EMG Pickup Problems Not Working [Reason & Fix]

EMG pickups are popular among guitarists for their active electronics and high-output design, providing a unique tone and excellent noise reduction. However, like any electronic component, they can encounter problems. This guide will cover common EMG pickup problems, their reasons, and effective solutions.

1. Details About the EMG Pickups:

What are EMG Pickups?

EMG pickups are active pickups that use an internal preamp to boost the signal. That is resulting in high-output & low-noise performance. They are known for their clear, powerful tones and are commonly used in metal & hard rock genres.

Types of EMG Pickups:

Short of EMG 81: Known for its sharp attack and high-end clarity, often used in the bridge position.

About the EMG 85: Offers a warmer and smoother sound compared to the 81, popular in the neck position.

Short of EMG 60: Provides a full, thick tone with a balance of highs and lows, ideal for the neck position.

About the EMG SA: Produces a vintage strat tone, great for the middle and neck positions.

Short of EMG SPC and EXG: Active tone controls that can be paired with EMG pickups to shape your sound.

2. Common EMG Pickup Problems and Their Causes:

a) No Output or Low Output:

Cause: Loose connections, faulty wiring, or a dead battery.

Solution: Check and secure all connections, ensure proper battery installation, replace the battery if needed.

b) Distorted or Muddy Sound:

Cause: Incorrect pickup height, improper EQ settings, or damaged pickup.

Solution: Adjust pickup height, fine-tune your amp’s EQ settings, consider pickup replacement if damaged.

c) Noise and Hum Issues:

Cause: Poor grounding, interference, or a faulty cable.

Solution: Ensure proper grounding, shield the guitar’s electronics cavity, use quality cables, and check for interference sources.

d) Battery Drainage:

Cause: Leaving the cable plugged in, wiring issues, or a faulty switch.

Solution: Always unplug the cable when not in use, double-check wiring, and inspect the pickup switch.

3. Effective Ways to Fix EMG Pickup Problems:

a) Checking Connections:

• Examine solder joints, connectors, and cables for loose or damaged connections.
• Re-solder any loose connections and ensure cables are properly plugged in.

b) Replacing Batteries:

• Change the battery if the pickups sound weak or distorted.
• Use a fresh 9-volt battery and follow manufacturer instructions for battery replacement.

c) Addressing Noise and Hum:

• Ensure proper grounding by connecting all grounding wires to the same point.
• Shield the electronics cavity with conductive tape or paint to reduce interference.

d) Adjusting Pickup Height:

• Experiment with pickup height to find the sweet spot for desired tone and output.
• Raise or lower the pickups using the provided screws.

4. Installing EMG Pickups in a Stratocaster-style Guitar:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• EMG pickups set
• Soldering iron and solder
• Screwdrivers
• Wire stripper/cutter
• Electric tape
• 9-volt battery clip
• EMG wiring diagram (provided by EMG)

Step-by-Step Installation Process:

a) Preparation:

Gather tools & materials. Next, disconnect the guitar from the amplifier. You can also remove strings if necessary.

b) Removing Old Pickups:

Unscrew the pickguard or backplate, carefully disconnect old pickups, and note the wiring layout.

c) Installing EMG Pickups:

Follow the provided EMG wiring diagram to connect the pickups to the electronics. Solder connections carefully.

d) Battery Placement:

Install the 9-volt battery clip and connect it to the EMG pickup circuit, ensuring the battery can be easily replaced.

e) Testing:

Reconnect the guitar to the amplifier and test the pickups. Troubleshoot any issues before proceeding.

f) Screwing Pickguard:

Once everything works correctly, screw the pickguard or backplate back in place.

Wiring Diagram for EMG Pickups in a Strat:

For the specific wiring diagram tailored to your EMG pickups and guitar model, refer to the diagram provided by EMG. This diagram will illustrate the connections between the pickups, volume and tone controls, and the output jack.

Remember to exercise caution while soldering, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and consult professional help if you encounter difficulties.

EMG pickups offer incredible tone and performance but can face problems due to various reasons. By understanding these issues and their fixes, you can maintain your EMG pickups’ optimal performance.

Installing EMG pickups in a Stratocaster-style guitar can be a rewarding upgrade, but it requires attention to detail and precision soldering. Hopefully you are clear about the EMG pickup problems and why the EMG pickup not working properly.

Always refer to official documentation, manufacturer guides, and expert advice to ensure the best results and a trouble-free playing experience with your EMG pickups.

FAQs –

Question-1: Why do my EMG pickups sound different from other passive pickups I’ve used?

Answer: EMG pickups are active pickups with a preamp, which can result in a different tone compared to passive pickups. They tend to have a higher output and reduced noise but may sound less “vintage” than passive pickups.

Question-2: Are there any troubleshooting steps I can take before replacing my EMG pickups?

Answer: Recommendation: Yes, start by checking connections, solder joints, and battery status. Also, try using different cables and test your guitar with different amplifiers to rule out any external factors.

Question-3: Are EMG pickups sensitive to battery drainage?

Answer: Yes, EMG pickups require a functional battery for proper operation. Monitor battery life and replace it as needed to prevent signal loss.

Question-4: Can I install EMG pickups in my guitar myself?

Answer: Yes, you can install EMG pickups in your guitar. However, it requires soldering skills and following the provided wiring diagram carefully.

Question-5: Can I use passive pickups with EMG pickups in the same guitar?

Answer: Yes, you can mix passive and active pickups, but it may require additional wiring modifications and adjustments to balance the output levels.

Question-6: How do I adjust the pickup height for optimal performance?

Answer: Experiment with raising or lowering the pickups using the provided screws until you achieve the desired tonal balance and output.

Question-7: Why does my EMG pickup sound distorted or muddy?

Answer: Incorrect pickup height, EQ settings, or damaged pickup. So, Adjust pickup height, fine-tune amp EQ, and consider replacing damaged pickups.

Question-8: How can I reduce noise and hum in my EMG pickups?

Answer: Poor grounding or interference. Improve grounding, shield the electronics cavity, use quality cables, and identify and eliminate sources of interference.

Question-9: Why is my EMG pickup not producing any sound?

Answer: Loose or disconnected wiring. Check all connections and solder joints for secure attachment.

Question-10: My EMG pickup has low output. What could be the issue?

Answer: Weak battery or poor battery connection. Replace the battery with a fresh one and ensure proper battery installation.

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Perry Garner