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I really want to buy an LTD Viper, but will probably change out the EMG's for passive pickups. If I replace them, will I have to install all new pots and wiring so that it's set up for passive?

you have to change it all. but EMG's as far as i know,come with pots and capacitors included

yes, you will have to change the pots and add a cap

i would guess that the switch and output jack won't need to be replaced ... not too expensive or hard to change them if needed

good luck,
t4d

edit - see more informed post below - output jack DOES need switched

I was hoping the answer was no. Oh well. Thanks guys.

By the way. I was trying the guitar out and the EMG's didn't sound bad. They were really fun actually, but not something I'd want as quot;my soundquot; all the time. I think all the negativity around active pickups lowered my expectations so I was actually kind of surprised they sounded good. I've tried them before and remember them sounded pretty lifeless. Can actives sound that much different in different guitars? I've always been under the impression that actives overshadow the guitar's natural tone.

i think the output jack is diferent too,but dont hold me on it

davey's right. taking out EMGS and putting in passives will need these:

1) a new input jack. EMGS have a stereo jack set to switch the batteries off
2) new pots. EMGS use 25k, passives are 250k, 500k, or similar.

the selector switch can stay the same, its just the signal coming out of the active pickup is preamped, and needs different pots

EDIT - the output jacks are dirt cheap. i use just a 6.4mm mono socket, which works for all the guitars i own.. ibanezes or something might need something different, dunno. the 500k pots aren't the end of the world either, expect to pay like $12-$20 for the lot, depending on how many pots you're after? that would be for good quality ones, too!

tom

You can use the jack but you'll have to rewire it.Most active pick-ups use a double pin ground a live.The switch is okay but the pots will have to be replaced,most active pots are about 25k whereas most passives are either 250k or 500k.The cap will vary depending on the pick-up and the pot.But actives will usually use a different value.
The one bonus to replacing everything is that if you decide to sell it you'll get more $$ for a complete set-up.

Just wondering, what set of EMG's did it come with, and what set of pickups are you wanting to switch to, cause the EMG-81 sounds great to me, i dont see why people call it lifeless and not warm.

EMG89 is pretty lifeless and cold, but I love it.And you quot;shouldntquot; need a new jack. Just pots as far as i know.


Originally Posted by Mephisthe EMG-81 sounds great to me, i dont see why people call it lifeless and not warm.

man, try it clean


Originally Posted by MephisJust wondering, what set of EMG's did it come with, and what set of pickups are you wanting to switch to, cause the EMG-81 sounds great to me, i dont see why people call it lifeless and not warm.

EMG89 is pretty lifeless and cold, but I love it.And you quot;shouldntquot; need a new jack. Just pots as far as i know.

it comes with 2 81's


Originally Posted by RiffGuyCan actives sound that much different in different guitars?

Yes.I've always been under the impression that actives overshadow the guitar's natural tone.

No. It'll modify it, just like every other active/passive pickup out there.