EMG SV

EMG SV- active, single coil, quick connect, full instructions, and all the parst I needed. I got two of these off ebay. They were brand new so I also got all the factory parts and instructions. Each pup came in a box that had the pup, a quick connect wiring harness, volume pot, tone pot, screws, springs, battery connection, and instructions. Everything that I needed to install them. The written instructions were hard to understand, and at times a bit misleading, but the drawn diagrams were great. If you know your way around a soldering iron this would be a no problem DIY upgrade.

I installed these in a Fender Squier Affinity Strat in the neck and middle positions. They replaced the stock single coils that were in it originally. In the bridge I have a dragonfire active humbucker and the combination of tones that I can get out of this guitar now is amazing. The reason that I wanted to change out the stock pups is because they had tomuch dead hum and they also sounded a bit thin.

They have a much more defined sound, I feel like I can hear every string in a chord now. Before it was a bit muddled, everything kind of ran into eachother. The cleans on these are awesome and the drive with low gain sounds incredible too. I am not impressed with the high gain overdrive, but I do have the active humbucker in the bridge that sounds great for that. Plucking/picking sounds the best of all, it really has a unique sound that keeps each string defined yet... well I dont know how to explain it exactly, but I like it! The only thing that I have found that I will have to work out is that at times, when playing chords, the bass seems to over power the rest of the chord. I think that this has do with strings though as this is my second set (different brand) and the first set was no problem.

If these were destroyed or stolen I would definitely try to get another set! I havent been playing long, but I have been around guitars for a long time. My friend that play all the tones that these SV's can make. The only thing that I dont like is that they are a one piece sealed unit. Which is because of there internal shielding, but this prohibits you from putting covers on them. This only a cosmetic gripe.

These are single coil, active pickups. They use a different preamp than any other EMG single coil, which has a stated SNR which is 15dB lower than the older preamp.

These are low impedance pickups, good if you like to drive studio effects or plug directly into a mixer/audio interface (as I do).

In contrast to most of EMG's other designs which use hidden bar magnets, these use individual, exposed, staggered polepieces.

I installed these in an Ernie Ball MusicMan Albert Lee as a set, they are replacing all 3 stock pickups.

The old pickups were Seymour Duncan APS-IIs, with a baseplate added to the bridge. I switched mainly to experiment, but also because I wanted a less colored sound and better string balance (the APS-IIs have flat polepieces).

Output level is very ideal - plenty of gain when driving a guitar amp, but never so hot it overloads my interface's inputs no matter how hard I play.

Mainly I use the sound processed with a lot of software to produce different results. A lot of the time I won't even use an amp modeler in the signal chain, because I don't really like the way sticking an entire signal chain/black box in front of my guitar limits or steers my playing.

The tone is extremely balanced, in a way almost piezo-like. They have a very full-range response, which is perhaps why they are accused of being sterile. They have a very extended high end response, which might be why people accuse them of being "shrill". I don't see it that way, sometimes that exactly what I need, and it's so much easier to remove high-end frequency content than to add it.

These pickups are also very dynamic. They have a very linear response, which might be why some people accuse them of being un-dynamic. They are not introducing non-linearities in the dynamic response like many pickups, which to me is a very good thing.

Most of my music is sort of experimental, very processed and synthetic stuff. The EMGs are great for that - not that I feel synthetic themselves, but they respond very well to synthetic treatment.

I think a lot of players don't like EMGs because they perform too well. Since they don't have any particular deficiencies, they are said to lack "mojo". Whatever. Most guitar players just want to use the same old crap to sound like everybody that came before them. EMGs can help you play more like yourself - if you do not play with character, they will not sound characterful.

If these were destroyed or stolen, I would be very upset. I'm not sure if I would replace them - I'd try a couple other pickups like Q-Tuners or Lace Alumitones first. But that's only because I'm curious and having to get new pickups would be a good excuse to try something different.

I've only been playing guitar for a couple years, but I've been involved in composition, engineering, and production for about 9 years now.

I love pretty much everything about these pickups. The only thing I wish it had was an RW/RP middle pickup, to obtain the quacky/stratty sound in those positions. I plan on getting the phase inverter to add to the middle pickup to (hopefully) correct that, but I do wish that would have been the configuration out of the box. That's why I'm knocking these down a point, otherwise they would be a "10".

