Question about the new EMG X-series pickups

[GoKart Mozart]

This may be something only the MM folks (BP) can answer, but has there been any talk of the MM factory switching over to the EMG X-series pickups for future Lukes? I guess it would depend mostly on what Lucious wants, but seems like he's been photographed a lot lately using the yellow-ish Luke with the 85X & SLVXs installed.

Food for thought.

 

[B2D]

That's a good question... I'd be interested in knowing myself, actually.

Ive been playing Lukes more and more in GC lately and they seem to be growing on me... I've always thought they were stellar guitars but they never really clicked with me until recently.

 

[jcm900]

I've been thinking about swapping the stock EMGs to some EMGx's lately...Haven't decided it yet.
Where can I find those photographs, GoKart Mozart? Are you referreing to that true gold Luke, or have I missed something?

 

[gerry d]

I've been considering putting these pickups in my Luke and I've asked on a few different forums including here about them but the information coming back is quite limited so I haven't pulled the trigger on them yet....

I'd love it if these pickups were more passive and open feeling... not as compressed as normal EMG's...

Luke has them in his gold guitar, the one he has been using a lot lately.. I'm sure they are good pickups.. but I'd need a little more info.

 

[GoKart Mozart]

I've been thinking about swapping the stock EMGs to some EMGx's lately...Haven't decided it yet.
Where can I find those photographs, GoKart Mozart? Are you referreing to that true gold Luke, or have I missed something?

Yeah, the true gold Luke. Check out this thread from a few days back:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/43346-luke-soulbob-special-edition-java-jazz-festival-great-show.html

 

[GoKart Mozart]

I guess we could pose the question to Luke himself via his facebook page. He's pretty good about responding back to questions and such.

 

[B2D]

I guess we could pose the question to Luke himself via his facebook page. He's pretty good about responding back to questions and such.

I follow him on Twitter... I could pose the question there if you like.

 

[walleye]

what are the X series pickups exactly
i couldnt really work out what they were from the site

 

[Slingy]

I guess the've reworked the internal preamps to have more headroom. They are offering every active pup they make in regular and x series now. I did ask on his FB page but no reply. I think I'm gonna pickup an HX(single coil in the bridge housing) just for kicks.

 

[B2D]

I think I'm gonna pickup an HX(single coil in the bridge housing) just for kicks.

Having had personal experience with that pickup, I can't say I recommend it. It just sound very quiet and kinda bland not a whole lot of personality. Very cheap-sounding.

 

[glockaxis]

I'm happy with the regular EMGs in the Luke and don't have the desire to switch them out.

 

[Slingy]

Having had personal experience with that pickup, I can't say I recommend it. It just sound very quiet and kinda bland not a whole lot of personality. Very cheap-sounding.

Ok thanks for the heads up, I have an 81 and 85 but just thinking about trying a single there for a bit. It's easy enough to experiment but wouldn't like to waste $.

 

[B2D]

Ok thanks for the heads up, I have an 81 and 85 but just thinking about trying a single there for a bit. It's easy enough to experiment but wouldn't like to waste $.

Yeah when i first tried the H I was like... "there must be a wire loose or something". And then I found out that's how it was supposed to sound and was very disappointed.

If you want a single coil sound, try the 89. It's like an 81 but with an alnico magnet and you can split it. Much better sounds out of that one.

 

[look_at_her]

Yeah when i first tried the H I was like... "there must be a wire loose or something". And then I found out that's how it was supposed to sound and was very disappointed.

If you want a single coil sound, try the 89. It's like an 81 but with an alnico magnet and you can split it. Much better sounds out of that one.

89 is like 85 with coil splitting options-81 sounds a bit different IMHO.
The new 89 XR is something I would like to try in my Luke:
Electric Guitar Pickups & Accessories - EMG Pickups | 89XR

 

[threeminutesboy]

I have tried the EMG-X in the Luke SLVx and EMG85x powered with 18v

those are fantastic pups for sure, it was hard to A/B as the other axe I played was the BFR with regular set (not exactly same setup). Looks like the sound is more alive with those pups (tried the Luke straight in a Marshall)

In Japan they upgrade the standard model with EMGx if you ask them and Lucious is already using them.

I know it's a lot of money but best way to hear them is to try them

 

[GoKart Mozart]

I'm happy with the regular EMGs in the Luke and don't have the desire to switch them out.

Me neither. I can't imagine anything better for that guitar.

 

[GoKart Mozart]

I guess the've reworked the internal preamps to have more headroom. They are offering every active pup they make in regular and x series now. I did ask on his FB page but no reply. I think I'm gonna pickup an HX(single coil in the bridge housing) just for kicks.

Looks like he just wrote you back!

"I like them very much. I am gonna do a new updated version of mine, they are VERY close to mine, a little fatter in the neck position, I like that."

 

[look_at_her]

Me neither. I can't imagine anything better for that guitar.

Can you imagine coil switching option when you replace stock 85 with 89,or 89 XR nowadays?
I`ve tried it and I`m happy with the outcome.I`ts still LUKE,great guitar,but with slight upgrade that make it even better IMHO.

 

[threeminutesboy]

can you imagine coil switching option when you replace stock 85 with 89,or 89 xr nowadays?
I`ve tried it and i`m happy with the outcome.i`ts still luke,great guitar,but with slight upgrade that make it even better imho.

+1

 

[gtrman66]

In Japan they upgrade the standard model with EMGx if you ask them and Lucious is already using them.

Does anyone know if the EMGx upgrade option is or will be available soon in the U.S.?
I just ordered a second luke 2 weeks ago and would certainly upgrade to the x p/ups if they're available....not that there's anything wrong with the stock pickups but if i can make a good thing better I'm all for it