Easy no soldering EMG 81/85 pickup installation Zakk Wylde signature series

[@hemipirate]

I'm glad I found this. I'm about to tackle this very same project with an Epiphone LP and EMG Het Set! Thanks for your clear and detailed work!

[@darkbensen]

Nice!!! Best of luck!

[@EHou01]

How'd it go? I just picked up a Het Set. Not sure which guitar to put it in though. :(

[@Thecoolman1]

@@EHou01I just picked up a Het Set in black chrome, gonna put it in an Mx250 replica

[@seththebosss8599]

I don't even plan on putting EMGs in my current guitar. I just watched all the way to the end because this video is relaxing.

[@darkbensen]

That's awesome! Thanks @SethTheBoss!

[@eternalfiretv7768]

@@darkbensen hello sir i find emg moded guitar but idk if the pickups are original

[@andrewpalmer8433]

Hey, articulate & patient install. Thank you from a guy who had still considered electronics as voodoo.

[@AvnerRosenstein-ULTRA-LXV]

I did this on my ESP and it was extremely easy. I actually got the tele 3 way switch which is also solderless....it removes the need for that buss terminal. It sounds really great!

[@jeremyorosco9153]

I just want to say thank you very much for this video. I successfully installed my EMGs without any problems thanks to this video.

[@darkbensen]

That is AWESOME! Congrats on the install!

[@bdogjr7779]

Wow🎸《☆》Nice work. I had a sunburst Hohner LP. I bought New in 1979 along with a Gretch mini Lead 50 watt amp & Morley PWF Wah pedal. I wish I'd kept that rig. I'm thinking about putting EMGs in an Epiphone LP. I'll have to listen to some clean sounds to see if it's what I want. I remember playing one of the Epiphone Bullsey EMG LPs years ago at Georges music but I there was something I didn't like about it✌🏼😎☯️

[@darkbensen]

Nice! Well, I hope it all works out the way you want. Cheers!

[@larryklein9613]

I replaced Jackson’s stock humbuckers with the EMG ZW on a King V and the wires to the jack weren’t long enough. I took it to Guitar Center and they were able to extend the wires and buttoned it up for me but an easy install.

[@MR3JOBS]

Awesome video, 7yrs later it helped me

[@darkbensen]

So glad!! And thanks for the comment!

[@williamdougie6213]

Great video. I really enjoyed watching it. I'm no guitar expert but I think all newer guitars should have this wiring or something similar.

[@darkbensen]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!

[@davidborghesi]

awesome video mate, clear and very accurate, i will follow it for my EMG installation, thank you.

[@darkbensen]

Thanks man! I hope your installation goes well! I'm still LOVING these pickups!

[@davidborghesi]

i will update you about...;)

[@darkbensen]

Perfect! By the way, what kind of guitar are you putting these pickups in?

[@davidborghesi]

+darkbensen gibson lp studio 😃 extreme pickups on vintage guitar.

[@darkbensen]

It's going to be freaking AWESOME!!

[@yavuzcanerbaysal2208]

This guys knows his job, amazing video man! Also great playing though.

[@darkbensen]

Hey +Yavus Erbaysal, thanks for the great comment!

[@UK-iy5hn]

Hey thanks for the great tutorial, I was t sure if I could pull it off, I tried it and it worked like a charm, thanks again.

[@darkbensen]

+Arizona Railfaning That is AWESOME!!! Thanks for the comment! I'm so glad to hear it worked out for you!

[@UK-iy5hn]

darkbensen whats the name of that guitar you have?

[@darkbensen]

+Arizona Railfaning The guitar I'm using is an awesome 1977 Hohner HG-430LP which I've had for YEARS! It's been a great guitar! :)

[@mikeq7096]

just did this also to my studio... messed up buy pulling to hard on jack wire but one will be here tomorrow to complete.. went with new toggle and all.. along with my locking kluson tuners the only Gibson bits are the bridge..

[@stenmark2235]

I HAVE THE SAME SET UP AS WELL... You have an incredible OUTPUT.... Thankyou for sharing.!

[@darkbensen]

Thanks for the comment!

[@alexandre8014]

crazy man congratulation nice video......we rockkkkkk

[@WyldeTymes70]

Where do you put the wires for the existing toggle switch ?

[@pregnantwonder]

thats what I came to see too

[@DeweyNovak]

Great video man, thank you for this upload.

[@darkbensen]

+Ainu lindalë Thank YOU for the awesome comment!!!

[@JP-oj8qf]

Man! You're awesome. Tnx for sharing this instructional video👍

[@darkbensen]

+Jake Pasco I just realized I never thanked you for this GREAT comment! THANKS! I appreciate it!

