and starting a business.....that first part is mostly the fantasy, because without that theres no way I could afford to do the latter

basically it comes down to new technology that allows automation for small guys like me, stuff like these

basically with 3D printing and affordable cnc and laser cutting machines, a guy like me could have the man power of like 10 people, and if I hired maybe 10 people total to assist, I could easily do something on par with much bigger companies.

my initial fantasy just involved making guitars, granted more advanced guitars then I think the market insists upon, because they are locked in the habit of what has proven sellable to MOST people. fender scale length, bolt on neck, 2 humbuckers, faux les paul look and feel. every company does it, no shame. just not my thing.

I've had this idea, which I've experimented with and talked about in the past, the guitar of the future. Ive done mockups etc like this

but as I've grown older, honestly what I think it should really be is a cheap reliable guitar with a few tricks up its sleeve. so I have reimagined it as basically this

telecasters are simple, and on a cnc machine if you made it as layers that were later glued together, you could make it very easily. the 4x2 headstock is better for straight string pull, and helps eliminate tuning instability. replacing the old school pickups with active style pickups like emg would make it more versatile, and then adding the b bender, along with string drops a g bender, and maybe even a strap actuated bender, the guitar could cover a lot more roles then a standard electric guitar. plus I honestly think benders are cool and more people need to play them, so making them as cheap and accessable as possible is a good idea

just a simple guitar, maybe of paulownia or plywood, cut as 2 or 3 sections and glued together, and then maybe even using a circuit board instead of wire to speed up production, its a great idea.

but I started looking into what else I could do with this hypothetical company that basically 3D prints things, and cncs plywood

I guess bikes

I am a big fan of ebikes, mainly because I believe genuinely in the next 10 years they will begin to be a lot more common in most major cities, their prices will come down as there are more batteries in circulation for evs, and being able to make quick simple bikes like this to sell locally, it seems like a way to directy serve the market I want to live in.

I also looked into stereo equipment, as I am a big hifi guy, and I am a huge raspberry pi fan, so seeing stuff for hifi pi, again it would be a market i understand, and think shouldnt be so fuckin expensive

I also genuinely would love to make a cheap hammond organ clone

like sub $500, because when I was wanting to pickup the instrument it was very hard to get the $ together to do so, and I know if you could injection mold the keys, cnc the body print the circuit boards, and use an arduino or raspberry pi to run a soft synth hammond clone, you could easily hit that price point

more people need to play the organ

lastly is furniture

I love basic designs and furniture has always been something that I enjoy looking at, modern furniture designs, stuff from the last 50s early 60s, its so timeless and the open source furniture movement just scratches that itch. it's simple, but stylish, its utilitarian but it doesnt look bland

the idea of being able to make these things, locally, and just being able to put out into the world things I want and I know other people would too.....I think i'd like that

just wish I didnt have to win the lottery to do it

[teardownit]

DIY ProCo RAT: The True Vintage Distortion Pedal

Hello, and welcome to my guitar effects workshop! This circuit has existed for 46 years and is not that popular today. But if you want tons of vintage mojo, you should consider buying or making a ProCo RAT yourself.

This is one of the world's first full-fledged distortion pedals. Do you know why they stand out among other overload effects?

Fuzz is a highly high-gain pedal; it distorts the signal significantly and gives it a very specific sound, completely different from tube amplifier overdrive. However, fuzz is not technically an amplifier. The fuzz needs an amplifier with a cabinet to create the timbre of the sound. Adding fuzz to the line input will be a mistake; the sound will be terrible.

Overdrive, on the other hand, is a moderate gain pedal. Combined with the clean channel of a Fender-like amp, it gives the sound-breaking blues vibe. If connected to the input of an already overdriven amp like Marshall or Orange, the overdrive pedal not only pumps up the gain but also focuses the sound, emphasizing certain frequency bands and suppressing others.

Overdrives have built-in signal limiters on diodes, LEDs, or MOSFETs. Still, setting the gain so high that the limit triggers is unnecessary. It is assumed that we're clipping an overdriven amp plus the internal clipping of the overdrive pedal.

Boosters should also be mentioned; when the headroom is large, they do not limit the signal but simply increase its amplitude. Today, they are often built into electric guitars, especially bass guitars.

Some pickups, like the EMG and Fishman Fluence, have built-in boosts. And for electro-acoustic guitars with piezoelectric pickups, a built-in preamplifier is a must, taking into consideration the high output impedance and weak signal of the piezo pickup.

