Product Overview
The EMG Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Guitar Pickup Set features the EMG-85 and EMG-81 active pickups, designed to deliver the aggressive tone and sustain characteristic of Zakk Wylde's sound. These pickups are a popular choice for guitarists seeking high-output performance and clarity. The set includes a solderless installation system for ease of setup.
Image: The EMG Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Guitar Pickup Set, featuring the EMG-81 and EMG-85 pickups.
What's in the Box
- EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup
- EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup
- Long shaft volume and tone controls (potentiometers)
- Solderless installation wiring kit
- Output jack
- Battery clip
- Mounting screws and springs
Image: All components included in the EMG Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Guitar Pickup Set, laid out for inspection.
Installation Guide
This section provides detailed instructions for installing your EMG Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Pickup Set. The solderless system simplifies the process, but careful attention to detail is required.
Tools Required
- Half-inch nut driver
- 7/16-inch nut driver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Pair of scissors
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Small screwdriver (for terminal blocks)
- Ruler (marked to 1/2 inch)
- Soldering iron and solder (if not using solderless connections for all parts)
- Masking tape (for securing wires)
Video: EMG Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Pickup Set Installation
Video: A comprehensive guide to installing the EMG Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Pickup Set, demonstrating each step of the process.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Removing Old Pickups and Wiring
Carefully remove the guitar strings. Unsolder or cut the existing pickup cables from the selection switch and volume/tone pots. Note the wire colors and their original connections for reference, especially for the selection switch. Remove the output jack and any string ground wires, as EMG active pickups do not require string grounding. Remove the control knobs, hex nuts, tailpiece, and bridge to access the wiring cavity and pickup routes.
2. Installing New Pickups into Mounting Rings
The EMG ZW set includes an EMG-85 (gold logo, typically for neck position) and an EMG-81 (silver logo, typically for bridge position). Install each pickup into its respective mounting ring using the provided screws and springs. Ensure the correct orientation of the pickups within the rings.
Image: The EMG-81 and EMG-85 humbucker pickups, ready for installation into the guitar.
3. Installing Controls and Wiring Harness
Install the new long shaft volume and tone potentiometers into the guitar's body. The volume pots have six terminals, while tone pots have four. Pre-adjust the hex nuts on each pot to ensure a flush fit with the guitar's surface. Connect the solderless wiring harness to the pots, ensuring correct connections for bridge volume, bridge tone, neck volume, and neck tone. The main bus provides power and input/output connections for the pickups and output jack.
4. Connecting Pickups and Battery
Route the pickup cables through the guitar body to the control cavity. Plug the black and white cables from each pickup into the designated input/output terminals on the main bus. Connect the output jack to the bus. Finally, connect the 9V battery to the battery clip and plug it into the power section of the bus. Secure the battery within the cavity, ideally with foam to prevent movement and noise.
5. Final Assembly and Adjustments
Reinstall the control plate cover, bridge, tailpiece, and new strings. Adjust the pickup height for optimal tone and output. A common starting point is to adjust the bridge pickup to about 1/8 inch from the strings, and the neck pickup slightly further away (around 3/16 to 1/4 inch) to balance the output. Test both pickups in all switch positions and adjust volume and tone controls to ensure proper functionality.
Operating Instructions
Your EMG active pickups are designed for high performance and low noise. Simply plug your guitar into an amplifier using a standard 1/4" instrument cable. Use the volume and tone controls to shape your sound. The pickup selector switch allows you to choose between the bridge pickup, neck pickup, or both.
Maintenance
Regularly check the 9V battery. A typical battery life is approximately 1,000 hours of playing time. Replace the battery when the output becomes weak or distorted. Keep the pickups and guitar clean using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid exposing the electronics to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Troubleshooting
- No Sound: Check battery connection and charge. Ensure all solderless connections are secure. Verify the instrument cable is working.
- Weak Output: Replace battery. Check pickup height and adjust if too far from strings.
- Humming/Noise: Ensure all connections are tight. Verify proper grounding. Active pickups are generally very quiet, so persistent noise may indicate a wiring issue or external interference.
- Distorted Sound: Replace battery. Check amplifier settings.
Specifications
- Item Weight: 1 pound
- Product Dimensions: 4.63 x 2.63 x 6.75 inches
- Item Model Number: ZW-SET
- Batteries: 1 9V battery required
- Color: Black
- Material Type: Metal
- Pickup Configuration: Humbucker (EMG 81 & EMG 85)
- Installation: Solderless system