[@darkbensen]

+Jake Pasco Thanks for the awesome comment!

[@Opry99er]

Nice video.... give that fretboard a good cleaning!! Don't wash it, just scrape the grime off and wipe with a damp cloth. :) You'll retain the good oils in the wood but get all that dead skin and filth off. It will increase the life expectancy of that beautiful instrument.

[@Face_Of_Freedom]

thank you for the video! very informative! she sounds great!

[@darkbensen]

Thanks so much!

[@phillyhank8726]

Excellent job But unfortunately you skipped the part with the toggle switch like which color goes where on the green section in the bus. Please help

[@kentucky1519]

I have a guitar with a master volume and master tone could I still do this if I just use two of the pots

[@darkbensen]

I think so. But I’m not 100% sure since I’ve never done it. I’d Google it and see what comes up…. Good luck! And Lemme know how it goes.

[@tonis5637]

Im installing active pickups, and i bought a new 3 way switch, the old one was 5 way.. do i need to ground my switch somewhere?

[@nighthawk9532]

Awesome I love it, it’s easy gonna buy a few

[@xdx2653]

hello Bruce Willis :)

[@darkbensen]

+minos matsas HA! Too funny!

[@xdx2653]

+darkbensen i didnt said that to insult you bro but you look like him peace

[@darkbensen]

+XDX Dude! I totally took it as a compliment!! :)

[@xdx2653]

+darkbensen ok nice then did you use long shaft pot or short? i have a les paul ltd ec1000 but it have thick body and i dont know what shaft i must use :(

[@xdx2653]

+XDX it have sd jb/59 but i feel them weak :(

[@gerardovalenciamunoz7875]

Bruce Willis rock on !!

[@lancehunter7938]

I didn't know Bruce Willis could shred! Awesome!

[@darkbensen]

LOL!

[@glytch5]

If you only want a bridge pickup, and no tone just one volume, can you do this without the goofy terminal board?

[@QuintalandaQuarter]

Thank you! This was extremely useful!

[@QuintalandaQuarter]

I dare say that your video was better than the ones from EMGTv 😂🤘🏼

[@nothingorafsdlfm]

Thanks for the tutorial!

[@JesseLeeKing]

I appreciate you explaining which way to raise the pickups for 🔥 and measurements you had yours because that's what I was trying to find out. I just got a demmelition fury with emg the action was way off and so was neck and everything. Which I've never done luthier work so I'm learning now lol. The toggle switch is loose too and I'm not sure how to tighten that shit.

[@JesseLeeKing]

Oh yeah but I seen Phil demmel had both his pickups all the way down and thought that was weird so I was wondering since everything else is off on this guitar maybe my pickups are too lol

[@darkbensen]

JesseLeeKing thanks for your comments, and good luck on your pick up installation!

[@darkriff777]

What happens if you want to connect to a Schecter C1 that only has space for 2 knobs instead of 4?

[@jackgrant4795]

DPM i went to the emg website and you can get a buss for that type of set up, i have a ec 10 same issue, only two knobs(volume and tone) but i also have a les paul, so thats why im watching this...lol

[@jonathananthony1901]

DPM you don't need any special bus, the one that comes the Zakk Wylde set will still work. You just have to follow the included instructions for a 2 knob set up.

[@jackgrant4795]

Jonathan Anthony awesome thanks, sorry dpm, we both just got schooled

[@jonathananthony1901]

Jack Grant. No worries! I've installed this set in about 6 different guitars over the years. Some with a 4 knob set up, and some with 2. With the solderless system it's a great way to break into modding your guitar!

[@coldasice231]

do u connect the 3 way switch that there is on the guitar when you have emg pickups somewhere and if yes where?

[@LeeKirkman88]

That a Marshall VS100 i see? Great amps.

[@AdamYoudell]

Try switching them around sometime the 85 does very well in the bridge

[@user-gj2qb8de1e]

how did you do the pickup selector? what happened with the wire?

[@dragnasty540]

Great video!

[@darkbensen]

Robert Lebeck Thanks man!

[@mrc942]

I detect a hint of Zakk Wylde.

[@hollowpoint3188]

Do they run off a 9 volt battery?

