EMG Launches High-Impedance HZ Pickup Line
January 16, 2003
While EMG has gained a reputation for its low impedance line of active
pickups, the company also has a history of producing passive pickups. This
began in 1984, when for a period of two years, EMG started to make high
impedance units for the Steinberger G Series. In 1985, the Californian
company also started to produce its own Select passive pickup line, under
license, in Korea. However, in 2000, EMG decided it would produce an
American hand-built line of High-Z pickups for the ESP Guitar Company, an
arrangement that exists to this day. In addition, EMG also now produces
high impedance units for Spector, Jackson, Schecter, Fernandes, and a number
of other companies. Having ramped up US production of these models to a
sufficient level, it was only a matter of time before EMG began to produce
its High-Z line for over-the-counter sales worldwide. Why did it take so
long?
"I wanted to be sure we were going in the right direction, developing
products players wanted to buy," explains EMG President, Rob Turner. "And
the feedback we got from ESP and Jackson suggested we did get it right. You
only have to look at ESP's success in the market with High-Z EMG loaded
guitars to realise this. We were getting a lot of phone calls from players
who wanted to buy High-Z pickups from us after playing an ESP or Jackson
guitar.
"If you go back to when EMG's initially appeared on the Steinberger basses,
those instruments were expensive. The result was that some players began
installing our pickups in instruments they already had, instead of laying
out a thousand dollars or more for instruments they didn't want. And much
the same thing has happened with ESP. Not everyone wants a new guitar.
"Certainly, after trying to convince the guitar playing public to try an
active pickup for so long, it seemed an odd decision to come out with a
passive pickup line. But, you have to bear in mind that music is created
with tools, and not everybody is happy using the same tools. Some players
demand a Stratocaster, others a Les Paul. Similarly some players will
always choose active, whereas others will insist upon using passive. Since
after 25 years of creating pickups, we've learnt a significant amount about
what works and what doesn't, and bearing in mind EMG is in the business of
supplying tools, why shouldn't we put to use what we've learned, and develop
a completely different set of tools for a different audience? Besides,
there are a lot of players out there who'll always shy away from putting a
battery in their guitar or bass. I guess it just seems alien to them."
All models in the brand new EMG HZ Line, which the company describes as
traditional in design, are hum cancelling. Including all single coil units.
While the dual-coil models come in classically wound or over-wound options,
both are available in Alnico and ceramic magnet versions. Not only are all
pickups in the range fully shielded, all feature EMG's exclusive 5-pin
quik-connect system. In addition, each model featuring pole pieces also
includes an extra set of poles, enabling users to change the look of the
pickup if desired.
"By adding the quik-connect system," reveals Turner, "I thought we could get
players to try different pickups in our new HZ Line. I can even envisage
players executing some neat swaps with other players who've bought our HZ
Line.
"What kind of musician is the new passive line aimed at? We initially set
our sights on the heavy metal player," acknowledges Turner. "This came
about because of our involvement with ESP and Jackson during the early
stages of development. But, while these particular guitars were equipped
with specific models, the new HZ Line comprises 19 different humbucking
models with 6 of those dedicated to Floyd Rose players. On top of that, we
have another 4 pickups for single coil instruments and a pair of P-90 models
too. Due to the massive variety of tones that will be available from the HZ
Line, I would imagine we'll appeal to players of tremendously varying
styles. And no, we haven't forgotten 4-sting players either," adds Turner,
reassuringly. "The bass line already consists of soap bar models and we're
planning to add more as time goes by. We'll also be introducing accessory
circuits for the HZ Line, similar to the ones we produce for our active
line. These will include boosters, plus equalisers for guitar and bass, and
plenty more to follow."
For more information, visit their web site at www.emginc.com. |
