EMG GZR PJ Black

Pickup manufacturers really need to start following EMGs example. EMG pickups are so easy to install and really make modifying guitar electronics enjoyable and not an agonising chore.

I had an old Westfield bass that I ripped the electrics from years ago and just never got round to sorting it. I did consider buying a pre-made loom but for £80 more I could replace the whole set so I thought why not.

Install was a breeze and I'd recommend using the foam inside the EMG box underneath the pickups so you can have some slight pickup height adjustment.

Overall very pleased with the sound and install. Other manufacturers take note, this should now be a universal standard. Seymour Duncan knocked off the quick install so you can drop blackouts in to EMG pot sets and then include bog standard pots and wires, crazy!

I've installed these pickups into a fairly cheap, but still awesome Yamaha BB234. It sounds like a perfect PJ now. The P is a king of the set: it's loud, punchy and round. J by itself it quiter and not so impressive, but the PJ combination is just perfect.

What I don't like about the electronics is that the volume range is not that usable. It feels more like an on/off than a gradual change. I think I'd even swap one volume knob for a 2-way switch between P and PJ, and leave the second volume as master, it would make life easier without losing any functionality.

The installation process was a breeze: zero soldering, took me about 15 minutes total. I'd love more manufacturers to swith to such a system.

Overall the set works perfectly for my needs, they cover both P tones for rock, as well as PJ for slap.

I installed this set in a passive Cort action PJ, alongside bridge replacement, and the result is fantastic. The guitar sounds different and better, there are good tone options, much better than the original set.
The only thing I'm not happy with is the two volume controls. They hardly make a difference for most of the potentiometer sweep. It seems like most of the change in volume is noticeable at the last quarter/fifth of the knob's turn. To my question about it, EMG's support replied it is not uncommon for passive pickups in this configuration (volume/volume/tone).
Even though, i am very pleased with the end result of this mod: Solderless connectors makes the installation process easy, the parts and their finish looks and feels high quality, and most importantly, the sound is great. Thumbs up!