18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

[Julian]

I have a problem between two pickups an EMG 81 and a Seymour Duncan LiveWire.
Both are actve pickups but The LiveWire works with 18 volts. Oviously it has a crazy output and sounds amazing. On the other hand I have an EMG 81 that works with 9 volts and has a great reputation. Im not sure what to take.

I also remember about a discusion involving EMG 81 and adding some extra 9 volts to make it 18. is that possible? is it safe? How does the pickup react?

I sure hope you can help me solve my problem.
ROCK ON!! [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

[buzzsaww]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

EMG's have no problem with 18 volts. Just get another battery clip and wire it in series with the existing one.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

yep. All my guitars run EMG 81s at 18 volts.

[parntz145]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

If you are asking which pup to choose between go with the EMG. I had the Live wire and they are garbage. Total feedback and squealing noise. As a matter of fact I returned them back to Duncan for a different pup, which I sold to get the EMG.

[Julian]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

Can an EMG go beyond 18 volts?

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

Yes, but EMG does not recommend it since it's not properly tested and the added advantage would be very slim and not garantueed safe anymore.

No need to go beyond 18v.

[sworn_enemy]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

I actually liked mine better at 9v.

[cobhc]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

18 volts on an emg shouldn't change the sound, as far as i know it only gives you a longer time before changing batteries lol

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

If you wire them in parallel, yes. (= 2x9v and is NOT 18v)

If you wire them in series you'll hav 18v.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

18v does change the sound.
your EMG will be more articulate and more definition. dynamics come through a bit more. and slightly increased headroom for those dynamics.

but due my my sloppy playing i'm starting to agree with sworn enemy. now i only have 1 guitar at 18v. the others i converted back to 9v.

the changes are subtle, but appearant.

the proceedure is quite simple. - unsolder one end of the batt connector, solder the oposite colour of the new batt connector to the one in the guitar and solder the other end of the new one back to where the old one was.

------batt-------------batt----
+____(-+)_____-+_____(-+)____-
-------------solder-----------recconect

[Julian]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

I havent quite understood how to wire them in series to get the 18v I want. Can you explain it or is there a web page that has the wiring diagram?

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

damn i though my diagram explained it all.

dissconnet the black end of the batt connector. solder the red end of the new batt conn to the black wire of the old batt conn. then connect the black end of the new batt conn to the place you orriginally removed the black batt conn from.

admins please post this as a sticky in the tech section.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

ok who wants to host the real emg 18volt diagram. my shit anit workin.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

Send it...

[email protected]

[sevser]

Re: 18 volts on a EMG 81 ? + EMG 81 vs. LiveWire

I wired mine that way (18 v) and I like it. It actually makes the 81 sound a bit more organic. I also like my Fusion with the regular 9v 81 set up.