EMG SA 18V

[stormbringer]

Anyone here running EMG SA's (ala Gilmour) with an 18v power source? I am trying to decide if it would be worth trying. I like the sound of my guitar now, but always looking for variations. And how about a switch to go from 9v to 18v to get the best of both worlds? Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Mor Paul]

Series, correct? I think a diagram has been posted before.

 

[stormbringer]

Thanks Max, I guess I didn't word my post good enough... I understand the series part (20+ years of working in electronics), what I am asking is if anyone has 'heard' the difference and what their opinion on it is? Is it worth doing for the sound? I get the part about the clipping and overhead, but since I play with extremely light touch that never really comes into play with my playing.

 

[Mor Paul]

Thanks Max, I guess I didn't word my post good enough... I understand the series part (20+ years of working in electronics), what I am asking is if anyone has 'heard' the difference and what their opinion on it is? Is it worth doing for the sound? I get the part about the clipping and overhead, but since I play with extremely light touch that never really comes into play with my playing.

That was my uncertainty I was questioning  :icon_thumright:
And also a misunderstanding, I guess. I'm sure there was a post recently....

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I had done the 18v mod on an 89 and 89R, when in coil split they supposedly sound like the SA.  I've also done it on the EMG JV for bass.  In both cases, I liked the 9v better.  My ears aren't an osciliscope, so I couldn't tell you why it was better, more highs, lows, mids, don't know.  I just liked 9v better.

 

[stormbringer]

Cool, that's kinda what I was looking for... Not sure it's really worth the effort on my part...

Thanks Max and Super Turbo...

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Supposedly it opens them up a little, more headroom. Hell, just do it and find out. It's not like you have to route the body or anything. Let us know what you think.  :icon_thumright:

 

[OzziePete]

Supposedly it opens them up a little, more headroom. Hell, just do it and find out. It's not like you have to route the body or anything. Let us know what you think.  :icon_thumright:

+1 on that theory!

From the little actual hearing I have been able to do on a set of EMG 89s, there may be some extra headroom and dynamics with the 18v.(My hearing is FAR from perfect.)

That was in humbucker mode though, so not sure if the same would even apply to when I have the 89 in single coil mode. I'm guessing there'd be the slightest bit of extra headroom.

A suggestion would be to install an 18v box and if the 18v sounds wrong to your ears, simply wire the battery box in parallel and enjoy the 9v sound but have an extra long battery life. :dontknow:

I would add, though, that if you use a lot of stomp boxes or heavily process your sound on it's way to the amp, that the extra fraction of headroom you'd get on the 18v might make a lot of difference to the clarity of the dry signal through that signal flow.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

You can also send more voltage to pedals than 9v to open up the headroom of those pedals.

 

[OzziePete]

You can also send more voltage to pedals than 9v to open up the headroom of those pedals.

Sorry, you've lost me here. :icon_scratch:

Do you mean using 12v (or more) plugs into the power input sockets of the pedals in order to juice up their responses? I don't like that idea (if that's what you mean). I'd be worried about the pedals being fried - some may be able to take more than the spec'd input voltage, but others may die quickly. And you could forget about any warranty claim if they stopped working.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

You can also send more voltage to pedals than 9v to open up the headroom of those pedals.

Sorry, you've lost me here. :icon_scratch:

Do you mean using 12v (or more) plugs into the power input sockets of the pedals in order to juice up their responses? I don't like that idea (if that's what you mean). I'd be worried about the pedals being fried - some may be able to take more than the spec'd input voltage, but others may die quickly. And you could forget about any warranty claim if they stopped working.

Some pedals are made for it. Check the manual. Or you can just check the voltage rating of the caps inside of it. In most cases if you don't exceed that rating you will be fine.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

You can also send more voltage to pedals than 9v to open up the headroom of those pedals.

Sorry, you've lost me here. :icon_scratch:

Do you mean using 12v (or more) plugs into the power input sockets of the pedals in order to juice up their responses? I don't like that idea (if that's what you mean). I'd be worried about the pedals being fried - some may be able to take more than the spec'd input voltage, but others may die quickly. And you could forget about any warranty claim if they stopped working.

Most can run on 9v simply because that is the most easily, readily available battery.  Running at 12 volts would require multiple AAA or AA batteries in series, which makes the pedal bigger or battery changes less convenient, unless using the power supply, which a lot of users don't.  Running at 12v or even 18v is a dirty little secret of a lot of modders.

 

[OzziePete]

You can also send more voltage to pedals than 9v to open up the headroom of those pedals.

Sorry, you've lost me here. :icon_scratch:

Do you mean using 12v (or more) plugs into the power input sockets of the pedals in order to juice up their responses? I don't like that idea (if that's what you mean). I'd be worried about the pedals being fried - some may be able to take more than the spec'd input voltage, but others may die quickly. And you could forget about any warranty claim if they stopped working.

Most can run on 9v simply because that is the most easily, readily available battery.  Running at 12 volts would require multiple AAA or AA batteries in series, which makes the pedal bigger or battery changes less convenient, unless using the power supply, which a lot of users don't.  Running at 12v or even 18v is a dirty little secret of a lot of modders.

Uh OK, something I hadn't heard done before. So, check the manual and if you are still curious check the caps inside, right? Learnt something new today I guess, thanx.