ACTIVE vs PASSIVE pickups: EMG DG20 vs Fender Eric Johnson on a Fender Stratocaster '57 replica

[@Gbhbbgvsbnjhhdchhb]

Having used both for years - here’s what everyone misses: you get thicker tone with Active pickups and yes they are quiet. Very consistent no matter what you plug into or put in your signal chain. The trade-off is that you lose the “quack” in the second and 4th positions. You can make active pickups sound more vintage by backing them away from the strings. EMG have released a new range of Active pickups called Retro Active that preserve the quack factor. I have yet to try them.

[@danfriedman2556]

Hey man I think of buying the active pickups but I can't find of their good with metal distortion , do you think thier good. For that ?

[@Gbhbbgvsbnjhhdchhb]

@@danfriedman2556 definitely! You cannot go wrong with EMG’s perfect for metal - just ask Metallica. Get on YT for comparisons

[@danepaulstewart8464]

This is a tough comparison for a couple of reasons. First of all, I noticed that Matt is playing the active pick ups more briefly and with less dynamics than he is the passive set. So that’s not exactly apples to apples. The EMGs are quieter and have a smoothed out even sound compared to the eric Johnson’s. The best way to hear a better comparison it’s to turn up the final master output so each set is coming across at the volume you would want to hear them when you’re playing against a song. When you do this, you realize that the EMG‘s are fatter sounding. Not thinner. A lot of listening mistakes are made when we are comparing two different sets at different final playback volumes. The trick on our ears is that often something that sounds less good in reality can sound more good if you’re hearing it louder. I had to dial back the listening volume each time Matt switched to be passive pick ups in order to get a similar sounding final overall volume. The Eric Johnson set Is brighter in frequency range than a standard fender set, so that should be kept in mind. Another valid point about the quieter EMG pick ups is that they hit the front end of your amp input softer and naturally won’t drive it as hard. This is solved by using a volume control of any type before going into the amp. Another way to think of the dynamics difference is that the EMGs will make you sound like you have the ability to play more smoothly and more under control. Some people might say that makes you sound like a better player, and there is some truth to that. However, if you are a very good player, you may very much want the Wilder dynamic range of the passive pick ups if you have the skills to control it and play into it.

[@RodneyWallaceDynamoC]

Thanks for sharing that info

[@johnraymondsulpico7139]

thank you for sharing this information bro.

[@nsen74]

People seem to be bashing the EMGs but I have both of these pickup sets. Each has its pros and cons. When I'm playing certain music where I want that no noise, cleaner, clarity even string volume and major sustain with music with a lot of bends, I tend to like the EMGS more for that application. I was using the DG20s a lot in the early 2000s with a band I was playing and the clarity is unmatched. I tend to go with the passive single coils when I really want more dynamics where I can dig in, and do some blues or jazz. The EMGs work so well in the studio for low noise recording more than passive single coils do. And these have to be the quietest pickups I've ever heard in my life.

[@snapascrew]

Depends what you’re going for but the DG-20 is going to be more versatile and slightly more compressed. The mid range boost control knob is so helpful.

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Probably I won't tell that the DG20 is more versatile, but it surely has its own characteristics.

[@snapascrew]

Matt 4 Guitar mid boost, low and high boost... come on.

[@roadtonever]

The EMG SA model used in that Gillmore set are my favorite active single. Super versatile.

[@Gbhbbgvsbnjhhdchhb]

Further to my previous comment I purchased a set of SAVX’s and I have to say the EMG have captured the sound of passive vintage pickups. They quack perfectly in the 4th and 2nd positions. I spent Hours AB Inv them to top of the range passive pickups and what I found was the passives to be slightly and I mean slightly warmer. I could dial in the warmth using the EMG tone control to match the passives. The moral of the story is don’t let anyone tell you they are sterile.... I can only describe it as not having to fight so much to get that tone sweet spot... the only criticism I can level at EMG is they offer so many variations it gets confusing and there are so few really good demos of the different versions on YT

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Actives are amazing pickups and I miss them. I honestly want both passive and active pickups.

