If you’re a musician or audio enthusiast, you must have heard of EMG pickups. They are known for their high output, noise cancelling, and exceptional tone. And if you’re planning to install EMG pickups on your guitar, you might be wondering how to wire them properly. In this article, we will guide you through the EMG wiring diagram 81 85, step by step.
What are EMG pickups?
EMG pickups are active pickups that use a battery to power their circuitry. Unlike passive pickups, which rely on the magnetic field created by the strings, EMG pickups have a preamp that amplifies the signal before it reaches the output jack. This results in a much higher output, less noise, and a more consistent tone.
EMG pickups are particularly popular among metal and hard rock players, as they provide a crisp and articulate sound that cuts through the mix. But they can also be used in other genres, like blues, jazz, or funk.
What is the EMG wiring diagram 81 85?
The EMG wiring diagram 81 85 refers to the configuration of wires that connect the pickups to the rest of the guitar’s electronics. The EMG 81 and 85 pickups are among the most popular models made by EMG, and they are usually paired together in a guitar. The 81 is typically used in the bridge position, while the 85 is used in the neck position.
The EMG wiring diagram 81 85 consists of three main components: the pickups, the volume pot, and the tone pot. Each pickup has two wires, one for the signal and one for the ground. The volume pot and the tone pot also have two wires each, one for input and one for output. Finally, there is a ground wire that connects all the components to the guitar’s chassis.
How to wire EMG pickups?
Wiring EMG pickups can be a bit intimidating for first-timers, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the basics. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wire EMG pickups:
Step 1: Gather the tools and materials
Before you start wiring your EMG pickups, you’ll need to have the right tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Tool/Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Soldering iron | A tool that heats up metal to melt solder |
| Solder | A metal alloy used to connect wires |
| Wire stripper | A tool that removes the insulation from wires |
| Small pliers | A tool that helps bend wires and hold components |
| EMG pickups | The pickups you want to install |
| Volume pot | The potentiometer that controls the volume |
| Tone pot | The potentiometer that controls the tone |
| Output jack | The jack that connects the guitar to an amplifier |
| Shielding tape | A conductive tape that reduces noise |
| Ground wire | A wire that connects all the components to the chassis |
Step 2: Remove the old pickups
If you’re replacing your current pickups with EMG pickups, you’ll need to remove the old pickups first. This involves unscrewing the pickup covers, disconnecting the wires, and removing the pickups from the guitar’s body. Make sure to keep track of which wires belong to which pickups, as you’ll need to reconnect them later.
Step 3: Prepare the EMG pickups
Before you can install the EMG pickups, you’ll need to prepare them by soldering the wires to the terminals. Each pickup has two wires, one for the signal and one for the ground. The signal wire is usually red or white, while the ground wire is usually black or bare. Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of each wire, then insert them into the appropriate terminals on the pickup. Use a soldering iron and solder to attach the wires to the terminals. Make sure the solder joints are strong and secure.
Step 4: Install the volume pot
The next step is to install the volume pot. This is the potentiometer that controls the volume of the guitar. The volume pot has three terminals: input, output, and ground. The input terminal is where the signal from the pickups enters the pot, the output terminal is where the signal leaves the pot, and the ground terminal is where the pot is connected to the chassis.
To install the volume pot, first connect the input wire from the neck pickup to the input terminal of the pot. Then, connect the input wire from the bridge pickup to the output terminal of the pot. Finally, connect a ground wire from the ground terminal of the pot to the chassis of the guitar. Make sure the connections are tight and secure.
Step 5: Install the tone pot
The tone pot is the potentiometer that controls the tone of the guitar. It has two terminals: input and output. The input terminal is where the signal from the volume pot enters the pot, and the output terminal is where the signal leaves the pot.
To install the tone pot, connect a wire from the output terminal of the volume pot to the input terminal of the tone pot. Then, connect a wire from the output terminal of the tone pot to the output jack. Make sure the connections are tight and secure.
Step 6: Ground everything
The last step is to ground everything to the chassis of the guitar. This involves connecting a ground wire from the volume pot to the tone pot, from the tone pot to the output jack, and from the output jack to the chassis. You can also use shielding tape to further reduce noise.
FAQs
Q: Can I use EMG pickups with a passive system?
A: Yes, you can use EMG pickups with a passive system, but you’ll need to install an EMG Afterburner or an SPC (Strat Presence Control) to boost the signal. These are active preamps that can be installed on the guitar or in a pedal.
Q: What’s the difference between the EMG 81 and 85 pickups?
A: The EMG 81 is a high-output pickup that’s commonly used in the bridge position. It has a tight and aggressive sound that’s ideal for heavy music. The EMG 85 is a warmer and more balanced pickup that’s usually used in the neck position. It has a smooth and articulate sound that’s great for lead playing and clean tones.
Q: Do I need to use a stereo jack for EMG pickups?
A: No, you don’t need a stereo jack for EMG pickups. You can use a regular mono jack. EMG pickups use a battery to power their circuitry, so they don’t need a stereo jack to switch the battery on and off.
Q: What’s the difference between active and passive pickups?
A: Passive pickups rely on the magnetic field created by the strings to generate a signal. They don’t have any active circuitry, so they don’t need a battery. They have a lower output and a more organic sound. Active pickups, on the other hand, have a preamp that amplifies the signal before it reaches the output jack. They have a higher output, less noise, and a more consistent tone. They need a battery to power their circuitry.
Q: Can I wire EMG pickups in reverse polarity?
A: Yes, you can wire EMG pickups in reverse polarity to achieve a phase cancellation effect. This will reduce the noise and give you a different tone. To do this, you’ll need to swap the positions of the signal and ground wires on one of the pickups.
Conclusion
The EMG wiring diagram 81 85 is a simple and effective way to wire your EMG pickups. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to install your pickups with confidence and enjoy a clear and powerful sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, EMG pickups are a great choice for any style of music. Happy wiring!
