One big difference between the EMGs and the Dimarzios is pot size.
Mechanically the EMG pots fit perfectly, as they are quite small. I had to dremel the control cavity a little for the huge DiMarzio-recommended pots (EP1200 series) to make it fit.
The EMGs are all 250k, while DiMarzio recommends 500k (except tone, here it is 250k too).
Funny thing is, that the EMG pots “feel” cheap compared to the Dimarzio, when turning the knob. Also, you can also turn the EMGs for a very short way. The EP1200 has a long turning angle (or what is it called?).
I just did a complete setup of both basses to get them to the same spec. Both basses are exactly the same, except colour and pickups.
The hiss is gone, but I think the hiss was mainly due to some remaing issues with my f#cking house/network/usb cabling ( I have sometimes a noise/hiss issue when USB and network cables are both plugged in - very strange!).
So I played my next planned cover on both basses, and:
both the DiMarzio and EMG are substantially better than the stock China pickup on the Harley Benton MV-4MSB. The difference is so significant, that I really don’t get how Thomann can sell an otherwise great bass with such devaluating pickups. With the stock pickups, the bass fought with the rest of the band - and lost. Just couldn’t push through in the mix, especially when going low.
Both pickups show no hiss or hum!
The DiMarzio DP126 seems to have a warmer, deeper sound - which I like very much! It’s exactly what I was going for. Very happy!
The EMG GZR seems to have a more “cultivated” and precise tone. It does not emphasize the lower fequencies, but in a good way. It adds some harmonics, which I very much appreciate. I also like this tone very much - which was unexpected.
I still don’t get how such a simple/cheap technology as a pickup (= coil & magnets) can be so diferent in terms of quality and price. My girlfriend told me to get into making pickups myself, if I think it’s so simple.
Don’t know yet, but I find it an interesting project…
Summary: I am very happy to have invested in both solutions!
One more thing: I slowly start to appreciate the Jazz pickup on PJ. With just the right amount of volume, it adds a little “dirt” and makes the sound so much more interesting! Of course, precision must rule them all!
I asked the same question on zzzeee ZZeeerrmaaan forum and some advised alcohol based leather dye. This seems to be even better than water based.
I still haven’t decided, as:
Applying leather dye is a mess
I need to find out about possible negative side effects on the wood.
I need to understand how it will respond to the binding and fret markers. Of course I will tape it, but Murphys law always applies: what can go wrong will go wrong…
Yep - that’s what zzee Zzzerman forum also said. Not gonna do that - I’m kind of exhausted from all the exciting stuff that could go totally wrong in the last few days.
I will darken the fretboard, as I cannot unsee that is too light, but I will go for a fool proof solution, even if it’s not as dark as I want it to be…
That was my next idea.
Though I made a cut the Potentiometer Sleeves so it fitted - and it was still wobbling.
Maybe the spilt shaft gets pressed together when the screw in the knob gets tightened?
If so, I would possibly put some solder in the gap to prevent that?!
But in my opionion it is better suited for songs where the bass is kind of clearly audible.
The EMGs sound a little more aggressive in those scenarios, but have no issues making themselves heared in “busy” songs.
And again: with a short scale and Drop D, the DiMarzios completely loose the battle against the EMGs.
Both are great, both are completely different. If I had to choose one, I would keep the EMG GZR as it can be used in more styles.
If EMG is a Porsche 911, the Dimarzio is an Aston Martin DB12…
(In terms of cars I would always choose Aston Martin though…)
