EMG pickup 18 volt mod?

doc-phil

I came across this thread today about converting standard 9 volt active EMG pickups to 18 volts.. Has anybody ever tried this and noticed any substantial difference in tone?

Am I right in guessing that all it does is boost the signal being put out by the guitar, meaning bigger signal, fatter tone? Also, the extent of my knowledge when it comes to working on guitars is changing strings and setting intonation, so should I risk trying this myself or should I take it to a guitar tech?

Here's the thread that detailed the process:
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=941907

AlanRatcliffe

Less compression, but tone stays the same. If you haven't noticed/been annoyed by the fact EMGs are compressed it might not rock your world, but worth a try just to see if you like the change.

It's a simple mod as you don't have to do anything other than figure out how to connect two 9V batteries in series. Hardest thing is finding space for two batteries. ?

doc-phil

O ok cool thanks Alan.. well I've never had any cause for complaint with my pickups, I dig them. So I won't fiddle around... I'll prob end up destroying something!

21Fretter

I've given the thread a look before, there should be clips of the differences. Like Alan said, it's a very simple mod and there isn't much to mess up, would be unnecessary to take it to a tech imo.

Styles

I did it when i had EMG's in my MH1000. Cleans sound "nicer", not as hard. Distorted tones sound a "bit" more organic. Do it. It is an easy mod to do. You just need three battery clips, another 9volt battery and some electrical tape.

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/sevenstring-org-workbench/66645-tech-how-reversible-18v-mod.html

Here is a link. Rechargeable batteries are always a plus. ?

doc-phil

Ok sweet, maybe I will give it a go in my holidays, see how it sounds!