EMG Geezer Butler Siggy P/U's.

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Some of you may be aware, if interested, that EMG makes a custom signature set of bass pickups from Geezer Butler's specs.

It's available in a P, or a PJ config.

Well, after receiving a P pickguard with a J Neck cut from Daymun in the Pay It Forward/Classifieds section, it got me brainstorming on this build.
I love Geezer Butler's tone, but I don't want the Split P neck pickup.  I want a full on Jazz P/U config on a P body.  Just don't care for the J slant, personal preference.  So, I contacted EMG, spoke with Derek B, and he confirmed that they can custom order this in a full Jazz dual pickup configuration.

Now, my gears are turning even more, as I'll likely use their Active Balance Control in this setup for a total of three controls on the pickguard, and use a side jack (7/8" hole, Planet Waves jack, Football plate).

I have been perusing the showcase, and their are some good bodies there, but all are cut for the split P, so I think I'm going to opt for a fresh build if a showcase body can't be routed for a J in the neck position, and have it finished in Red Sparkle to complement the Red Pearl pickguard, and call it "Geezer's Bass Boat". 

Also, since I also play baritone and 7 string guitar, I'm going to complete the nut to accommodate a 5 string bass set sans the G string.
It'll be tuned B E A D.  This will allow me to play bass against all of my other guitar tunings.

 

[stratamania]

Those pickups should be pretty cool. I have a bass with a P and J that might be a good fit for something like these.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Those pickups should be pretty cool. I have a bass with a P and J that might be a good fit for something like these.

The Geezer set is passive too, forgot to mention that earlier.
No batteries to deal with, as I have a habit of leaving my cable/wireless plugged into the guitar when not in use.

 

[Day-mun]

I have been perusing the showcase, and their are some good bodies there, but all are cut for the split P, so I think I'm going to opt for a fresh build if a showcase body can't be routed for a J in the neck position...

Seems strange that W wouldn't cut a Jazz neck pickup cavity on a top-routed showcase body. They offer the J neck p/u route on the pickguard (That's where I ordered it), hmm... I think I'd call 'em about it. But even if they can't or won't do it, I wouldn't rule-out showcase pieces.

Admittedly, I had that pickguard on a genuine Fender replacement body, -upon which I had performed the cavity modification myself. With a Dremel outfitted with a router attachment and bit, it wasn't a perfect cut, but once behind the 'guard, all looked just fine.

 

[stratamania]

Those pickups should be pretty cool. I have a bass with a P and J that might be a good fit for something like these.

The Geezer set is passive too, forgot to mention that earlier.
No batteries to deal with, as I have a habit of leaving my cable/wireless plugged into the guitar when not in use.

Thanks for pointing that out TFS. I took a look on the EMG site and being passive is part of what makes them a good retrofit for the bass I have. 

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I have been perusing the showcase, and their are some good bodies there, but all are cut for the split P, so I think I'm going to opt for a fresh build if a showcase body can't be routed for a J in the neck position...

Seems strange that W wouldn't cut a Jazz neck pickup cavity on a top-routed showcase body. They offer the J neck p/u route on the pickguard (That's where I ordered it), hmm... I think I'd call 'em about it. But even if they can't or won't do it, I wouldn't rule-out showcase pieces.

Admittedly, I had that pickguard on a genuine Fender replacement body, -upon which I had performed the cavity modification myself. With a Dremel outfitted with a router attachment and bit, it wasn't a perfect cut, but once behind the 'guard, all looked just fine.

I've got templates, as well as the EMG specs in case I would need to make an EMG specific template, but usually, EMG's are just deeper route mods on average.  I"ll still inquire if they'll route a J in a current split P body route since it's covered.

 

[Day-mun]

I used the pickguard as a guide and marked the offending wood, then just applied the router-attachment equipped Dremel free-hand (-after removing the 'guard and masking the finish in the surrounding area) and that proved to be good enough. 'Guard covered it all anyway, so no need to be fussy, imo.