Question Would an EMG 81TW pickup fit into a Luke II?

[guertzi]

Dear fellow forumites,

I just noticed that EMG are now offering their classic EMG 81 model as a "tapped" version

I always liked the sound of that pickup but I refrained from putting it into my Luke because I was afraid that the 4th position of the pickup selector (middle and bridge pu together) would become useless then since the sonic difference between the 4th and 5th position to me already is very subtle.

Now with the tapped version (EMG 81TW) this might be a whole new story, since I could kind of "split" the 81 in the 4th position BUT:
the 81TW's thickness is 1.1" as opposed to the standard EMG humbuckers, which is 0.9", so the pickup would kind of "stick out" a bit more.

So does anyone of you know if that would still fit into the Luke II without the strings touching the pickup?
Or has someone already tried this modification already?

Thanks in advance to all of you for your input!

Rock on and have a happy easter!

 

[bkrumme]

The TW model of the 81 *should* be exactly the same size as a regular 81, 85, 89, or 60. I would think that it would fit exactly like the current EMG pickup.

You might contact EMG customer service to make sure.

 

[dwells]

yeah should fit for sure

 

[guertzi]

The TW model of the 81 *should* be exactly the same size as a regular 81, 85, 89, or 60. I would think that it would fit exactly like the current EMG pickup.

Thanks for your reply!

Well, I guess the shape will be the same, so it will fit into the routing with no problems, but my worries regard the height of the pickup.

Here's a quote from the EMG website:
"Note: Standard EMG humbuckers are 0.9” thick. The 81TW thickness is 1.1”. Difference of 0.22”."

Waddaya think?

 

[bkrumme]

Thanks for your reply!

Well, I guess the shape will be the same, so it will fit into the routing with no problems, but my worries regard the height of the pickup.

Here's a quote from the EMG website:
"Note: Standard EMG humbuckers are 0.9” thick. The 81TW thickness is 1.1”. Difference of 0.22”."

Waddaya think?

It's not THAT much thicker, but worth some checking. The best thing to do would be to measure the guitar and make sure there's enough room for the thicker pickup. I've never put my hands on a Luke so I can't be certain about an answer here.

Might also try MusicMan Customer Service...those guys are super knowledgable and super helpful.

 

[bkrumme]

Might also try MusicMan Customer Service...those guys are super knowledgable and super helpful.

In fact, I would do just this. They should be able to tell you how deep the routing is.

What I would like to know is whether the pickups are direct mounted to the body like on my JPs. On the JP there's no pickup height adjustment. If the Luke is the same I doubt a thicker pickup would work.

 

[guertzi]

What I would like to know is whether the pickups are direct mounted to the body like on my JPs. On the JP there's no pickup height adjustment. If the Luke is the same I doubt a thicker pickup would work.

That's exactly how it is! There's no room for adjustments, so the pickup would just be closer to the strings.

You're right, I might just do as you advised and contact CS.

Thanks a bunch and rock on!

 

[Dizzy]

It's not THAT much thicker, but worth some checking.

In terms of clearance on a guitar, that's a pretty big difference - over 5.5mm.

Without routing, there'll be no way that'll go in.

 

[guertzi]

In terms of clearance on a guitar, that's a pretty big difference - over 5.5mm.

Without routing, there'll be no way that'll go in.

Thanks Dizzy,

more than 5.5mm?

I guess I'll drop my plan then, since I do not intend to modify my Luke in any way that is non reversible.

Just would have liked to try that out - oh well...

Happy easter and rock on!

 

[Dizzy]

Thanks Dizzy,

more than 5.5mm?

I guess I'll drop my plan then, since I do not intend to modify my Luke in any way that is non reversible.

Just would have liked to try that out - oh well...

Happy easter and rock on!

Yep, 0.22" = 5.59mm

 

[bkrumme]

In terms of clearance on a guitar, that's a pretty big difference - over 5.5mm.

Without routing, there'll be no way that'll go in.

Yeah...that's why I asked about the pickup mounting...Thanks for picking up where my brain wasn't going.