I am very satisfied with these pickups because they help me search for *that* sound, nail it, and then continue the search.

3 single coil vintage Actice EMG's.
Staggered poles.

Tried them on a Schecter USA California Deluxe, and a custom Strat.

HORRIBLE!
The sound of these are not vintage, they have got a harsh high glassy piercing sound, old vintage pickups are a bit glassy sometimes but not SHRILL like this!
Its like nails being hammered through your ears!
I couldn't get these to sound even a bit sweet, its just a hard sharp jumping out sound, no dynamics.
If you turn the treble down on the amp or guitar you just lose the volume because the high treble is where the main sound of the pickups
are, cutting this just cuts the sound!
I use EMG SA which are GREAT!
I also use EMG VG-20 also BRILLIANT!
I don't know what happened here, EMG strayed from the formula and messed up here.

I took these out.

Pickup features: Single coil active with exposed poles
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 2001 American Series Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock single coils
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SPC Presence control
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Gospel, Contemporary/Smooth Jazz, Blues...a little of many others
Reason for pickup change: I needed a hotter cleaner single coil but wanted to keep the vintage look and sound of my strat with some variation thus I had the SPC control installed.

Perceived output level: Considerably higher than stock pickups
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: I use a Rivera Hundred Duo Twelve amp and Digitech RP7 effects processor.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good match for most styles where single coils are appropriate.

Comments: I've been playing for roughly 20 years. The styles of music that I play vary. For most of the bands that I play with, the strat generally is the instrument that works best but there are times that I need a humbucker sound. This pickup gives me a vintage strat sound but hotter and cleaner and I was able to keep the vintage strat look. Additionally, this pickup in conjuction with an SPC presence control allows me to achieve just enough of a humbucker sound to get by when needed whether playing clean or dirty. Last, this pickup is great for recording.

Pickup features: Active single coil with exposed poles
Impedence or other specs: whatever

Model of guitar or bass: '94 Standard Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: all
Other pickups on guitar: stock mim noisemakers were in there
Artists using this pickup: Gilmour uses this brand,Me
You musical style(s): classic rock mostly,but a little of everything
Reason for pickup change: Stock p'ups were too noisy and muddy at times

Perceived output level: vintage to hot,total control
Tone: I'd say balanced,never muddy ,nice bottom,articulate even with lots of dirt
Sonic evaluation: Strat,various effects and amps

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: They achieve any tonal range I ask of them ,honest.

Comments: I love these pick ups.I bought them already assembled on a pickguard with pots,switch and all.The bridge pup is wired to a tone pot also,which is great.All Strats should come wired that way to tame the bridge p'up when need be.I dont know what people are talkin about when they say out of phase position on these pups,because there is no reverse wound middle p'up,no hum cancelling is needed.THEY ARE ACTIVE=NO HUM.As for the 2 and 4 positions there is PLENTY of traditional strat quack,you can make'em twang,you can make'em sing,and they will definitely get glassy and bell like if you wish.Anyone that couldnt achieve the quack in 2 and 4 ,try lowering the center pup slightly lower than the other 2. Whoever said they were getting hiss or noise out of their EMGs or said they were dull is fuckin deaf ,hooked them up wrong or got defective p'ups.These are super versatile p'ups also.They really chime and sing when clean or dirty,you are in control of these with your guitars tone and volume knobs and your amp and effect settings.I have been playing since 1983 and I am not the greatest guitarist but I kinda know what I am doing and talking about.I'll give'em a 9 rating because of that confounded battery.I have had my EMGs for a little over a year now and have replaced the battery 4 or 5 times,it never died on me ,but I like to change the battery every 2 or 3 months,just in case.

Pickup features: Active, Single Coil, Exposed Staggered Pole Pieces
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender American Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Fender American Standard Strat "Delta Tone".
Other pickups on guitar: EMG EXG and SPC Tone Controls
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues, Rock
Reason for pickup change: Original Pickups suck!

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than stock, but no annoying 60-cycle hum.
Tone: Smooth round bell-like output. Not too trebly. No "icepick in the ear" tone.
Sonic evaluation: Dunlop "Hendrix" Wha, Ibanez TS-7 Tubescreamer & DE-3 Delay/Echo into either a Crate VC-508, (for practice), or a Fender Hot-Rod Deluxe, (for performance.)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues, Rock. Unless you have the SPC control, forget Metal!

