EMG 57 - User Manual

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Warranty

All EMG Pickups and accessories are warranted for a period of two years. This warranty does not cover failure due to improper installation, abuse or damage. If

upon examination the pickup is determined to be defective, a replacement will be made. Warranty replacement products are covered by this same warranty. This

warranty covers only those pickups and accessories sold by authorized EMG Dealers. This warranty is not transferable.

PO BOX 4394

SANTA ROSA, CA

95402 USA

P (707) 525-9941

F (707) 575-7046

EMGPICKUPS.COM

0230-XXXX

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

EMG MODEL: 57 PICKUP

**Note: Magnet Type: A (Alnico)

*Note: Logo Color is not distinguished on the 57 Pickup

Installation notes:

All EMG Pickups are compatible with each other. The connector system is an easy method of installation, avoiding the need to solder.

EMG accessories like the VLPF, EXG, SPC or RPC Controls can be added to any EMG Pickup System without the need for an extra battery.

SPECIFICATIONS: MODEL:

Logo Color* White

Magnet Type** A

Resonant Frequency (KHz) 2.11

Output Voltage (String) 3.00

Output Voltage (Strum) 4.50

Output Noise (60 Hz) -100

Output Impedance (Kohm) 10

Current @9V (Microamps) (Set) 160

Battery Life (Hours) (Set) 1500

Maximum Supply (Volts DC) (Set) 27

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES:

1) Only one 9-Volt battery is required to power the pickups and any

accessories such as the SPC, RPC, EXG, AB, PA-2, and Pi-2.

Use an Alkaline or Lithium battery for longest life.

2) The Volume and Tone Controls included with this EMG System are

25K Ohm. This value is required for the system to work correctly.

3) A stereo output jack (12B) is included with the EMG Pickups;

it grounds the black battery wire to turn on the pickups when

the plug is inserted into the jack. If you are replacing passive

pickups, make sure to use the jack included. If your guitar has a

long panel jack (see Page 3, bottom), make sure it is a stereo

type, a Switchcraft 152B is recommended.

4) When installing EMG Active Pickups, DO NOT connect the bridge

ground wire. This wire is usually soldered to

a Volume or Tone

Control casing and goes to the bridge. This wire grounds the

strings and uses them and your body as a shield against hum and

buzz. It also creates a shock hazard.

EMG Pickups are shielded internally and DO NOT require string

grounding. This greatly reduces the possibility of reverse

polarity shock from microphones and other equipment.

5) EMG Active Pickups have very little ma

gnetism compared to

passive pickups. We recommend you adjust the pickups as

close to the strings as possible. Sustain and string movement

will not be inhibited by close adjustment.

6) If your installation is different from the diagrams in these

instructions or you need additional diagrams visit our website:

emgpickups.com for a complete listing of available diagrams.

7) SPECIAL NOTE:

The diagrams shown are for EMG Active Pickups.

All diagrams show the Red Wire coming from the pickups

connected to the battery. If you are installing EMG-HZ

Passive Pickups refer to their diagrams. The Red Wire of

the HZ Pickup is NOT for battery power, it is a coil wire.

2.75

1.50

3.08

3/48 MOUNTING HOLES

.900

.735

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Summary

EMG 57 Pickup Overview

Pickup Specifications

Details key electrical and physical characteristics of the EMG 57 pickup, including magnet type and output ratings.

Installation Notes

Provides general guidance on pickup compatibility and the use of accessories with EMG systems.

Important Installation Tips

Highlights critical advice for a successful and safe installation, including battery use and grounding.

Warranty Information

Outlines the terms and conditions of the product warranty, including coverage and limitations.

Installation Instructions

General Notes

Covers general advice for solderless installation and output jack compatibility requirements.

Tips and Tricks for Installation

Provides preparatory steps and best practices before beginning the wiring process.

Two Pickup Wiring (Toggle Switch)

Details wiring procedures for guitars with two pickups and a toggle select switch using the B157 Pickup Buss.

