Gibson Les Paul - EMG Pickups: No More Crackle!

Fix Your "Gibson Crackle" Problem: A Review Of A Gibson Les Paul With EMG Pickups Installed.

[@Wargasm644]

So refreshing to see an older guy playing EMG’s and enjoying what metal players have enjoyed for a long time. Quiet and articulate pickups. There are great passive pickups out there as well. But once you’ve played EMG’s, your expectations and requirements certainly become more demanding. Good job, nice video .

[@michaelkerr8465]

Just a note Wargasm644, ALL THE METAL GUYS who enjoyed those emg pickups back in the 80s and 90s are old guys now. Same guys :) I bought mine in 1990. Still enjoying them. All old guys are newly old, just the other day they were the young guys pioneering EMGs :). I like your comment, it is nice to see an older guy enjoying the EMGs.

[@noahchasinguitar5831]

EMG’s came out in the early 80’s I think.. Many old guys played them first lol

[@gtrmusic69]

"...man..."

[@CagedPaps]

@@noahchasinguitar5831 Their first active pickup (58) was released in the late 70s... It's these young guys like Wargasm644 that have since started to use them for metal.

[@JeffB-hf9rb]

@@CagedPaps Just an observer, but good history lesson. I learned when I first asked about 7+ string guitars. I thought "just metal" as well. But I suppose the particular set has been extremely common for metal. Now were they made for metal in mind? It's quite possible since several guitar players have their own signature version. But this is also combined with the fact that the #1 guitar they do that too, especially those with signature versions, are Gibron Les Pauls as well, or the ESP Eclipse(also often a signature version) which is their version of a Les Paul copy, but a high end one.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Based on e-mails I've received, I want to clear up an area of possible confusion. The points covered in this video are intended to address and help those players who have invested in a Gibson Les Paul but now have a difficult time keeping it in tune. It then goes on to say what can be done about those problems. Some are under the mistaken impression that I'm suggesting they buy the guitar, then make upgrades to the hardware. I myself might do that but at least I'm going into it with the full knowledge of what to expect with a Gibson Les Paul. Some have asked the question, why buy one in the first place if it is known to have issues? The answer for me is that in spite of the need (IMHO) to upgrade the bridge, pickups and tuners, it is an otherwise outstanding guitar. The neck either feels right in your hand or it doesn't. The body either feels right when you hold it or it doesn't. Those factors plus the bound neck and the fact that I want to support a USA company do it for me. I realize what these guitars cost vs imports and USA Fenders but I'm willing to pay it to have what I consider to be the quality in the areas I mentioned. By the way, I have owned many USA Fenders including a customized Tele I now have. If you would like to make civil, rational comments, feel free. Those who post vitriolic, argumentative comments, especially those using foul language will be deleted. Peace. BH

[@mbrothers123]

Hey man just wanted to say, NICE playing. Your jazzy playing sounds soo relaxing

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks dude! I appreciate it. I have free TABS available plus I give instruction via Skype if you have an interest. All the best to you and yours!

[@mbrothers123]

Can I get the tabs for 8:55 to 10:10? Or a piece similar to those that you played with the middle pickup position and neck pickup? My email is [e-mail]

[@mbrothers123]

Thanks SO much

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

I don't have the TAB developed for the part of the video you asked about but I'll get right to it. It shouldn't be too difficult. I appreciate your patience. BH

[@Mindartcreativity]

Cool to see that you appreciate the benefits of active EMG pickups. Many people associate EMGs with Metal and heavy Rock tones and would never ever put them on a Gibson Les Paul, but your set sounds really good for the jazzy finger picking stuff.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Mind., Art. Creativity., Many don't realize the EMG makes pickups for a nice, clean sound but evidently you do! All the best, BH

[@JeffB-hf9rb]

Never put them in a Les Paul? It seems Les Paul and ESP Eclipses(high end LP clone) are like the most common. Zack Wilde is the most obvious, and thousands more. But I suppose if you aren't a metal fan you probably wouldn't know that. Les Pauls in general are very common in metal. What you won't see a whole lot of, but occasionally and with a humbucker in the bridge is a Stratocaster. You'd likely never see a telecaster, but I'm sure there are a few.

[@Millo1868]

Those EMG's actually sound great. Wow, I did NOT expect exactly that tone. Thanks for your tips as well. What amplification are you using? I'd still want an LP with PAF's but that sounds great.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Millo! The amp is a Fred Flintstone special ... oldie but a goodie ... Peavey XR600F powered mixer. Thanks for your comments. Please subscribe to my KZbin channel! All the best to you and yours! BH

[@dezionlion]

It’s an electric guitar not an acoustic,. “Crackle Okay” if you know what I mean. It’s gonna buzz and hum a little somewhere.

[@carlwilson4375]

The EMG pickups sound great.

[@MrJackal43]

It’s not just Metal Heads that like the EMG’s! Nice playing!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Supreme Commander of the Solarverse!

