EMG Afterburner Wiring Diagram

If you’re looking for a way to improve the tone of your guitar or bass, the EMG Afterburner may be just what you need. This simple circuit can be added to many EMG pickups and allows you to boost your signal by up to 20dB. In this article, we’ll take a look at the EMG Afterburner wiring diagram and how you can install it in your guitar or bass.

What is the EMG Afterburner?

The EMG Afterburner is a preamp circuit designed to be used with EMG pickups. It’s a simple circuit that can be installed in your guitar or bass to provide a boost to your signal. The Afterburner has a switch that allows you to choose between a 6dB or 20dB boost, giving you more control over your tone. The circuit is powered by a single 9-volt battery, which is easy to install and replace.

How Does the Afterburner Work?

The Afterburner is a simple circuit that works by boosting the signal from your pickups. When you activate the switch, the signal from your pickups is boosted by either 6dB or 20dB. This can help to bring out the nuances in your playing and provide a more dynamic tone. The circuit is designed to work with EMG pickups, which are known for their clarity and responsiveness.

Do I Need Special Wiring for the Afterburner?

The Afterburner requires a specific wiring setup in order to work properly. You’ll need to make sure that your guitar or bass is wired for active pickups, as the Afterburner is an active circuit. This means that you’ll need to have a battery compartment installed in your guitar or bass to power the circuit. You’ll also need to make sure that your pickups are wired correctly and that the Afterburner is installed in the correct position in your signal chain.

EMG Afterburner Wiring Diagram

Before you start wiring your guitar or bass for the Afterburner, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the wiring diagram. The following diagram shows how the Afterburner should be wired into your guitar or bass:

Function Wire Color EMG Afterburner Wire
Ground Black 1
Output Yellow 2
Input Red 3
Power White or Orange 4

Step-by-Step Installation

Now that you have a clear understanding of the wiring diagram, you can begin the installation process. Follow these simple steps to install the Afterburner in your guitar or bass:

  1. Remove the strings from your guitar or bass.
  2. Remove the control plate or back plate from your guitar or bass.
  3. Locate the pickup selector switch and unscrew it from the body of the guitar or bass.
  4. Locate the wires that connect the pickups to the switch and carefully remove them from the switch.
  5. Connect the Afterburner wires to the wires that you just removed from the switch. Make sure that you connect them according to the wiring diagram.
  6. Connect the Afterburner’s power wire to the battery compartment. Make sure that you connect the wire to the correct terminal on the battery.
  7. Mount the Afterburner circuit board in a convenient location, such as the control cavity.
  8. Replace the control plate or back plate and reattach the pickup selector switch.
  9. Reinstall the strings and test your guitar or bass.

FAQ

What Does the Afterburner Sound Like?

The Afterburner can help to bring out the nuances in your playing and provide a more dynamic tone. The 6dB boost setting is great for adding a little bit of extra punch to your sound, while the 20dB boost setting can really make your guitar or bass stand out in a mix. The Afterburner is designed to work with EMG pickups, which are known for their clarity and responsiveness.

Can I Use the Afterburner with Non-EMG Pickups?

The Afterburner is designed to work with EMG pickups, so it may not work as well with non-EMG pickups. However, you can certainly experiment with different pickups and see how they sound with the Afterburner. Just make sure that you wire everything correctly and use the appropriate wiring diagram for your pickups.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The battery life will depend on how often you use the Afterburner and how long you leave it active. EMG recommends replacing the battery every 3-6 months, or whenever you notice a decrease in output or clarity. It’s always a good idea to keep a spare battery on hand, just in case.

Can I Install the Afterburner Myself?

If you have some experience with guitar or bass wiring, you should be able to install the Afterburner yourself. Just make sure that you follow the wiring diagram and take your time. If you’re not comfortable working on your guitar or bass, it’s always best to take it to a professional.

Is the Afterburner Worth It?

If you’re looking for a way to improve the tone of your guitar or bass, the Afterburner is definitely worth considering. It’s a simple circuit that can be installed in just about any guitar or bass and provides a significant boost to your signal. The Afterburner is also very affordable, so it’s a great way to upgrade your tone without breaking the bank.