[@darkbensen]

Yep

[@SkvvintZ]

neck and bridge position work, but middle position( both at the same time) wont work. what could be the problem? all wires are placed correctly

[@darkbensen]

It may take a bit of trial and error. If you refer to my video at 9:20 thru 9:40 I show the portion of the selector bus where you need to put the wires in that come from your selector switch. Hopefully your ground is black and can go into the black portion of the bus. And if you can identify which wire is the neck and which is the bridge pickup, that would be great. But if you cannot verify, then it will take a small bit of trial and error. (Or, even if you know exactly which wires are which, you may still need to make your best guess, insert the wires into the bus, tighten them down, plug in your guitar, play a bit, move the selector switch to each different position, and if it's wrong move the wires around, and repeat until you get it right.) In my case, all my wires were gray. So, I numbered each one and drew out a chart with all the combinations of 3. So, that made only 6 possible ways the 3 wires could connect. I was INCREDIBLY lucky, as I got it right on my FIRST try! Hopefully this additional info is helpful. Good luck!

[@JuanLega]

Ghost Relic your switch, maybe.

[@HigherEnergy]

what about installed emg's back to the original? i'm getting a used les paul custom with emg's installed, they come with the originals. but i want to set the guitar back to its original state.

[@wade_pisani]

Is there a diagram for two pickups one tone and one vol and switch?

[@wade_pisani]

MostlyLost cheers 🤙🏻

[@stokesjoshua2007]

did you skip the selector switch hook up?

[@rockinrendell]

i didn't see it, so i guess he did skip that part. kind of crucial wouldn't you say ?!

[@CJ_YT.]

Those emgs look sleek as hell on your guitar

[@darkbensen]

Every once in a while I feel like I "bastardized" the guitar by not sticking with the original "look" of shiny/chrome lookin' gold hardware. But, I agree. I love the look! And I LOVE the sound. So, I'm good. LOL! Thanks for the comment!

[@LunchBXcrue]

How is this done exactly with an ibanez RG series with only two knobs instead of the 4 on here?

[@albertolara3817]

It comes with different set up instructions/wire diagrams for different styles and different combinations (vol/tone/tone, vol/vol/tone/tone, vol/vol/tone, etc) it comes with 4 pots and you just use what you need from it

[@keepitsharp-x4s]

why didnt you show the selector switch wiring part?? wouldnt this be a step in your step by step?

[@wazupwazid]

Great Video !!

[@tomflake6141]

I didn't see the selector switch connection. Just wondering.

[@darkbensen]

+Tom Flake , thanks for the comment! I actually can't believe you're only the second to mention the wiring of the selector switch. It's the biggest "hole" of my video. :( I realized after putting this video together that I neglected to say a ton about it. So, lemme give some additional info: If you refer to my video at 9:20 thru 9:40 I show the portion of the selector bus where you need to put the wires in that come from your selector switch. Hopefully your ground is black and can go into the black portion of the bus. And if you can identify which wire is the neck and which is the bridge pickup, that would be great. But if you cannot verify, then it will take a small bit of trial and error. (Make your best guess, insert the wires into the bus, tighten them down, plug in your guitar, play a bit, move the selector switch to each different position, and then adjust as needed.) In my case, all my wires were gray. So, I numbered each one and drew out a chart with all the combinations of 3. So, that made only 6 possible ways the 3 wires could connect. I was INCREDIBLY lucky, as I got it right on my FIRST try! Hopefully this additional info is helpful. Good luck!

[@tomflake6141]

+darkbensen Thank you so much. I ordered the Zakk Wylde emg's and the selector switch was the only question mark for me. I guess it really is a solderless system.

[@darkbensen]

+Tom Flake NICE! I hope this video helps you get it installed correctly when it arrives! Good luck!

[@tombrown4074]

Could I still do this if my guitar only has 3 control nobs instead of 4? Would I be able to just leave out one of the tone controls for example. Also do the pick ups have to be mounted on pick up rings like that as mine doesn't have them? Love the vid by the way

[@aakaashbulani9237]

Thanks for making this video man,,,,,,,

[@adriancs35]

Can this set be installed in a Epihone LP Special 2, it has only 2 control switches.

[@xerospacious4024]

MAKE ANOTHER HOLE :D, or just dont use all of the switches :P

[@ILLRICARDO]

is there any measurements for pickup height??

[@darkbensen]

Hey +snake, thanks for hitting me up on this question. The closer the pickups are to the strings, the "hotter" or more intense they are. Typically, guitars are built with the bridge pickup closer to the strings for that hot, bright, crisp sound. In my installation, I settled in at about 1/8 of an inch distance between my bridge pickup and the strings. And, typically, guitars are built with the neck pickup a little further away to get that warm, fat, mellower sound. In my installation, I settled in at about 1/4 or an inch distance between my neck pickup and the strings. But, you may want to be closer or further away on both pickups depending on your tastes in tone. You could maybe start at these measurements (1/4 for the neck and 1/8 for the bridge) and then adjust to how you like it to sound. If you refer to my video at 22:30 thru 23:15, you see the part where I describe this. Let me know if you have more questions! Thanks again for the comment!