[@misterblack6521]

wow! sir your playing is like butter.😁

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Patrick! Please subscribe to my KZbin channel! All the best to you and yours! BH

[@cugir321]

The tape does work. I had the problem with a LP Jr.....pick guard was terrible with crackle. Taped up the back of pick guard with a ground .....quieted it right down. Drier sheets do work too but leave a sticky coating which is irritating....lasts about a day. Those pickups do have great clean tones. I hate that a guitar company, that sells somewhat high end stuff, would not address the tuners and bridge out of the factory. That's why Gibson is on the verge of extinction. I just reworked a 50.00 Monoprice Rt 66 Les Paul copy which plays as well as any 3k LP. ( a major feat considering Chinese manufacturing) I know you said the nut did not solve your tuning problems but I've seen many a cheap set of tuners act exceptional well after taking a long time to fine tune a nut. You need magnification and good light. The slots have to be perfectly smooth and symmetrical. Yes quality tuners are the icing on the cake but not always the absolute answer. A good set of Japanese nut files are worth their weight in gold. I heard Paul Reed Smith say "There isn't much difference between a 100.00 guitar and a 3000.00 one." Mostly craftsmanship. Gibson doesn't even give you that on a lot of their stuff.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

I appreciate your opinions to which of course you certainly are entitled. You make some good points. For me, when it's all said and done I ask myself: When I play my guitar, after the changes I have made, do I think about the dollars I put out or do I think about how the guitar plays and feels in my hands? In other words, do I get satisfaction out of it? I can say that I don't think about the dollars. I just want an instrument that sounds good, feels good and stays in tune. Would I do it again? No need to. I've already done it and don't need any more Les Paul's. I've got plenty as it is. I just thought I would demonstrate to others some of the things they could do to their LP's if they felt that they had invested a lot of money in their guitars and had no answers as to why they had crackle or tuning problems. I was trying to provide a service to the guitar playing community. I'm glad you've found a solution to your crackle problem. I have a different guitar (Peavey T-60, a collector's item, similar to a Strat) that doesn't have a crackle problem but does need to have the cavities shielded. I'm going to use the shielding paint from Stew-Mac to coat the cavities. It takes 3 coats and I want to do it in the summer in the garage. Way too cold out there in the winter now. I intend to get the shielding adhesive foil for the back of the pick guard, then connect them together electrically. All the best to you in your guitar playing endeavors. BH

[@InsomniacMatt]

I've always loved the sound of EMG pickups on a good clean channel. (bonus points for tasteful chorus)

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks InsomniacMatt for your nice words and for watching my videos! All the best, BH

[@ccwhiskey]

Nice demo , have the emg hetfield signature set in my 79 custom and it’s great clean and dirty , cheers !

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

ccwhiskey, thanks for your note! Sorry this is so late but great to hear from you. Sounds like you've found a combination of pickups that work for you and I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for watching and liking my video and for subscribing to my channel. Cheers right back at ya! All the best, BH

[@pipespeeps5349]

will the het quiet down the static? im looking to maybe buy a set, mostly for tonal reasons tho but my guitar is pretty noisy, more noisy than my other guitars

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

@@pipespeeps5349 Hello pipespeeps5349, sorry this is so late. That was my experience ... the EMG active pickups did not pickup noise like standard pickups, especially like single coil types do. One person suggested that the EMG's were very much like humbuckers ... muddy. That was not what I found ... I found them to have plenty of highs, mids and lows as they should have. Thanks for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel. All the best, Bobby H.

[@pipespeeps5349]

@@BobbyHoweGuitar im thinking a zakk wylde set or het set, the hum has bern driving me crazy ever since i got the guitar, do you have to change the toggle switch too?

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

@@pipespeeps5349 Hello! Sorry this is so late. No, you don't have to chance the toggle switch but there is some soldering required. The new wires must be soldered to the existing switch. Good luck with your changes. Thanks for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel. All the best, BH

[@williamcastleberry7338]

Thanks for the great video. I have a large hollowbody Washburn that has a lot of crackle. Mainly on the pickguard,. I think Im going to try the drier sheets.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks William! Thanks for watching!

[@SThom27]

I’ve been doing research to get my 2001 LP Studio back into good playing condition. I’ve been looking into new pickups. You’re literally the first person I’ve heard say EMG Active Pickups sound good. Everybody else says they sound “sterile”. But that guitar sounds great! I really appreciate your work here because while that’s not my style of playing, you addressed all the issues I’ve been having in a clear manner without any nonsense. Thanks for this!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello SThom27, thanks for the encouragement. My philosophy is that I want a clean sound coming out of the guitar. As you've already mentioned, I primarily play a clean sound with no embellishments except reverb, gating and EQ. I don't always play with a clean sound however, I do from time to time embellish my sound with my effects pedals. I can get any sound I want that way: crunch, distortion, overdrive, etc. So that's it: Clean first, embellish as needed. You can't go the other way: If you want a clean sound but your pickups are already set to give a shaped output, it can't be undone. At least, that's my takeaway on it. Those noiseless EMG's will surely help a player when they are playing at a venue with noisy lights, motors, etc. as well. Thanks for your nice words, keep playin' and all the best! BH

[@0000song0000]

what did you add (resistance?) for them to not be "too hot"? i have a Les Paul with EmG -Hz ( a la Zakk Wylde) but they are too hot, the sound distorts when I am on clean amp... i have to keep them on 4 on the volume knobs of the guitar

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Not sure about the Zack Wylde's ... no experience with them. I did not add anything, the installation was stock all the way. I hope this helps, BH

[@matdemaz]

Great guitar, man. I think I know this crackle you speak off. It has something to do with interference and the wiring in your house. We had a similar issue in a studio, where we had to stand on a certain spot to stop the hum/crackle, lol.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Mat. The issue I had with my guitars was both electrostatic and electromagnetic. This is the case for most people. Hum, buzz from fluorescent lights, neon lights, motors and from the electrostatic pickup from the guitar's finish. Active pickups from EMG eliminated all of that.