Transparent boosters have an amplitude-frequency response close to linear, like the 1968 Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Linear Power Booster does.

A variation called Screaming Bird was released in 1970, and it was a treble booster, a much-needed item for many vintage tube amps.

Thanks to the Screaming Bird, the clean sound became crisper, individual notes were clearer, and the presence of the guitar in the mix was more obvious. The amplifier did not choke on the bass when overloaded, so the result was not fuzz but overdrive or distortion.

Here is the 1965 diagram of the British Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster. I won't claim that Mike Matthews copied it when developing the EHX LPB-1; it's just a transistor stage with a common emitter. Such stages are found in many pedals, radios, and so on. But I won’t rule out this possibility either; we learn from each other.

Guitar amplifiers were also produced under the Dallas Rangemaster brand.

Besides the Linear Power Booster and Screaming Bird Treble Booster, as you might have guessed from the diagram, EHX released the Mole Bass Booster.

The pedal-style version of the bass booster was called Hog's Foot.

Finally, some buffers do not only change the frequency spectrum of the signal but also its amplitude. Simply put, they have high input and low output impedance, thus helping to mitigate signal losses in the effects chain. The loss of high frequencies due to the influence of cable capacitance is the primary candidate for such an application.

The amplification devices between the electric guitar and the amplifier input can differ. Then what is distortion?

A full-fledged distortion is already a preamplifier, equipped with clipping and timbre shaping. Theoretically, it can be connected to the input of a power amplifier with a guitar cabinet for a fair level of sound quality.

Not every distortion pedal is an amp in a box. And most amps in a box sound even better when connected to the input of a tube amp rather than a power amp. However, each distortion pedal has its own character and recognizable sound.

So here we have the 1978 ProCo RAT circuit diagram. If you're familiar with guitar pedal circuitry, you know that most distortion circuits look similar or have similar building blocks. Because it was ProCo RAT that laid these circuitry foundations.

Many filters will catch your eye if you know what to look for in the diagram. First, an input filter consists of a 22 nF series capacitor, a 1 kΩ resistor, and a grounded 1 nF capacitor.

The 30 pF capacitor is a standard component to compensate for the frequency characteristics of the good ol' LM308 op-amp.

It is believed that only the LM308 can provide authentic RAT sound. That's true; the circuit is very dependent on the specific characteristics of the op-amp, namely frequency response and slew rate.

Since 2005, ProCo RAT pedals have been using OP07 operational amplifiers, almost a complete analog of the LM308. With the LM741, the circuit also works and sounds fine, but nothing like the original one.

A 100 pF capacitor between the output and the inverting input is found in many pedal circuits. It prevents the op-amp from self-oscillating and generating unpleasant high-frequency sound components called "sand."

There are as many as two RC circuits between the op amp's non-inverting input and ground: 4.7 uF 560 ohms and 2.2 uF 47 ohms. From previous articles on guitar pedals, we already know that such a filter stage determines the frequency structure of the overdrive.

Pedals like the Hermida Zendrive and Horizon Devices Precision Drive feature a reconfigurable filter. And ProCo RAT has two of those. This is one of the secrets to the pedal's famous sound character.

Next, a limiter on two back-to-back diodes is included, followed by another filter acting as a tone regulator.

Finally, the pedal's output includes a JFET buffer and volume control.

The Landtone kit I've assembled has an original vintage LM308 with signs of re-soldering. RAT distortion sounds the way it should with this chip.

[musicmags]

[guitarbomb]

Featuring a hot pink and purple finish, this high-performance guitar boasts EMG pickups, a Gotoh tremolo, and premium hardware.

[sunalimerchant]

Customizing Your Epiphone Electric Guitar: Tips and Tricks

Customizing your Epiphone electric guitar is a great way to enhance its performance, tailor its sound to your preferences, and make it truly your own. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking to experiment, there are numerous modifications you can make to improve your instrument. This article will provide tips and tricks for customizing your Epiphone electric guitar, focusing on changes that can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.

1. Upgrading Pickups

One of the most impactful modifications you can make to your Epiphone electric guitar is upgrading the pickups. Pickups are the heart of your guitar's sound, and swapping them out can drastically change your tone.

Humbuckers vs. Single-Coils: Determine whether you prefer the warm, full sound of humbuckers or the bright, crisp tone of single-coil pickups. Epiphone guitars, such as the Les Paul and SG models, typically come with humbuckers, which are great for rock and metal. If you're looking for a cleaner, more articulate sound, consider installing high-quality single-coil pickups.

