EMGs on Silhouettes

[RocketRalf]

I remember seeing various Silos and SS here that had been fitted with EMG pickups. I even remember someone fitting some of their active tone circuits for a David Gilmour DG20 setup. I tried searching for them but didn't found it. What are your experiences with this kind of setups? What pickups did you try? Pictures are welcome too, as always

I was thinking of building an alternate pickguard setup for my Silo, but I'm not sure what I want. I'm considering: SA/SA/SA+EXP+SPC (ala DG), SA/SA/81, SA/SA/81TW and 89/SA/81TW.

 

[NorM]

I have always been happy with the 89 sa 85 setup. I just can't figure out if that's bridge to neck or neck to bridge.

 

[RocketRalf]

Cool! Exactly what I was looking for The 89 is the one with the bronze lettering. Can you get strat quack sounds when engaging the neck single coil in position four, or does it simply add the two pickup sounds? Did you have any trouble fitting the 89?

Also I see you tried the 89 in different positions and orientations, what did you like the most? Do you foresee a 89/S/89 setup as a more versatile alternative to what you have without any negatives?

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Recently sold, but it was fitted with a S, SA, and 85. The 85 was awesome. as was the SA in the middle. The S in the neck position was very vintage sounding, kind of classic bell type strat tone.

 

[NorM]

89/SA/89

Yes I would like that. Fitting EMG HB's require a little trimming around the pic guards and the push-pull require a little more routing for the knob. I think the setup I like best is on the GrapHearl one. That way I can have the split bridge and middle sound. I love that sound for funky rhythms.

 

[marantz1300]

My Blueburst was wearing these when I bought it. They have a nice smooth tone. I keep forgetting to unplug the guitar lead though.I just prefer the cut of the standard Dimarzio based pups ,that were on my Ash Silo. Although sometimes I use when I feel like a change.

 

[Luc]

To be honest, I'm not a fan of the EMG 81. As for the SA, had one of those in my Luke, they're very cool sounding, kind of a 'dark' tone. I preferred the SLV as they're somewhat brighter sounding, but it's all a matter of taste.

 

[RocketRalf]

I've been reconsidering. I don't think I'd like the 81 because it's a little generic sounding, although not bad at all. I think I'll stick to my initial targets of getting a contrasting set to what I actually have and just get an SA set. Plus it's way cheaper . But in any case, I have to be more cost sensitive and define priorities by attacking the weakest link in my signal chain, which right now is the amp. I'm looking at modifying the EQ section, or just adding an EQ pedal somewhere, although I'm starting to have control anxiety with all the knobs in my amp and distortion and I'd prefer less, not more!

 

[marantz1300]

But a Hiwatt. Less knobs,better tone.

 

[RocketRalf]

I know there are tons of good amps out there, I just can't buy any right now. When I have a chance to buy one I'll certainly ask this forum for help. As for the Emgs, I think I'd go for an Ivory SA set on a single ply matte black pickguard

 

[NoUse121]

I do not have them in a Musicman But I did a EMG set in a Strat of mine. I went with the 89/SA/SA+SPC+EXG combo. I love them!! Before I got my EBMM SS it was my number one guitar. I really never use the SPC. I find it can be harsh at times but the EXG sounds amazing on the neck pickup and adds a lot of low end chuck to the bridge pick up. The 89 sounds good as well. I did have a 81 at one point and it sounded to thin. plus i can split the 89 to get a normal SA tone witch i use most of the time.

 

[dwells]

i love silos

 

[marduke]

i love silos

silos are fantastic! i played one at Ellaways not too long ago and didnt want to put it down!

 

[RocketRalf]

My latest find led me to consider an EMG VMC or Variable Mid Control. It's listed as a bass accessory but they say it works for guitar too. I've always wandered why there where was no active EQ for guitar, this might be an easy, on-the-fly adjustable way to dial in my sound...