[@yetitrade1145]

Love that green.

[@deHelli]

Hello Bobby Howe, can you please enable the subtitles. Greetings from Germany.

[@Moby604]

Are those EMG active pick ups? You went that far on your Gibson? You should just buy a Schecter save you the trouble🤣🤣

[@Lifesworder]

I find it funny that he says copper shielding would have been too laborious and then goes through this whole diy process that's way more complicated. I guess once you get started you have to see it through :)

[@andrewbecker3700]

Most Les Paul's come with either outdated or just plain ugly tuners. I'm upgrading a new Les Paul custom silverburst with Gotoh magnum traditional locking keystone tuners, and the ZW EMG 81/85 kit. 85s going in the bridge and 81 in the neck. BTW its "only" an Epiphone! Bet it stays in tune, looks and sounds killer, and best of all, didn't cost $5k.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

None of mine cost $5k either.

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@BobbyHoweGuitar I think I'd most likely have some guitars in that price range if I was using them as tools to support myself financially? I commented on another channel just recently, on how it's my belief for many years electric guitar sales were mainly driven by brand loyalty and marketing/image. In the last maybe 5-10 years, alot of those ideals are starting to change with the massive influx of excellent high quality imports and sub-models being built. You can buy or build, what's in my opinion, a pro grade electric guitar for around $1000. Got the tuners on the silverburst last night and finalized the setup. Tonight she gets the EMG kit! Can't wait to hear how it'll sound clean. Keep mod'n!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

@@andrewbecker3700 Thanks ... yes, you make some good points. I don't really have a brand loyalty per se but I just know what has worked for me. I have or have had some Korean and Japanese guitars that were high quality. I play the Les Pauls I have now because I like them ... not because of brand loyalty. Thanks for the remarks. Best wishes, BH

[@joshualavigne8]

Hi, your video was beautiful... I don't have a les Paul but I do have a les Paul style guitar it's a greg bennett(don't know if you've heard of it)... tho it's not an expensive guitar I really love the feel of my guitars and yes I HAVE played high end expensive guitars... I can't thank you enough for the video you've made because I was facing the same problem and wanted to upgrade the hardware.. was going for a vibrant clean tone just like yours... but please explain the pickups, you said emg 60x/60ax set, so which ones are on the bridge and the neck?

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

JL, thanks for the nice words and for watching my videos! Please subscribe and click the thumbs up button. I have 4 LP's and with each one, the 60X is in the neck position and the 60AX is in the bridge position. These have served me well but I'm going to take one of the LP's and switch the pickups one for the other to see if there's a difference in the sound that I might like. EMG says it's a matter of preference for each player so we'll see what happens. Perhaps I'll make a video of it so others can make their own determination. Thanks again and best wishes, BH

[@PoJoWo]

@@BobbyHoweGuitar Hey Bobby hope you are keeping well. I often revisit these videos just to hear your wonderful playing. How did you get on with the swap around of the pickups? I have recently been gifted a box of EMGs. Thought I’d try some of them in one of my strats that is used for open slide tunings. I love the sound of the 58 but it is much louder and has more mids than the other models, the 60 blends much better with the strat models but is actually a good chunk brighter. I find I actually need to turn the tone down on the 60 and up on the singles believe it or not. If I could find a 60a I think it would blend much more easily. I experimented with the add on eq modules on my tele set but think the simplicity of a tone control works best for me. Take care and thank you in advance.

[@MouldyGuitars]

Nice simple idea for the battery holder in the backplate!! I wouldnt have thought of that

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Glad you like it! I hope this helps! BH

[@negolfman]

Thanks so much for demoing and playing the EMG pickups. Nice sounds very pleasing and I enjoyed the depth of bass and highs sounds of the pickups.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello negolfman! Thanks so much! Thanks also for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel. All the best to you and yours. BH

[@alexanderkostan2488]

Hey Mr. Howe, I just recently bought a Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute edition guitar that was made in 2021 and I decided to upgrade the pickups from the original Gibson pickups to the EMG active James “HET-SET” Hetfield pickups, the rhythm guitarist from Metallica and they are gunmetal chrome pickups and they have the feel and sound of a passive pickup in an active form, they made a huge difference in my Guitar’s sound quality and I am very pleased with it. I just wanted to share, my upgrade with you, they are hot pickups but they’re very compressed, great for heavy metal guitar, and it has a very clear clean tone which is also something I absolutely enjoy what I talk the switch to the rhythm section and I play solos it just sounds so beautiful. I’m glad that you switched your original Gibson electronics to EMG. Good choice. because once you know, what an EMG sounds like figuring out the right Guitar to put them in is the other obstacle, personally I play Les Paul because I absolutely love the shape and I love how comfortable and balanced this instrument is and it stays in tune, and I have the ivory Gibson tuners on it and it has never given me any problems. It stays in tune. I play a 52 through 11 set on my guitar. I play as low as drop C tuning and it stays in tune, and there’s no bow in the neck or anything. Just a perfectly great sounding guitar. They are great pickups, I highly recommend for anybody to try them. It’s all about personal preference, but I absolutely love them. Especially if I’m a fan of Metallica and James Hetfield, definitely something to check out. They may not be the traditional 81/60 said that he’s been known to play with since the late 80s/90s but his signature EMG set is definitely something to look into.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello @alexanderkostan2488 !! Sorry this is so late! It appears as though you've done lots of homework on you sound and guitar pickup situation. I'm glad to hear it. Thanks so much for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel. I hope you will like this video as well ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZPUiJSfitappc0 Thanks so much for contacting me and I wish you all the best! Best wishes, Bobby H