Two Pickup Wiring Configurations

Two Pickups, Toggle Switch, 2 Volumes & Master Tone

Wiring instructions for a dual-pickup setup with independent volumes and a master tone control.

Wiring to 152 B Panel Jack

Specific soldering instructions for connecting the output cable to a long panel output jack.

Connecting to Battery Holder

Guidance on connecting EMG pickups to an existing 9 or 18 Volt battery holder.

Advanced Wiring Scenarios

Two Pickups, Toggle Switch, 2 Volumes & 2 Tones

Wiring guide for a dual-pickup setup with independent volume and tone controls for each pickup.

Soldering to the In;Out Buss

Instructions for soldering older EMG pickups without connectors to the In/Out Buss.

Soldering to the V+ Buss

Guidance on soldering connections to the V+ Buss for supplying power to pickups.

The EMG Model 57 Pickup is an active guitar pickup designed for electric guitars, offering a solderless installation system for ease of use. It is compatible with all other EMG Pickups and accessories, such as the VLPF, EXG, SPC, or RPC Controls, without requiring an additional battery.

Function Description:

The EMG 57 Pickup is designed to capture string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and shaped by the guitar's electronics and amplifier. As an active pickup, it incorporates a built-in preamplifier that provides a high-output, low-noise signal, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. The pickup's design aims to deliver a balanced tone with clarity and punch. The solderless connector system simplifies installation, allowing users to easily integrate the pickup into their guitar's existing setup or combine it with other EMG components. The inclusion of a stereo output jack is crucial for active systems, as it grounds the battery wire when a plug is inserted, activating the pickups.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: 57
Logo Color: White
Magnet Type: Alnico (A)
Resonant Frequency: 2.11 KHz
Output Voltage (String): 3.00
Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50
Output Noise (60 Hz): -100
Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
Current (@9V, Set): 160 Microamps
Battery Life (Set): 1500 Hours
Maximum Supply (Volts DC, Set): 27

Usage Features:

Solderless Installation: The primary feature is the solderless connector system, which simplifies installation and modification. While most installations are solderless, some specific scenarios (e.g., long panel output jacks, certain selection switches, or existing battery holders) may require soldering.
Compatibility: Fully compatible with all other EMG Pickups and accessories, allowing for flexible system configurations.
Active System: Requires a 9-Volt battery for operation. Only one battery is needed to power the pickups and any connected accessories. Alkaline or Lithium batteries are recommended for longer life.
Output Jack: Includes a stereo output jack (12B) that grounds the black battery wire, activating the pickups when a plug is inserted. For guitars with a long panel jack, a Switchcraft 152B stereo jack is recommended, which may require soldering.
Shielding: EMG Active Pickups are internally shielded and do not require string grounding. This design significantly reduces the possibility of reverse polarity shock from microphones and other equipment, as well as hum and buzz.
Pickup Adjustment: Due to their low magnetism compared to passive pickups, EMG Active Pickups can be adjusted very close to the strings without inhibiting sustain or string movement. This allows for optimal output and tone.
Control Compatibility: Designed to work with 25K Ohm Volume and Tone Controls, which are included with the EMG System.
Battery Holder Integration: If the instrument has an existing 9 or 18 Volt battery holder, EMG connectors can still be used to supply power. This involves cutting and stripping the battery clip wires and connecting them to the EMG system, preferably with soldering and shrink tubing for insulation.
Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive diagrams are provided for various wiring configurations, including single pickup, two pickups with toggle select switch, master volume and tone, independent volumes, and different output jack types. Specific instructions are given for connecting to the B157 Pickup Buss, which facilitates solderless wiring for multiple pickups.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Life: The pickup boasts an impressive battery life of 1500 hours (set), minimizing the frequency of battery changes.
Warranty: All EMG Pickups and accessories are warranted for a period of two years against defects due to improper installation, abuse, or damage. If a pickup is determined to be defective upon examination, a replacement will be made. This warranty covers products sold by authorized EMG Dealers and is not transferable.
Internal Shielding: The internal shielding helps protect the pickup from external interference, contributing to its longevity and consistent performance.