[@SrPepe1977]

Yup, thanks for reminding me how much I prefer passive pickups.

[@1969MARKETING]

the one thing i noticed more than anything else was the fact you were playing the passive pickups more aggressive than the active ones

[@MatteoFarindolini]

You're right man, I think that passive pickups make me play with more dynamics.

[@maxc7930]

Having an EMG 81 that is way louder than a regular humbucker, I expected their single coils to be louder than regular passive ones. It seems that's not the case. Thank you

[@ichiroohba3641]

Sounds great! Which effector are you using when dirty ?

[@rorysstuff5129]

Curiously I find the emg smoother and friendly to my ears in comparison with the normal single coils wich sounded harsh to my ears

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

For cleana I liked the fender pups, but using gain I really thought the EMGs sounded better. They just sounded clearer and more harmonics and suatain, etc. Very cool.. Thanks for sharing..

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Really thanks man! Please, consider subscribing to the channel if you are interested in demos and comparisons!

[@Dartheomus]

I could see the active PuPs with high gain, but they lose too much on the cleans. The passives are much more dynamic and full of harmonics for low gain application, and then for high gain, they sounded good as well... and if you wanted to ditch the harmonic component, just roll off the tone. All the way around, the passives were the winner.

[@SF_Curious]

Cannot decide I like both in both different cases!

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Completely right. That's the point.

[@mfm6]

The passive pickups have more clarity, more body and presence. I've been trying to find the perfect pups to upgrade my strat for that vintage tone. Single coils shine eveytime.

[@martinemesguitar]

Disagree that the passives have more clarity. What I find with EMGs is they have fantastic clarity, but on clean sounds it's almost too clear to the point of being a bit "sterile." They also seem to pick up every little touch and slide of your fingers on the strings perhaps more audibly than some pickups.

[@bertonedes]

@@martinemesguitar Yes, emg-s are far to responsive for my taste.

[@heavyrockguitar]

I've got an Ibanez with EMG humbucker (as my profile picture).. but for single coil, I prefer passive ones

[@RodneyWallaceDynamoC]

Great comparison, thanks!

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Thanks, man! Please, consider subscribing to the channel so you'll not miss all my comparisons! :)

[@celalettinsezgin2206]

Hi Matt, thanks for comparison, but volumes are significantly different. did you use EMG pickups with proper 25k volume tone pots or 500k pots? Thanks from now. Celal

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Hello Celal and thanks for your comment! Yes, the pots were correct, but probably there were height differences in the pickups... Cheers, Matte

[@celalettinsezgin2206]

@@MatteoFarindolini Thanks Matt, no worries then. All the best

[@carsgunsandguitars]

Surprised by how much higher output the EJ pickups had than the David Gilmour actives. Would have guessed the other way around. 🤔

[@agata553]

Passive for sure 😍🤩

[@RichMansci]

I was about to purchase the dg20s but now realize I prefer the passives. Thanks for making this video. It was super helpful.

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Really happy to help, thanks!!!

[@bertonedes]

Same as me. Pasive are way better, and much live!

[@christopherallencomer5738]

thank you! nice shreddin'!

[@jenniferthompson9441]

How could the passive be twice as loud . something wrong here

[@nicolasbruyere5932]

It seems like your EMGs were set way too low, hence them sounding kinda flat and anemic. Try to set them higher, they will sound completely different ;-)

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Hi! Thanks for the comment! It could seem that EMGs were set low, but I can assure you that they were set "the highest was possible"... On the other hand, the Fender's were set a bit too high and now I've lowered them a little bit.

[@nicolasbruyere5932]

@@MatteoFarindolini Fair enough! It proves they don't make every guitar sound the same 😉 They sound fatter in my Strat. Having said that, your vid made me consider going back to passive pickups

[@MatteoFarindolini]

That's right! Every guitar has its own characteristics, and the pickups just enhance or attenuate them... Anyway, I'm really happy to help...I'm here just for that! Subscribe if you want, cheers!