[@jimmyjimmy951]

I have the same issue with my 2016 LPS. Changed the whole harness, switch and jack plug. No fix. 🤬 All that’s left is the pickups. Reluctant to change them as It would be half the bloody guitar that was not cheap. Gibson have a moral compass that seems broken. Shielding option next stop. 🤬

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Jimmy, I understand about your reluctance to change pickups but a couple of points about that: 1. I don't know about your case but for me, the cost of the guitar was significantly more than the cost of new pickups. Roughly $2,500 for the guitar, $200 for the pickups. Not counted is the cost of my time to put them in which, since it's my guitar, one could argue that my time is free. So pickup cost vs guitar cost is about 8%. 2. One could also argue that enough was paid for the guitar, it should work properly and they would be right. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is contrary to that. The other side is that once the new pickups are installed, not only do they achieve a great tone but the guitar is quiet even to the point of not picking up noises from things like fluorescent lights and motors when playing out in different venues. 3. If it wasn't worth it to upgrade the pickups, I wouldn't have done it. I gather that much like you are, I had guitars in which I had invested that had inherent problems. I had two choices: Get rid of the guitars and take a loss or upgrade the pickups to fix the issue. I chose the latter. It's a case of weighing the benefits against the disadvantages. I think that the other qualities of the guitar (that is, the reasons for keeping it) make it worth it to upgrade the pickups. And by the way, my opinions are my own, no one pays me. 4. I "bit the bullet" and forked over the extra money to invest in the pickups. The issues with the Gibson crackle were no more. I hope that some of this is helpful to you and I would be interested in how you go forward as you do what you feel is necessary to remedy this situation. All the best, BH

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Bobby Howe Hi Bobby, Just a quick note to say I do agree with all your points as they are valid and as you rightly point out they are your guitars, your opinions and ultimately your decision to change components. At this point I have completely changed the wiring harness and decided to add the shielding to both cavities before going for the pickup change. The cost is not that much of an issue for me as the guitar was a gift from my wife so no matter what, it stays. Gibson do have to fix the broken moral compass as its unacceptable to allow what is a significant number of guitars to be sold with this problem. We will see what the future holds and it may well be a set of the EMG’s. All the best and stay safe in these uncertain times. 👍🇦🇺

[@baileypawsplays1047]

I purchased a new 2019 Gibson LP traditional for a really sweet deal. About $1500 before taxes. Beautiful guitar. Also I knew what I was getting into. I live in an older 1950s house with no ground wires. She hums like crazy if I don't touch the string or the bridge. Which is expected. Its working perfectly. I'm perfectly okay with the buzz. I love that classic sound of the stock pickups. Could get a power conditioner or a pedal like the Boss NS-2 to clean all that up. However on my other LP I went ahead and swapped out the stock ones for the Zakk Wylde EMG 81/85. They are as quite as a church mouse... ALL the time besides when you're actually playing. 0 buzz 0 static. That option gives guys that like to play a little more heavy metal some really "hot" outputs. On the clean channel its just as wow for blues and melody. She really crunches on some AC/DC on a marshall and with a Boss Metalzone pedal sky is the limit. You can play Cradle of Filth for days 🙃👍. This video is spot on how easy the EMG systems are to install. Do not fear it. The process is very straightforward and simple. Its a soilderless system and it works beautifully. The tips in this video are very helpful for not marring or damaging your guitars finish. If you guys are on the fence and want to get a more versatile sound pretty much from any LP guitar don't be scared to give this a go. The process is 100% reversible if you ever change your mind or wanna sell the guitar later down the line. I ❤ my EMG setup!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello Bailey, I couldn't have said it better myself! All the best, BH

[@garyjohnson627]

I have a strat and I also live in an older house. I got terrible pick up noise and decided to upgrade to emg also. I think they are great guitar pick ups.

[@Adam-vc1xl]

Damn the way you play is so great and such a nice clean sound

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Adam for your nice words and thanks for watching my videos! All the best, BH

[@josephkingston9252]

After playing a few songs, I take a penny or nickle, touch each terminal pickup screw, then guitar plays louder and clearer, it bleeds off the stactic. Before retiring I was a welder and when building these large wind towers we had to weld for hours on thick thick Steel and the Arc of the mig welders that we had to use would become unstable erratic and it would dance around instead of being stable but when we would take some type of metal bar or steel and lean it against the workpiece and let it touch the floor then the arc would become stable again because anything that's electronic has the capability , unless altered in some type of way, of building up static electricity, so even though it might seem a bit laborious to some to do so I have found that with my Les Paul, if after playing a few songs, if I turn my volume all the way off and touch each terminal with a penny real fast, it doesn't take but a moment to do so, just a few seconds, then I can turn the volume back up and start playing and it's much more louder and clearer, try it sometime after playing a few songs if you feel like things are getting lower with your volume , just touch each terminal with a penny or nickel, it will relieve the static electricity that is built up and your guitar will sound a whole lot better

[@jimmymontoro9062]

Excellent video, very informative. I like the "hi fi" tone of the emgs on the Lester, and the lack of background noise is great too.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thank you very much Jimmy!

[@pieter-basbeijer5781]

Hi there. Which one goes in the neck position? 60AX neck, 60a bridge? I have an ES-335 with active pickups (search for ES-335 showcase edition). I'd rather rip em out and go for passives, but changing electronics is a pain in the ass. I might just replace the pickups.