Popular Choices: Brands like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and EMG offer a variety of pickups that can suit different musical styles. Research and listen to demos to find the best match for your desired sound.

2. Upgrading Hardware

Upgrading your guitar's hardware can improve its tuning stability, sustain, and overall playability.

Tuning Machines: Swapping out stock tuning machines for higher-quality locking tuners can greatly enhance tuning stability. Brands like Grover and Schaller are popular choices that offer reliable performance.

Bridge and Tailpiece: Upgrading to a better bridge and tailpiece can improve sustain and intonation. Consider options like the Tune-o-Matic bridge, which is standard on many Epiphones, but look for higher-quality versions from manufacturers like Gotoh or TonePros.

Nut: Replacing the stock nut with a bone, graphite, or TUSQ nut can improve tuning stability and sustain. A well-cut nut also ensures that your guitar stays in tune better, especially when using the tremolo or bending strings.

3. Electronics Upgrade

Improving the electronics in your Epiphone can refine your tone and give you more control over your sound.

Pots and Capacitors: Upgrading the potentiometers (pots) and capacitors can provide smoother volume and tone control. High-quality pots from brands like CTS and capacitors from Orange Drop can make a noticeable difference.

Switches and Jacks: Installing a high-quality toggle switch and output jack can increase reliability. Switchcraft is a well-regarded brand for these components.

Wiring: Consider upgrading to a vintage-style wiring harness, which can improve your guitar’s tonal response. It’s also an opportunity to ensure all connections are solid and eliminate any potential noise issues.

4. Cosmetic Customizations

Customizing the look of your guitar can be just as satisfying as improving its sound and playability.

Pickguards and Control Knobs: Swapping out the pickguard and control knobs can give your guitar a fresh look. Epiphone guitars often come with standard colors and designs, so adding a custom pickguard or vintage-style knobs can make your instrument stand out.

Finish and Decals: If you're feeling adventurous, you can refinish your guitar or add decals and stickers for a personal touch. Be careful with refinishing, as it can be a complex process that might affect your guitar’s value if not done correctly.

Truss Rod Cover: A custom truss rod cover is a simple way to add a unique touch to your guitar. Many online retailers offer personalized covers with engravings or custom designs.

5. Setups and Maintenance

Finally, regular maintenance and a professional setup can make a world of difference in how your guitar plays and feels.

Action and Intonation: A proper setup involves adjusting the action (string height) and intonation (string length) to ensure your guitar plays in tune across the entire neck and feels comfortable under your fingers.

Neck Relief: Adjusting the truss rod to set the correct amount of neck relief is crucial for playability. Too much or too little relief can cause buzzing or make the guitar difficult to play.

Fretwork: Over time, frets can wear down, causing buzzing and intonation issues. A fret level and crown, or even a complete refret, can restore your guitar to optimal playing condition.

Conclusion

Customizing your Epiphone electric guitar can enhance its performance, personalize its sound, and make it uniquely yours. From upgrading pickups and hardware to making cosmetic changes, there are numerous ways to improve your instrument. Regular maintenance and professional setups are also key to ensuring your guitar plays and sounds its best. With these tips and tricks, you can take your Epiphone to the next level and enjoy a truly personalized playing experience.

[bandchat]

Today I got my Applause AR19T back from the shop. This Fender Stratocaster copy, made by Ovation and manufactured in Korea, was the first guitar I ever purchased, back in 1989, for $280 ($710 in today's cash). With its Floyd Rose style bridge and HSS pickup configuration, it's quite a formidable instrument, especially since I souped it up a bit more by adding EMG S/S/81 pickups back in 1992.

Every time I play it, I'm amazed at how good it sounds. When paired with some fuzz it definitely produces that unique sound that's all over albums like Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins. It's solid proof you don't need an instrument with a well known name on the headstock to produce quality music.

[electricguitarsupdates]

Bootlegger Guitar Absinthe ~ EMG Pickups: Unleash Your Sonic Journey

Are you looking for an exceptional headless guitar that combines innovation with quality craftsmanship? Look no further than the Bootlegger Guitar Absinthe, featuring Gen 2 Absinthe Fixed Bridge or Tremolo EMG Pickups with Coil Split options. Crafted in collaboration with EMG, this model boasts a redesigned neck for enhanced stability and tone. Embark on a sonic adventure with the Absinthe headless guitar.