[@darkbensen]

+snake Hey man! Sorry I missed this question for 3 whole months... Anyway... If you refer to the video from 22:34 to 23:19, you'll see the part where I talk about pickup height. So, my bridge pickup is about 1/8 in. from the strings. And my neck pickup is about 1/4 in. away from the strings. However, this is going to vary from guitar to guitar. Basically, you should install your strings and play the guitar. Listen for the tone. If the tone you're getting is too hot, then you'll want to lower the pickup back into the body of the guitar a ways. If it's not hot enough, then you'll want to raise it up toward the strings. But since I'm so late in responding, you've probably already figured this out. I hope you're good to go!

[@ripley4726]

do you have to change the pots when installing EMGs.. is it necessary

[@BRIXMASTER6600]

So are you letting the battery just sit in the back?

[@darkbensen]

+BRIXMASTER6600 Hey, thanks for hitting me up with this question. Yet another "hole" in my video... LOL! So, I ended up putting a small piece of foam padding (that came with the pickups) into the back to help the battery fit snug-ly and not move around. With the cover plate on, it's working perfectly.

[@BRIXMASTER6600]

+darkbensen ok thank you very much!! I was thinking about getting the het set for my epiphone sg and this video really helped make my decision!!!

[@darkbensen]

+BRIXMASTER6600 Freakin' sweet! Good luck on the installation!! I'm sure they're going to sound fantastic!

[@darkbensen]

+BRIXMASTER6600 Yep. I have some foam in there that keeps it snug.

[@ThrasherDge]

Hey man, can these be used on a guitar that has 1 tone and 1 volume control? Do I just not use the other volume and tone parts that come with the set or? Thanks for your video, very informative.

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

Yes I have EMGs 81neck & 85bridge installed on my cheap Ibanez GRX270 & it sounds awesome, cheap crappy guitars with cheap crappy pickups that PLAY FEEL & INTONATION is great - install some quality pickups & SHAZAM! Garbage sound to great sound without spending a gazillion. That said, generally speaking, cheap guitars are not good & good guitars are not cheap, I've only been playing for 43 years so don't take what I say as gospel just honest experienced advice. Cheers peace & respect - AC/DC4EVA!

[@sofberet8888]

@@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912 43!!!

[@niranjanrkumar]

6mm for the neck pickup? isnt that a bit too low?

[@darkbensen]

It's all personal preference, my brother. Just adjust it up and down depending on what pleases YOUR ear. :)

[@michaelcosta7235]

How did you get short shaft pots?

[@UK-iy5hn]

what kind of pedal is that next to the wah pedal?

[@darkbensen]

+Arizona Railfaning The cream colored one is an MXR Fet Driver overdrive pedal and the yellow one is an MXR Micro Chorus pedal.

[@qwertpain]

And the ampis marshall 8100 😊 same as mine 😁

[@justinb3619]

They don't need a capacitor on the tone?

[@ShortFingeredShreder]

Not for EMG's solderless system. The capacitors are within the pots.

[@YournamesTOBY]

Sweet now just to go out and buy the pickups hehe.

[@darkbensen]

+Mike Tobias Good luck!

[@YournamesTOBY]

Hehe Thanks.

[@davidartinger4180]

+darkbensen Scratch that question! Lol I should have read all of the comments before asking. Got my answer! Again I thank you for this awesome video. Gonna get a set for my Schecter Omen 7! ImI

[@davidartinger4180]

Hey man! Awesome tutorial video. I do have one question though. These are obviously active pickups so did you just store the battery pack in the wiring area? Is that safe?

[@myamarana69]

almost Zakk Wylde hahah ;) nice video, keep it up!

[@darkbensen]

+Zvonimir Tomić Thanks for the amazing comment! Although I know I don't even compare to ArchBishop +Zakk Wylde ! :)

[@darkbensen]

+Zvonimir Tomić Thanks man!!

[@Disabledguitarist1985]

A+ tutorial

[@steelsteel9877]

hello~ Is the grounder from the toggle switch available?

[@akoscsato2191]

Awesome video! But I did not see that what did you do with the pickup selector? Where did you connect it?

[@darkbensen]

+Ákos Csató Hey, I altered the description of the video to include the answer to your question (since multiple people have asked the same thing over the past year or so.) I hope it answers your question. Thanks!

[@MusicMike939]

You didn't really show wiring up the switch. Is is metric? I can't get my switch to work. I am on my 5th one now.

