EMG pickups have earned the trust of many guitarists because of their exceptional quality, precision, and versatility. They offer a wide range of pickups, including the EMG 81 and 60 models that have become a popular choice for many players. The EMG 81 60 wiring diagram has intrigued many guitar enthusiasts, and this article aims to enlighten you on this topic.
What is the EMG 81 60 Wiring Diagram?
Before diving deeper into the wiring diagram, it’s essential to understand the EMG 81 and 60 pickups. The EMG 81 is a high-output pickup designed for heavy metal and hard rock guitarists. It has a ceramic magnet that produces an aggressive and biting tone with excellent sustain.
On the other hand, the EMG 60 is a pickup that emphasizes clarity, warmth, and balance. It has an Alnico magnet that delivers a smooth and articulate sound with excellent harmonic content. This pickup is suitable for genres that require a clean and sustained tone, such as jazz and blues.
The EMG 81 60 wiring diagram is a schematic representation of how to wire these pickups in series or parallel configurations to achieve different sounds. The diagram shows how to connect the pickups to the pots, switches, and output jack of a guitar.
Understanding the EMG 81 60 Wiring Diagram
The EMG 81 60 wiring diagram may seem daunting at first glance, but it’s relatively straightforward once you break it down into smaller parts. The diagram includes the following components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Pickups | EMG 81 and 60 pickups |
| Pots | Volume and tone pots |
| Switches | Pickup selector switch and tone switch |
| Output jack | Where the guitar cable plugs into |
The wiring diagram also indicates how these components are connected to each other. Each line connecting the components represents a wire that carries a specific signal. The diagram shows the routing of these wires and where they should be soldered.
Wiring Configurations
The EMG 81 60 wiring diagram offers different wiring configurations that can produce various sounds. These configurations include:
Series Wiring
In series wiring, the pickups are connected one after the other, with the signal from one pickup flowing into the other. This configuration produces a stronger output signal, with boosted midrange frequencies and less high-end clarity. It’s suitable for genres that require a thicker and heavier tone like metal and hard rock.
Parallel Wiring
In parallel wiring, the pickups are connected side by side, with the signal from each pickup flowing independently. This configuration produces a brighter and more transparent sound, with less midrange and more high-end clarity. It’s suitable for genres that require a clean and articulate tone like jazz and blues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wire the EMG 81 60 pickups in reverse polarity?
A: Yes, you can wire the pickups in reverse polarity to cancel hum and noise. This wiring is known as a humbucker wiring, and it’s achieved by connecting two coils with opposite polarity. The EMG 81 and 60 pickups are already designed to cancel hum and noise, so this wiring is not necessary, but you can still experiment with it if you like.
Q: What if I want to use a different type of pot or switch?
A: The EMG 81 60 wiring diagram is not limited to a particular type of pot or switch. You can use any pot or switch that fits your preferences and guitar’s specifications. However, it’s crucial to note that different types of pots and switches can affect the tone and functionality of the pickups, so make sure to choose wisely.
Q: Do I need to shield my guitar’s wiring?
A: Shielding your guitar’s wiring can help reduce interference and noise in your signal. Some guitarists prefer to shield their guitars to achieve a cleaner and clearer tone. However, shielding is not necessary, and it’s entirely up to you whether you want to do it or not.
Q: Can I combine the EMG 81 60 pickups with other pickups?
A: Yes, you can combine the EMG 81 60 pickups with other pickups to achieve a wider range of sounds. You can use a pickup selector switch to switch between the EMG pickups and other pickups. However, mixing different types of pickups can affect the tone and output of your guitar, so make sure to experiment and find the right combination for your needs.
Conclusion
The EMG 81 60 wiring diagram is an essential tool for any guitarist who wants to customize and enhance their guitar’s tone. It offers various wiring configurations that can produce different sounds suitable for different genres. With this article, we hope that you now have a better understanding of the EMG 81 60 wiring diagram and how to wire your guitar’s pickups. Explore and experiment to find the perfect sound for your playing style!