[jucaneryguitar]

Megadeth Holy Wars

Megadeth Holy Wars The tone for the song: “Holy Wars” by Megadeth. Featuring 3 custom patches. I’ve used a Jackson Guitar with EMG Pickups. All tones were recorded straight into an UAD Apollo Interface. No post FX were added. Ideal for live PA, Studio Monitors and you can also you it on your Amp’s Return FX Loop Included is the backing track that I’ve used for the…

[vernonreid]

It’s an extremely moving experience to see the original @espguitars Cult Of Personality instrument displayed @smithsonian #afrofuturist exhibition amidst so many other iconic objects. I remember opening that case at ESP NY in 86, & being BLOWN AWAY by that Kulick finish, which reminded me of video static. It had been set up by the LEGENDARY Guitar technician/luthier Paul Skelton(🌹)a kind & thoughtful artisan, musician and Austin TX native.Ronny Drayton (🌹) & I were both fairly new endorsees at the time, signed on by Steve Kaufman, who managed the the American operation for the Japanese company . I asked for EMG pickups, which were pretty new at the time, because Ronny was so into them. I couldn’t wait for @livingcolourofficial ‘s next CBGB gig to play it. The Cult Of Personality riff just flowed out it when I chasing a @coreyglover vocal bit. Everything went right that day. It’s an HONOR to be part of this INCREDIBLE @nmaahc #AfroFuturist show & collection. Exceptionally curated by @kstrait35 & @timothyanne (at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqMQDurusqE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[solo-music-gear]

How to Choose the Right Pickups for Your Custom Guitar Build

Guitar Custom Work is becoming increasingly popular, with many enthusiasts opting to build their own guitars from scratch or modify existing ones. One crucial component of any guitar build is the pickups. Pickups are responsible for converting the string vibrations into an electrical signal that can be amplified and shaped into the desired sound. Therefore, selecting the right pickups is crucial to achieving the desired tone and playability of your custom guitar build. In this article, we'll discuss how to choose the right pickups for your custom guitar build.

Consider Your Playing Style

The first thing you need to consider when choosing pickups for your custom guitar build is your playing style. The pickups you choose should complement your playing style and the genre of music you typically play. If you play metal, for example, you'll want pickups that can handle high-gain distortion and produce a clear, articulate sound. On the other hand, if you play jazz, you'll want pickups that are more focused on producing warm, clean tones.

Choose the Right Magnet Type

The magnet type in pickups plays a significant role in shaping the guitar's sound. There are two main types of magnets used in pickups: Alnico and Ceramic. Alnico magnets are known for their warm, vintage sound and are commonly found in vintage-style pickups. Ceramic magnets, on the other hand, are more powerful and produce a brighter, more modern sound. When selecting pickups, you should consider the type of magnet that will work best with your playing style and desired tone.

Pickup Configuration

Another important factor to consider when selecting pickups is the pickup configuration. The configuration refers to the number of pickups and their placement on the guitar. Common configurations include single-coil, humbucker, and P90. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, clear sound and are commonly found in Stratocasters and Telecasters. Humbucker pickups are known for their warm, thick sound and are commonly found in Les Pauls and other Gibson-style guitars. P90 pickups are a cross between single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a unique sound that's great for blues and rock.

Consider the Guitar Necks

The type of neck on your guitar can also impact the type of pickups that work best. Bolt-on necks, for example, typically produce a brighter, snappier sound that pairs well with single-coil pickups. Set-neck or neck-through designs, on the other hand, produce a warmer, fuller sound that pairs well with humbucker pickups. Therefore, you should consider the neck design of your guitar when selecting pickups.

Brand and Quality

Finally, it's important to consider the brand and quality of the pickups you choose. Some popular pickup brands include Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and EMG, among others. These brands have built a reputation for producing high-quality pickups that deliver exceptional tone and performance. While there are many great brands to choose from, it's important to avoid cheap, low-quality pickups that can negatively impact your guitar's sound and playability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pickups for your custom guitar build is crucial to achieving the desired sound and playability. When selecting pickups, you should consider your playing style, magnet type, pickup configuration, and the type of neck on your guitar.

If you're looking for high-quality guitar parts and accessories, including pickups and guitar necks, Solo Guitars has you covered. Solo Guitars offers a wide selection of premium guitar parts and accessories that are perfect for custom guitar builds and modifications. Visit their website Solomusicgear.com  to learn more!