[@darkbensen]

+Lingerffxi , thanks for the comment! I actually can't believe you're the first to mention the wiring of the selector switch. It's the biggest "hole" of my video. :( I realized after putting this video together that I neglected to say a ton about it. So, lemme give some additional info: If you refer to my video at 9:20 thru 9:40 I show the portion of the selector bus where you need to put the wires in that come from your selector switch. Hopefully your ground is black and can go into the black portion of the bus. And if you can identify which wire is the neck and which is the bridge pickup, that would be great. But if you cannot verify, then it will take a small bit of trial and error. (Make your best guess, insert the wires into the bus, tighten them down, plug in your guitar, play a bit, move the selector switch to each different position, and then adjust as needed.) In my case, all my wires were gray. So, I numbered each one and drew out a chart with all the combinations of 3. So, that made only 6 possible ways the 3 wires could connect. I was INCREDIBLY lucky, as I got it right on my FIRST try! Hopefully this additional info is helpful. Good luck!

[@MusicMike939]

+darkbensen I have them all connected correctly. I think the switch is bad. I currently was able to set it up in a 3 knob 2 pickup setup. Now both pickups work if I change the volume. It is not ideal but at least it works. Getting new switch soon.

[@darkbensen]

+Lingerffxi Nice! You're getting there! Lemme know how it goes when you get the new selector switch!

[@phillynott795]

EMG 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@renatovalencia3501]

Thank you man

[@jackgrant4795]

Lmfao..... Damn it was built in the year i was born, 41 years old and looks amazing(just like me...lol) beautiful girl brother!

[@darkbensen]

LOL! Hilarious!

[@flyme2themoon720]

Whats the weight on that guitar..i see why its a lawsuit..

[@darkbensen]

Good question. I’ll have to check and get back to you

[@conchtavious]

hell yeah

[@JuanLega]

man that fretboard needs a good cleaning. good video tho, I like the guitar.

[@darkbensen]

Thanks man!

[@starbattles1]

wicked!

[@ZachKateAda]

I have a LTD KH Demonology and want to put in 2 red Emg 81s so I can have a tribute to Richard from Rammstein and Kirk from Metallica. I also have Richards red strap.

[@darkbensen]

Nice! Sounds like a great project! Best of luck!

[@ggc1624]

My dad can´t shred for sh1t. Nice job!

[@darkbensen]

gg Carter LOL! Too funny! But I bet your Dad is awesome at other things. This did make me laugh though!

[@RavenMadd9]

77- 81

[@matiasgonzalez8457]

Genial!!!!

[@darkbensen]

Muchas gracias!

[@nathanbarth7909]

Screw this I'm afraid I will ruin or cut the wring wires. This just confirmed I will be letting a shop do this for me lol

[@davidborghesi]

i hope so :p

[@unknownrecords176]

Its looks like the serial started with 73, I bet its a 1973 model.

[@darkbensen]

You know, that might be a good theory! Thanks for the insight! If my serial number is 73031, I wonder if my guitar was the 31st guitar made in 1973...

[@unknownrecords176]

It is usually year 73, month 03, 31 week. That's how guitars and amps and pedals are usually dated. It looks old to me so I wouldn't be surprised if it was a 1973 era. Nice shape though, they sure don't make guitars like this anymore.

[@RedEyedPatriot]

Mmmm hmmmm 😂 gotta love the babies

[@jambertin54]

You pretty much just copied the install video from emg's youtube. Good video though unless I have a single push pull pot that controls volume/tone and is a pickup selector switch all in one....which I do Lol

[@blindcrawler1]

Good video, but dude needs to speak above a mumble. I get it, at home and sometimes can't speak all that loud, but there are points in this video where his mumbles aren't even as loud as his background music.

[@fly69doc]

Hey nice video! What would i have to do differently if it was a left handed? Im installing emg in my LP studio right now and something went wrong cause i got static noice when i select my pickups

[@heerollie447]

Hello, i have a Gibson Flying-V from 2001 with passive humbuckers. can i install active EMG 81/85 into it? my Flying-V has just 3 potentiometer holes and the EMG 81/85 has 4 potentiometers.

[@UnleashedArtTattooGoettingen]

This set offers different set ups. A 2 potentiometer (volume & tone), a 3 potentiometer (Mastervolume, bridgetone, necktone) and the shown 4 potentiometer set up

[@mrc942]

I detect a hint of Zakk Wylde.

[@darkbensen]

Thanks +Phil! But you're TOO kind! If I could play half as good as Father Zakk, I could RULE THE WORLD! LOL!