Pickup Swap

Since I had some time to kill, I decided to swap the Dragon II pickups in my PRS Custom 22 with EMG active pickups, 85 in the bridge and 60 in the neck. You can't coil tap these particular EMGs, so I also replaced the stock 5-position rotary switch with a 3-way toggle. I want to experience the difference in active pickups vs. passive. Since the PRS is built as an innovative instrument, I figured the EMGs, which are innovations on the conventional pickup, would be a good fit. Plus they look kinda badass.

The built-in preamp on the EMGs has me intrigued. We've all heard these in action with metal bands like Metallica et al, but I have read that they also work well for hard rock and jazz. I'm banking on the increased definition and clarity.

Playing at low volumes, I notice right away that they are very quiet; no hum or buzz when strings are not played. I also noticed that they are very sensitive, picking up every little string movement. As far as tone goes, I won't really be able to tell until I crank up the amp at rehearsal this week.

What I am looking for is the signature EMG hot lead tone with lots of sustain that can make me play better than Steve Vai. We'll see how that goes.

Holding Pattern

Despite the issues in the bass dept., we are still writing new songs, jamming, and fantasizing about Konocti Harbor. Just sitting tight and putting our bass guitar star search on hold for now. In the next couple of weeks we should have our bearings back and be MoHumbuckin' full speed ahead.

Lookin' for bottom

It's been a challenge writing fresh material these days, but we are faced with another dilemma: Marty Mart is taking his Fender Jazz bass on an indefinite sabbatical, so we neeed to find someone to step in and fill the shoes. Know any aces of bass? If so, send 'em our way.

Next up... Mastering

At this point we have everything recorded and mixed. The tracks have been sent to Chicago for mastering. That process should be done by the end of the month, then we can send it all out for duplication. After that, we will start gigging again, and getting our music out to the masses. As soon as we have one CD in every household in the US, we will move on to world domination! Or maybe just play some local watering holes.

In the meantime, we are working on new material. The next batch should be more intense and focused. Stay tuned!