[@rustamsarymsakov6760]

For the rhytm guitar passive Fender has a lot more feel for country,blues,funk music,rock'n'roll,grunge.For heavy metal,hard rock and other heavy styles I guess active better , it is also got more feel on solos.Why not to play them both one for rhytm and one for solo.For example Gybson for solo and Fender for rhytm are both great.I think it depends on music style and have a sense what you are going to show in your composition !

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Absolutely, man!

[@D-Man_Jam]

It seems like it would be better for metal if you used the active singles

[@CanalMoustache]

passive for sure, the actives have a very balanced output and to be honest it is kinda anoying in my opinion, i prefer the dynamic that you can put playing with the passive pickups

[@MatteoFarindolini]

We agree, man!

[@ernestorivera410]

0:31 0:54

[@nsc217]

I like the active better for distortion, they were smoother sounding

[@phenixreturns]

i had a fantastic tone with a maple body +EMG single coils (active)-

[@Majmune123]

What’s the difference between active and passive ?

[@zarlodious1]

@@Majmune123 Active is powered by battery more output lower impedance for longer cable runs typically longer sustain and more balanced tones. Some claim actives sound compressed and they do in humbuckers I dont really hear compression in my tele active EMG single coil set.

[@BK-ht2cp]

@@zarlodious1 I agree, everybody says they are compressed but I don't hear that. If you listen to the clean country licks that Matt 4 guitar is playing, the EMGs smoke the passives for percussive cluck and twang. Its that 'Bakersfield' sound. I use EMG S pickups for R&B and Reggae [which includes rock] and they are so versatile. Really beautiful clean tones!

[@zarlodious1]

@@BK-ht2cp yeah man I went with Fender Hot Noiseless in my strat and really regretting not going with the EMG S instead but $300 ouch already paid that for the pickguard loaded Hot Noiseless

[@terryshrives8322]

I really wanted to like emg, but they do seem thinner and lack the tone in comparison

[@jeffbeliew6568]

Passive pickups hands down for my ears

[@DisturbedVette]

Active seem to have more of a 'DI' sound for lack of a better description, perhaps with more of a 'pop' to it (this is the crappiest description ever) Both are great, just different and possibly cater to different styles and/or preferences Edit: I might be biased because I play metal on a single coil-ish tele (noiseless), but man the passives through gain beat the crap out of those EMGs.

[@_mysilentblue2227]

You really need to run the EMG's with more than 9v, they open right up. There are mods for 18v (2x9v) or the 24v that uses the same sing 9v battery size but at 24v.

[@_mysilentblue2227]

@Halli Day I'm just referring to the sound. With 9v they sound flat and boring kinda sterile. Someone sells a battery holder that fits a regular 9v cavity but holds 2 little round 12v batteries. If you look it up on youtube you'll hear what i'm talking about. To me it's really a no brainer for like $25 you greatly improve the sound of your $200 pickups. I dint think they get louder but more rich and lively sounding.

[@_mysilentblue2227]

@Halli Day It's been awhile but they seemed clearer, just like a more real sounding pickup. Not more or less of anything just nicer.

[@User-DeathFromAbove]

Hey dude do you have a link to the converter? Thanks man

[@jenniferthompson9441]

To get the best sound from emg U have to run them with a 24 volt mod switch

[@andrewdenine1685]

Set those actives up rite bud also I've got these in both strats but ones got a rosewood fingerboard and the sound it's so different it's crazy

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Hi man! Thanks for the comment! I can assure you that the actives were set "the highest was possible"...on the other hand, the Fender's were set a bit too high and now I've lowered them a little bit. Anyway, pickups are a huge part of the sound but are ONE of the components...woods, construction, etc are important as well.

[@slodziak222222]

I like bridge active

[@steveworth544]

passive for me

[@MatteoFarindolini]

We agree, man!

[@bodichair]

The overall sound quality for my ears has to go with the active pickups.

[@phenixreturns]

i think i will stay with not EMG pickups :)

[@marianoruiz7000]

really uncomfortable noise, fix it

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Thanks for the idea.

[@echosynthe5i5]

@@MatteoFarindolini waves x-click

[@martinemesguitar]

Sounds like something in the mix was too loud maybe. Shame about the crackle sounds.