Comments: If destoyed or stolen, I would HAVE to replace them! I've used them so long that I can't imagine my Strat without them!

Pickup features: Active electronics
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: '69 Strat
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: All
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Tried to get sound without hum; can't do it with these!

Perceived output level: slightly hotter than stock
Tone: No character
Sonic evaluation: '69 Strat, several different tube amps, including my '55 tweed Deluxe

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues, rock, alt. Lousy match. These things stink, to put it politely.

Comments: There were rather expensive and I am quite dissapointed. I ended up having my original '69 p/u's rewound and they sound tons better than these flat suckers. The hiss really surprised me from these EMGs, too, even with a brand new battery. I've been playing since 1964, done studio work, been to GIT, and know my way around this end of the music world. These pickups reek, to put it politely.

Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender deluxe super strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock fenders
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: unsure other than myself
You musical style(s): Blues ! & Classic Rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock fenders too muddy , no remedy for 'em !

Perceived output level: Clear, & distinct no noise, hotter than stock Fenders....
Tone: Well adaptable with 5 way switch, no tone unachieveable
Sonic evaluation: Used in conjunction with Peavey Classic 50 combo, 4-10's. Great Blues sound . Setup closey resembles SRV sound . Pick ups have great Blues tone. Also good for rock styles,I feel they are a litte to clean for metal however. Awesome pickups, well designed, easy to install, most of all, great sound(s) !!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND- COMPAREABLE TO SEYMOUR DUNCAN ANTIQUITIES. WOULD BUY AGAIN- ESPECIALLY FOR $113.-including fender shell pickguard.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: All styles, guitar instuctor as well. Suitable in all positions, depending on your style.

Comments: Playing for over 23 years, recommending for that classic Blues & rock sound only. Lack a little of the classic fender ducky out of phase sound. Pick ups make up for it with a nice warm bassy blues tone in all positions. Pick-up's perfect for me ! Add these to a Strat and plug them into a Peavey Classic 50 amp with 4-10's and I guarantee you'll find an awesome SRV tone. Would replace if lost or stolen, better value for the $ when compared to Antiquitities.

Pickup features: Single Coil - Active
Impedence or other specs: N/A

Model of guitar or bass: Fender American Standard Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fender Delta-tone pickups
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: Unknown
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Blues, Run of the Mill Top 40
Reason for pickup change: No cool vibe from Delta tone pickups. They lacked that clangy dwangy thing that I love from Strats. I own two other Fender Strats and have always got that classic Strat tone and out-of-phase "quack". On one of my Strats I have EMG-SA's w/SPC replacing the last tone knob (David Gilmour setup w/o the EX expander option). Since I've been playing more blues lately, I'm diggin' the vintage tone thing and thought I'd try the EMG-SV out especially since it's got exposed poles (very non-traditional of EMG).

Perceived output level: These pickups are hotter that real vintage pickups but less than an high output pickup like say Seymour Duncan JB jr's.
Tone: Dull, dull, dull, dull. No clarity at all. Hip overtones in all positions are lacking. I tried these through my Fender Blues Deluxe, 1965 Fender Princeton Reverb, and Mesa Boogie V-twin which is running out of 4X12 Carvin half stack. I cannot find any usefull position. The bridge although does sound great distorted but that is it. The quack is also missing. The best analogy I can come up with is it's like playing a Strat with fully inclosed styrofoam earmuffs on. The Strat I'm using is vintage styled with a rosewood neck. I even tried these on my Strat Plus which has a maple neck. Still no clarity.
Sonic evaluation: I'm mainly using the Fender Blues Deluxe with a Boss Digital Delay/Reverb pedal, original Ibanez Tube Screamer, and a Dunlop Wha pedal connected with Studio Monster cables. Since the Deluxe typically produces a darker tone anyway, I can usually get that classic 60's tone with my '65 Princeton Reverb. I'm not too much into mega effects anymore (like I was in the 80's, you remember those monster racks?) I have never had to try this hard to get a happening tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Again I can't think of any type of style other than distorted lead tones. Not for metal players but maybe classic rock distortion/overdrive

Comments: These Suck!!! I have used EMG's for years from 1985 to recent (EMG-SA and EMG-S models). There was so much hype from the EMG company about these SV pickups. What a let down! I'm currently in the process of having these stolen. I have left these on the front of the stage for 2 weeks now and no one has swiped these. EMG has since announced that they have a EMG-SAV model out. They say it is the EMG-SA internal preamp mix with exposed pole pieces except the SAV's have beveled flat pole pieces instead of the SV's staggered version. As appealing as that sounds I'm a little reluctant since the SV's performance. I was hoping to get the look and sound of a vintage single coil pickup with the noiseless performance that is legendary with EMGs. It's a shame because I have loved EMG Products up until now. I think I might try the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Surf pickups. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THESE EMG-SV's. Frustration and total disappointment awaits you if you do.