[@madmod]

They can be flipped around. I've mixed and matched my 81/85 combo and I really do prefer the 81 in the neck. I'd almost go as far to say an 81/81 would be a perfect set for heavier blues while still being able to get purely clean tones with no hum or noise which is awesome in a semi hollowbody.

[@Scottatore]

I have EMG in two guitars. I have spoken with Allison twice. Both times she took a long time to explain my options. A class act, very professional.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Allison is great! I have spoken with her as well. Thanks for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel. Best wishes, BH

[@CuevO2023]

9.35 min - 10.08 min ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@stephenrochester6309]

Green Les Paul looks awesome IMO. Better without the pickguard :)

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Great video...EMG are the best. Great playing. The EMG sounds great.

[@GoDrex]

I had some guitars with this issue. it was caused by either the electronics cavity plastic plate, or on other guitars, the pickguard. The solution is to use the copper tape on those parts and ground them. Problem solved.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

I'm glad it works for you. My experiences are different from yours. Peace.

[@cbftoan01]

For the money Gibson charges, there shouldn't be any crackle or tuning problems.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

I agree with you. Once I have invested in them though, I had to do something, therefore the video with the answers I proposed. Since I've found a solution for these problems, although an extra cost, I'm pretty well set for Les Paul's therefore no more need for additional cost to fix problems. I hope this helps, all the best, BH

[@albertoandrespincolini2444]

what emg model is,

[@chrisr0lltdasr]

I had Issues with my Kramer Assault 220 FR, it had a Issue with Grounding Somehow. It was Always Buzzing and it was not Acceptable for me. So the Guitar was Black Red and i wanted Red Pickups. So i Replaced the Stock Alnico V ones with a EMG GTV Set. I was so Impressed how Quiet they are and Love the Sound. Now all of my Guitar's Have EMG's 😊 Happy to See others Having same Issues. And with Gibson's in Terms what you Pay for the Brand. It's not Acceptable to have these Issues.. how you say: Crackle 🫣

[@klaymeister]

I wasn't really familiar with the 60x pickup. It sounds similar to a single coil here! Love it

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Klaymeister ... Great! Thanks for watching my videos! All the best, BH

[@cdnpunk2270]

Please don't hang your guitar on your shoulder when sitting. This causes major back problems down the road.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

ok

[@daveduffy2823]

Interesting. I have the same green LP Classic and I don’t have any static issues. However, on my LP Less +, I get all kinds of static. This guitar has PCBs in it, so I wonder if it is those boards that are the culprit, and not the wiring.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

I don't know. I can only report on my experiences. In any case, removing and replacing the pickups with the EMG's took care of the problems. I have 5 Les Pauls and they all did it to one degree or another, some worse than others. There are lots of videos on KZbin that show people having the same issue with their Gibson's so I know I'm not the only one. All the best, BH

[@davidallen346]

EMGs always sounds good in Gibson les paul guitars for some reason or other

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

They've worked for me!

[@CorvetteCoonass]

I love how much the Les Paul sounds like a Telecaster now. All you need now is an SPC control and you'll have the most versatile Les Paul ever!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Sound good to me!

[@RA-xx4mz]

Holy cow. I have a Gibson LP Studio and my clean does not sound as amazing as yours. I’m glad I found this video. Really making me think about putting EMGs on my LP.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Whatever you choose to do, I hope it works out for you. The EMG's worked out for me! All the best, BH

[@MarkDaniels2787]

Try the 24volt mod 😊 its like taking a weighted blanket off your cabinet 😂

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep your thoughts in mind.

[@exirgames5235]

Very nice informative useful video, thanks.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks much! I really appreciate your nice words! All the best, BH

[@carlwilson4375]

Those pickups sound great.

[@theelittlestbird]

i believe you.

[@Wayne-i5s]

That's a BEAUTIFUL GUITAR!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello @user-mr7hr9qi6z ... ! Sorry this is so late but thanks for your nice words. Thanks also for watching, liking and subscribing! All the best, BH

[@coldsmokepwrstroke]

Emg hz?

[@alexc2680]

Great video and thank you man!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Alex! Thanks also for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel! All the best to you and yours! BH

[@bobless5517]

Cool! Very Interesting idea! Put battery block to the back cover. And... good music! :-) Thanks from Siberia!

[@smen407]

Beautifull!!

[@Voltage335]

You Rock!!! Cheers from Oz!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Cheers from the USA back to Oz!

[@PoJoWo]

I've been considering going active for a while, for various reasons... Firstly the ability to turn down without losing highs, and secondly for the reduced shock hazard afforded by not having a string ground. I've enjoyed many of your videos and your playing and just wanted to thank you and subscribe. Do you have any material on your site regards your approach to harmony etc? Cheers from the UK!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks PoJoWo! Nice to hear from you in the UK. I have many other guitar playing friends there and so if it's OK with you, I'd like to consider you among them. The active EMG's that I speak about in the videos are the answer to several noise related problems ... excellent tone as well. As I've indicated in the videos, I don't have any connection to EMG other than I like and use their products. Thanks for watching my videos and for subscribing. As far as harmony in concerned, I don't know that I have any particular rules about it ... I guess my approach is ... whatever sounds good! Generally though, harmony notes that I come up with are from parallel scales a major or minor third distant from whatever note(s) I need harmonies for ... if that makes any sense. Let me know if there is anything further I can do for you. Don't hesitate to ask. All my best, BH