[@destubae3271]

EMGs just sacrifice too much imo. They do sound good with gain

[@Hidetaka2896]

passive is better for me

[@MatteoFarindolini]

We agree man!

[@Holden-C.]

Passive

[@nsc217]

Passive 100x nicer... Crisper, more snap, more bell like

[@johannalvarsson9299]

because their files are louder... if you match the volume, it`s the other way around, exept for the snap.

[@nisiyosinori]

active

[@TonyLondonUk]

Just purchased a wonderful 60th anniversary strat unfortunately it has the EMG pups I can honestly say I don’t like them There’s something fake about them not an authentic sound, I have ordered the original vintage pups they will be coming out in 2 days time, the previous owner was a metal player hence those emg’s great video ty

[@rottarot4750]

I have one with EMG it’s such a great guitar but it needs a different tone setting. I had a weird feeling when in the beginning but got use to it and learned how to use it . It’s very versatile O get all the tones such as time , shine on your crazy diamond, the wall . The volume knob is different than the regular fender . The knob is a boost . Try to close the tone and set the volume on 7

[@_mysilentblue2227]

Both of you guys need to try the 24v mod before ditching them.

[@TonyLondonUk]

@@rottarot4750 I did replace my Mia emgs with the originals it once had, sounds amazing love it, so those Emg that was laying around was added to a modern player HSS it wasn’t doing it for me, so replaced with emg-sa & it sounds amazing the guitar has changed completely, never like it before but it fits this modern player silver burst Job done happy!

[@finoroverato7640]

EJ!

[@jesussavesrick]

Audio for EMG's is so drastically low, pitiful comparison.

[@MatteoFarindolini]

It could seem that EMGs were set low, but I can assure you that they were set "the highest was possible"... On the other hand, the Fender's were set a bit too high and now I've lowered them a little bit.

[@phenixreturns]

cold-vs bright ok

[@elfieborimera3178]

How could the stock pickups be twice as loud as a 9 Volt Battery this is why I never listen to KZbin

[@yahaguitars]

класс

[@MuriMorello]

what happened with the audio? did u notice that bra?

[@MatteoFarindolini]

Hi, what are you talking about specifically?

[@MuriMorello]

@@MatteoFarindolini word clock audio problem

[@dans.8198]

@@MatteoFarindolini I think they refer to the continuous clicks in the audio. It happens with both guitars. It’s annoying but does not affect the result of your very interesting comparison.

[@key.server_up]

Registrazione difettosa, test inattendibile, valutazione impossibile, peccato, un gran lavoro ma sprecato al 100%, come può sfuggire un difetto del genere in un lavoro di questi?!.. : La registrazione Audio ha un fruscio pizzichio costante.. Sia nel test dei pickup Attivi che passivi.. Ciò comporta un fallo che rende il test Non Valutabile.. Da cosa è dato? Dai pickup? Dalla chitarra? Dalla messa a terra dell'impianto? Alla fine c'è un difetto di massa onnipresente e non si può distinguere un suono dall'altro nel test dei pickup active Vs passive. Gran peccato Ma anche un grave errore di progetto, tanto da rendere tutto il lavoro vano, Peccato, ma non è accettabile..,

[@jesussavesrick]

Trash comparison. You need the spc and exg knobs also. The EMG’s would put these the shame if you had all the correct functionality of the current DG20 set.

[@checkm8852]

The EMGs are too sterile sounding. The EJs are more organic and truer to the strat tone. Its nice but gotta say EJ is the winner

[@_mysilentblue2227]

Look up EMG 24v mod, and you'll hear an amazing difference. I agree they sound flat and sterile until tuned.

[@bertonedes]

No one except Gilmour funs and metal guys buys active pickups😂 They are “cold” and so “2D” in comparison to passive alnicos.

[@chrissguitarshow206]

Wrong

[@bertonedes]

@@chrissguitarshow206 maybe im wrong, but i sold my DG 20 , and buy a prewired vintage fender Noiseless, an im pretty happy now!