Pickup features: Three Single Coil Active pickups
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1994 Fender Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Fender single coils
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): All types
Reason for pickup change: Fender single coil pickups are so noisy that any one would go to active pickups if they had to put up with cintage strat pickups for long.

Perceived output level: Vintage Fender sound, but higher output, and can hold the distortion.
Tone: Great tone, fat switch adds a lot of versatility.
Sonic evaluation: This pickups can't be muddy, or too bassy, tebly, whatever. If you have the fat switch installed, you have all tonal choices you need. The pickups are super clean in every position, but can do distortion that sounds as good as Hendrix, Metalica and the like. This pickups do it all. I play a Fender Blues Junior, and I have played them through a Mashall stack. Each time they prove to be wonderful.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal to jazz, so this pickups can do it all. All positions sound great.

Comments: I wish active pickups didn't mean 9VOLT. But, it's worth the trade off to get such a perfect sound. And unlike a lot of active pickups, these still have a vintage tone that strat players will like. Plus they can do all that active pickups are known for. I'd buy these things again, and recommend them to all.

Pickup features: single coil (active)
Impedence or other specs: 3.2 khz

Model of guitar or bass: RARE CUSTOM FENDER STRATOCASTER 1990.
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: FENDER LACE-SENSORS
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: DAVID GUILMORE ON HIS #00001 STRATO.
You musical style(s): PROGRESIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL ROCK
Reason for pickup change: I GOT BORE OF THE LACE-SENSORS.

Perceived output level: SAME AS THE SA -MODEL BUT WITH EXPOSE POLE PICES.
Tone: VERY TREBLY WITH A NICE BALANCE BASS
Sonic evaluation: I LOVE THIS PICK-UPS, AT LAST MY SEARCH HAS END. THIS BABY?S ARE MADE IN HAVEN BY GOD
HIMSELF. IF YOU WHANT A CLASSIC LOOK ON YOUR STRATO.AND THE SOUND OF ANGELS SINGING
THE WORLD WIDE ANTHUM OF THE STRATOCASTER, PICK THEM UP.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: VERY EXPERIMENTAL IN ALL THE POSITIONS

Comments: THE SOUND CAME FROM HEAVEN AND I WOULD DEFENETLY BUY THE A MILLION TIMES
I DID COMPARE THEM WITH LACE-SENSORS AND OLD FENDER PICK UPS AND THE SV?S
BEAT THE SH... OUT OF THEM.

Pickup features: active single coils
Impedence or other specs: what?!?!

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Squier Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock Squier pickups
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: i dunno
You musical style(s): folk, roots rock, punk, ska, and everything inbetween
Reason for pickup change: needed change of pace

Perceived output level: way more than the stock pickups
Tone: variable (see sonic evaluation)
Sonic evaluation: beautiful! turn down the tone on the neck and you get fat, fat tones.
switch to the bridge and you get a screaming trebly lead. these
pickups are hot, so they do eat 9-volts, but they're worth it. They
sound best to me overdriving a small tube amp, with the gain maxed.
not so great for solid states. then they can sound canned.
oh, it does the ballad/fingerpicking thing great, too.
very dynamic.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i dare you to find even one!

Comments: find it. get it. play it. 'nuff said!

Pickup features: Active, single coil, vintage strat style
Impedance or other specs: Active electronics, impedance ?

Model of guitar or bass: Guitar
Position: all three
Pickup being replaced: NA
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
Your musical style(s): Blues, rock
Reason for pickup change: experiment

Perceived output level: somewhat high, more than stock fender
Tone: trebly with strange 3.2khz boost
Sonic evaluation: has a very nasty phase cancelled sound, lacks
severely the smooth bottom end that a vintage fender pickup should
have. Sounds good however when used through a lot of effects and the
sound is smooth and almost compressed sounding.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: made for
all three positions

Comments: Still searching