[@PoJoWo]

Bobby Howe Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Yes you may absolutely count me a friend and a fan. Up until two years ago when I had a cardiac arrest due to a rare heart condition (hence the shock fear, I have an implant defib I don't want to upset I'm already on my second) I was making my living teaching and playing, and I have great admiration for your approach, content and style. I can't think of a you tube channel comparable. I'm a big fan of Jerry Reed and his choice of chords and Harmonic approach and I'd put you in the same vein sir, if you don't mind. Growing up playing folk music and being trained classically it took me a long time to get the progressions of the American songbook into my ears and fingers. Now, things sound awfully vanilla to me if they don't incorporate some of that. It's funny how we change. Anyway, I'm waffling, the 60 format seems to be the most likely model I'd go for. I like my low strings to maintain some definition and I think the wider aperture, or steel poled models are a little too fat for me. You can always role some definition off, I feel, but it's hard to put it where it isn't. My main les Paul special has duncan antiquity p90s on which are wonderful pickups but the noise and treble loss when backing the volume down are significant. I have a friend with a passive pickup business that makes pickups as good as anyone's that I'm proud to use on some guitars, but practicalities sometimes dictate another approach is needed for other scenarios. All the very best to you and yours and once again thankyou for your response.

[@RayLawrenceJrMUSIC]

These EMG's are great sounding, I like their tone. The EMG Revelation set for a Les Paul is the tone I am drawn to and they are passive. I like the ZERO GLIDE nuts for all guitars and stainless steel frets. But that is my choice. Sweet sounding guitar you have.

[@wakabakaful]

Amazing video! I was wondering regarding the Gibson selector/quick connect: it comes with 5 wires (2 black ones), but the EMG battery buss only require 4 cables (1 black cable). Which of the 2 black cables are you supposed to use with the EMG battery buss? Thanks!

[@jconner3891]

I have had the Gibson Les Paul modern for a couple years. Well too Les Paul’s. I’m thinking about putting in the emg het set. I hate the BB’s I love emgs in my esp eclipse. And Jim root jazz American.

[@muddycarolina4403]

Hey Bobby, Do you recall what part number/model of Schaller tuning machines you installed on your LP.?...I own a 2020 LP Standard and also would like to upgrade from the Grover tuners.

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

I am about to go to the same path! Great clean sounds!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Great! I hope it works out for you!

[@jesussavesrick]

I love your videos, especially about Emg‘s. Please don’t take this the wrong way because I appreciate all your comments about installation, sound, and that sort of thing, but I wish your videos contained longer segments of playing as well. Really enjoy your videos, thank you!

[@1974zah]

Well done video. I always like it when folks who do videos like this actually know how to play and take the time to tune their guitar. The 60s seem to give an almost acoustic quality to your guitar. It's not a sound for me. I generally prefer passive pickups, but I have 81/85 combo in one of my Les Pauls that sounds great for when I want that active sound.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello 1974zah, Thanks for your note and thanks for watching my videos. I'm glad you've found a combination that works for you. All the best, BH

[@1974zah]

@@BobbyHoweGuitar right on! Your playing is on point BTW.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

@@1974zah ;-)

[@guitarstalkandtech9085]

Those EMGs look great in that beautiful Gibson!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks! I think so too!

[@nmnmnm9509]

emg is great for jazz (and metal) But why not use the models that look like Gibson pickups? You can have a classic hamburger with emg sound.

[@SO-bp2uc]

Have you tried EMG retro active pickups? They are a more traditional tone, but are still active.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

I have not but I'll keep them in mind.

[@SO-bp2uc]

@@BobbyHoweGuitaryea, you should definitely try to get your hands on a pair to test out. Especially considering your guitars are already set up for EMGs.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks for the tip. BH@@SO-bp2uc

[@techsinthecity4459]

Sweet Bro Thanks

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

You are very welcome! Thanks!

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Wow the X’s definitely sound clearer than the original models! Guessing they use more modern op amps in their pre amps.

[@brutalslam8443]

I've experienced this with my 2010 Gibson Flying V 67 reissue in cherry finish. My 1986 Les Paul Studio Standard has never exhibited the issue.

[@K3vinK]

Funny enough, dryer sheets would have probably worked. Temporarily anyhow.

[@jessecollins2410]

My Gibson les paul special in TV yellow crackles when you move down the neck. That has no finish on it though just paint.

[@matthewbarger4592]

i don't know if i will install active pups how ever im interested in the bridge and machines. im not really a guitar player, most of my experience is on drums for about 35 years, all styles. how ever the last few years ive been wanting to be more creative so i decided to play guitar. not knowing what kind of guitar i would eventually choose i compromised a bit and purchased a Mexican strat and a Epiphone Les Paul. my question is would the bridge and machines you used on the Les Paul fit the Epiphone?

[@alexhuevera939]

bounty dryer sheets works for a while

[@vhsreclaimed1998]

Fantastic video

[@fender4brad]

Learn something every day. I think I’ve had 6 Gibsons, never had a crackle, thank goodness. I would have thought it was ground problem. Beautiful Guitar!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks fender4brad! I appreciate your nice words. Thanks also for watching and liking my videos and for subscribing to my channel. I hope to catch you again. All the best, BH

[@carlwilson4375]

To remove the knobs I used a rag. No need for a wrench the rag will give you plenty to grip onto. You just grab the rag and pull straight up.

[@carlwilson4375]

I did not use washers, I installed a nut on the other side of the post.

[@sladeoriginal]

I wonder where the Gibson tuners and bridges are made.

[@joelgaribay7868]

Dude your video is insane man

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

what a great sounding clean guitar,, you could sit in with les paul any time,, so what emg's are they?

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Dan! The EMG's are the 60X and 60AX models. I simply called up EMG and told them I wanted a clean sound, one for the bridge pickup, one for the neck pickup. These are what they recommended. I hope that helps, best wishes. BH

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

im a dirty blues rocker,, but i thought id ask 4 awl them clean picking and jazzy jazers out there,, i do not think any of them could argue with your tone. i did play a emg 81 for 10 years in METAL!!! music,

[@matdemaz]

​@@BobbyHoweGuitar I think the 89X is able to do single-coil voicing, so it would be great for cleans. I found that pickup to be the most useful in the neck.

[@PageandPlant4Life]

awesome playing.. but those sound sterile in my opinion

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks for your compliment. The intention is to get a clean sound. For those who want a grunge sound or a gritty sound (or something else), it can be achieved by using their effects pedal. I don't see how one can get a clean sound by starting with pickups that don't provide that in the first place. Just my way of going about it. Best, BH

[@lal2235]

I wish I have money for many les pauls

[@Harpblues]

Hi Bobby, great video. I have had EMG:s before and I will try those again. 👍

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks and thanks for watching my videos! all the best, BH

[@martin5940]

Thank you mr. Howe, I like your explanatory video. You made juwels of your guitars and that`s what I think of guitars too. i am learning to rock and like to play some classical music also. I improvise or play along becourse I don`t reed note`s. it doesn`t matter I am getting better at it, just like guitars and want to know everything about them.

[@colinmct]

Great video! I’m on the same journey right now and there are many videos about EMG pickups but the majority of them are tailored to metal and hard rock. May I ask what drew you to the specific model of EMG’s you purchased?

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks colinmct! Thanks for watching my videos! If you haven''t already, please subscribe and hit the thumbs up button. I appreciate it. I called EMG and asked which set they would recommend to get a clean sound. They recommended the 60X and 60AX set. My philosophy is that when one starts with a clean sound, they can use effects afterwards to get any sound they want but if one starts with pickups that are already flavored with any particular sound, a clean sound cannot be had. That's how I see it. All the best, BH

[@silveradoLG]

EMG is the way to go. They sound much better than the stock pickups.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks! I've always had good luck with EMG's. Thanks, in advance, for subscribing to my KZbin channel! All the best, BH

[@joselomeli1403]

There's no sound coming out from my emg....any idea why?

[@demarcusp359]

Put batteries in it

[@MrDream-zm1pw]

It sounds like it has Nylon strings. Great sound

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Mr. Dream! Please subscribe and hit the thumbs up button! I thank you, in advance. All the best, BH

[@50CJAZZ]

Cool Bobby. Thanks for posting.

[@jondavis3582]

i have a LP studio 1992 with 81/85 it was the best investment ive made for it.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Jonathan, I'm glad you've found a solution that works for you! All the best! BH

[@sladeoriginal]

About $300-$400 in upgrades?

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Ballpark ... yes.

[@beatlejuice5951]

You know they have silver and gold covers for emgs right?

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Yes I do. I just bought another set of EMG's in chrome. Thanks for watching. All the best, BH

[@bubuli]

ok this is cool and all...but is changing pickups really "less laborious" than lining copper on the electronics cover as shown in kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWOzoIOQbrSWg6M also at 6:43, did you buy the pickups or were they supplied by EMG? i think you have to be clear if this is sponsored or not because your vague description WRT your correspondences with EMG appears to me that they gave you the pickups. it's not so much about the YT policies and what not, but i think you owe it to anyone watching this video on being transparent about this information.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

If you'd have watched the video and payed attention and not been so quick to jump down my throat, you'd have known that I said that I don't get anything from EMG that I didn't pay for. I payed for everything I got from them out of my own pocket. EMG didn't supply me with anything that I didn't pay for. And, as far as I'm concerned, it is less laborious than lining the guitar cavities with copper foil. Furthermore, the intent of all this information is to provide an answer that is virtually guaranteed to work, as opposed to something that possibly will work but may need to be revisited more than once. In other words, maybe the person lining the guitar cavities with copper foil missed something that would mean having to take the guitar all apart again to fix it. Next time check your facts before going ballistic. Even if you were unclear about it, you could have simply asked me via this comments section if the pickups were provided by EMG or not and it would have been much easier. Evidently, you think that everyone is out to deceive you.

[@bubuli]

@@BobbyHoweGuitar re: 1st question...i asked because after watching the whole thing, changing electronics/parts appears to be more labor intensive but hey maybe "your mileage may vary" applies here: for some changing electronics is easier ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. as for the 2nd statement...well, i did watch the entire video and i stand corrected if you did pay for the pickups it's just that i didn't catch that information...but yeah that's on me.

[@misterblack6521]

is Dan Earlywine your brother? lol

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Not to my knowledge! LOL But I know he has an impressive looking guitar repair shop in OH.

[@rack52]

what kind of emgs? 85

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

60X & 60AX

[@theelittlestbird]

bruh, you are so cool. i love it.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hello Scooby Doo, thanks for your nice words and thanks for watching my videos! Please subscribe to my KZbin channel! Best regards, BH

[@davidpignatore6532]

Btw, they make a back plate for Les Paul with the battery compartment built in. FYI.

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

David, thanks for watching my videos! I didn't know that about the LP back plate with battery compartment. Good info, thanks for the tip! All the best, BH

[@davidpignatore6532]

No problem. Hope it helps for future pickup swaps.

[@Juaniguitarra86]

beautiful clean tones

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Juan! All the best to you and yours! BH

[@lunkercarp]

You definitely turned me off to buying a Gibson....I have the Epiphone Tribute Plus and have never had any of those issues or any other for that matter....sorry for you woes.!

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Hi Robert. Thanks for watching my video, I have many more videos on my channel, I hope you'll watch. The end result of all these improvements was to take a guitar with issues and eliminate those issues. I guess it would apply more to people who've already invested in a Gibson. I too have an Epi ... a Les Paul with a gloss Arctic White painted finish. No crackle problems. I'm sorry the video had this effect on you. My intent was to show people what to do to correct their problems. Now that I've made these improvements to my guitar, I wouldn't trade it for any other guitar. It's a keeper for me. After I investing in the tuning machines, pickups and bridge, I'm out an extra (approx) $315. I admit, nobody wants to spend the extra money but for me, if it means having a guitar I love, then I would, and did spend it. Best wishes to you and yours, I hope we will connect again. BH

[@lunkercarp]

Bobby Howe understand your point...but at the cost of a Gibson....these problem s should not exist. I also like working on guitars, but if its because problems of the manufacturer ...no way. I to do upgrades, but not because of inferior parts @ nothing against you honestly I just despise shotty craftsmanship!!!!

[@RavenMadd9]

love your video

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks!

[@budgrzo3361]

Sounds great

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Bud! All the best! BH

[@michel333100]

Hi Bob, I 've been playing guitar since I was a kid in 1965. Love your your jazzy playing, absolutely fabulous. One thing that I have found about amps and guitars over the years is that, there are a million problems that always arise with amps and guitars. If I had back all of money that I've spent on guitars and amps , I'd be rich today. The biggest problem I have had over the years is valves in my amps. They're always going south. One day my amps will sound good and the next will be humming. There seems to always be something. The crackling that you spoke of with Gibson pickups crackling, is this the sound you are referring to, where when you touch the guitars metal parts It's silent, grounding it in other words and the minute you take your hands away the buzz comes back? I just wanted to mentions a note. Apparently a guy by the name of Dave Stephens out in Portland, Oregon makes exact authentic PAF pickups. He spent years working for EMG pickups, promoting them and their company. In my opinion this guy really knows his shit. I love how those pickups are so quiet especially for jazz. I'm also curious about what amp you use. I love jazz, but I am also a big blues player. I bought some Tom Holmes pickups years ago in 1995 before he really got known. He sold me a couple of sets of his pickups for a mere $250.00 a set. Now these pickups are going anywhere from 800.00USD to $1000.00. To be honest, my guitars still have them in the guitars but I honestly don't see where all the hype comes from about these pickups. Don't get me wrong, the pickups sound fine, but not phenomenal like people would have you believe. For me personally, if they weren't so bloody expensive, I would buy a set of Wizz , Throbak, or Dave Stephen's design pickups. But like I said it becomes an elusive quest persuing sound and tone. For your jazz style of playing, I think these pickups are perfect, but if you listen to Dave Stephen play Clapton blues through his pickups, there are no substitutes.. Thanks very much for your videos. Wish I had your talent playing jazz like that. Thanks from Michael Newell from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

[@BobbyHoweGuitar]

Thanks Michael for your nice words and for sharing your experiences and observations. Nice to hear from you in Niagra Falls, ON. The amp I now use is a Peavey XR600F powered mixer which are no longer made. I am a fan of Peavey having used them for over 35 years. I'm more of a solid-state guy. No bad vibes towards those who like tubes, I'm just not one of them. IMHO, tubes are expensive, they need changing periodically and they can perform differently based on temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure. Amps that use tubes are generally heavier owing to the transformers required to operate them. I feel hat with pedals or other tone shaping equipment, one can get the crunch, distortion or other effects they need. I realize that there are those whose opinion will differ from mine but they are free to be in their camp, I'm free to be in mine. I wish them well. I'm constantly looking for the perfect guitar, aren't we all? Pickups, amps, bridges, etc. The guitar I've been spending a lot of time with lately is a USA Tele. I've been turned on to Ted Greene and Tim Lerch. Check them out. And by the way, two of the greatest guitar players ever were from Canada: Lenny Breau and Ed Bickert. Ed played a Tele. I've recently moved from lighter guage 9-42's to to 11-49's. Quite a difference. Heavier strings allow me to operate with a straighter neck and less string buzz. I don't really notice any more difficulty in playing. I may even go to 12-52's to see what happens. As far a string bending is concerned, I bend minimally. As far as the Gibson crackle, it's like static electricity from back in the day when people pulled clothes from the dryer that held a static charge. One could run their finger down the finish of the guitar, on the body or on the neck and like Rice Krispies, snapping, crackling and popping was very unpleasantly greeting you from your speaker or amplifier output. Recording anything under these conditions was out-of-the-question. It didn't matter if any other part of your body was touching anything metal or not. That was my experience anyway. I hope some of this makes some sense. It was nice to chat with you. Don't be a stranger, I always enjoy talking about the guitar with fellow guitar enthusiasts. My e-mail is [e-mail]. All the best, BH