EMG DG-20 - User Manual

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Summary

Installation Notes

Battery Replacement

Instructions on how to lift the pickguard and replace the battery.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The EMG DG-20, also known as the "Pro-Series Assembly," is a pre-wired pickguard system designed for electric guitars, famously used by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd since 1985. This comprehensive system integrates three EMG-SA Pickups, a 5-position selection switch, and two specialized accessory circuits: the EXG Guitar Expander and the SPC Presence Control. The entire assembly is designed for easy installation onto Strat*-Style guitars, requiring minimal tools.

Function Description:

The core function of the DG-20 is to provide a versatile and high-performance electronic setup for an electric guitar, enhancing its tonal capabilities and playability.

EMG-SA Pickups: These are active single-coil pickups featuring Alnico bar magnets. Their design is optimized for smooth string bending and exceptional sustain, delivering a clear and articulate tone characteristic of active pickups. The active nature of these pickups means they have a built-in preamplifier, which provides a higher output, lower noise floor, and consistent tone regardless of cable length.
5-Position Selection Switch: This standard switch allows the player to select different combinations of the three SA pickups, offering a range of tonal options. Typical configurations include:
- Position 1: Bridge pickup only
- Position 2: Bridge and Middle pickups
- Position 3: Middle pickup only
- Position 4: Middle and Neck pickups
- Position 5: Neck pickup only
EXG Guitar Expander: This accessory circuit acts as a tone-shaping control that boosts both low and high frequencies. When turned clockwise, it expands the frequency range, making the sound fuller and more vibrant. When turned counter-clockwise, it is fully bypassed, allowing the natural pickup tone to pass through. This control is particularly useful for achieving a scooped midrange sound or for adding sparkle and depth to the guitar's output.
SPC Presence Control: This circuit is a mid-boost designed to enhance the mid-range response of the instrument. Turning the SPC control clockwise increases the presence and punch in the midrange, which can help the guitar cut through a mix or provide a fatter, more vocal tone. Like the EXG, it is fully bypassed when turned counter-clockwise.

Together, these components offer a wide palette of sounds, from clean and shimmering to powerful and articulate, making the DG-20 a versatile choice for various musical genres.

Important Technical Specifications:

The DG-20 system, with its SA Pickups and accessory circuits, boasts several key technical specifications that contribute to its performance:

Logo Color: Gold – A cosmetic detail indicating the specific series or model.
Magnet Type: Alnico – Known for its balanced tone, good sustain, and dynamic response.
Resonant Frequency (KHz): 4.45 KHz – This indicates the frequency at which the pickup naturally resonates, influencing its tonal character. A higher resonant frequency generally means a brighter tone.
Output Voltage (String): 1.00 Volt – The typical output voltage when a single string is played.
Output Voltage (Strum): 1.50 Volt – The typical output voltage when multiple strings are strummed, indicating the system's dynamic range and power.
Output Noise (60 Hz): -91 dB – A very low noise floor, characteristic of active pickups, which helps maintain signal clarity, especially in high-gain situations or with long cable runs. This figure represents the noise level at 60 Hz, a common frequency for hum.
Output Impedance (Ohm/System): 2000 Ohms – A relatively low output impedance, which is typical for active systems. Low output impedance allows for consistent tone over long cable lengths and direct connection to various audio equipment without significant signal degradation.
Current @9V (Milliamps/Complete System): 1.20 mA – The total current draw of the entire system when powered by a 9-volt battery. This low current draw contributes to excellent battery life.
Battery Life (Hours): 200 Hours – An impressive battery life, ensuring many hours of playing before a battery change is needed.
Supply (Volts DC): 9 Volts – The standard operating voltage for the active electronics.
Filter Frequency (EXG): Low / High: 45Hz / 4.5KHz – The EXG circuit boosts frequencies starting from 45 Hz (low end) and extending up to 4.5 KHz (high end).
Filter Frequency (SPC): Mid: 600Hz – The SPC circuit focuses its boost around the 600 Hz frequency range, targeting the crucial midrange frequencies.

Usage Features:

The DG-20 is designed for straightforward integration and intuitive use:

Pre-wired Assembly: The entire system comes pre-wired on a pickguard, significantly simplifying the installation process. This means all pickups, controls, and switches are already connected, reducing the need for complex soldering.
Compatibility: It is specifically designed to fit "Strat*-Style" guitars, making it a popular upgrade for many Fender Stratocaster and similar models.
Intuitive Controls: The EXG and SPC controls operate like standard potentiometers. Turning them clockwise increases their effect (boost), while turning them counter-clockwise bypasses them, allowing for quick and easy tonal adjustments during performance.
Active Electronics Benefits: The active nature of the pickups and circuits provides several advantages:
- Consistent Tone: Less susceptible to signal degradation from long cable runs or varying input impedances of amplifiers.
- Low Noise: Significantly reduces hum and other unwanted noise, crucial for clean recordings and live performances.
- High Output: Drives amplifiers more effectively, providing a stronger signal without necessarily increasing gain on the amplifier.
- Extended Frequency Response: The active preamp allows for a wider and flatter frequency response compared to many passive pickups.

Maintenance Features:

Maintenance for the DG-20 system is primarily focused on battery management and general care:

Battery Power: The system operates on a 9-volt DC supply, typically from a standard 9V battery. The low current draw ensures a long battery life of approximately 200 hours.
Battery Replacement: The manual provides clear instructions for battery replacement. To change the battery, the user needs to remove four screws surrounding the controls, gently lift the pickguard, and then replace the battery. This process is designed to be relatively simple and can be performed by the user.
Battery Holder Compatibility: For instruments equipped with a 9 or 18 Volt battery holder, the EMG Connectors can still be used to supply power. This involves cutting and stripping the wires from the provided battery clip, twisting them together with the battery holder wires, and covering the connections with shrink tubing (soldering is preferred for a more secure connection).
Durability and Warranty: All EMG Pickups and accessories come with a two-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover failures due to improper installation, abuse, or damage. If a pickup is determined to be defective upon examination, a replacement will be provided. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to products sold by authorized EMG Dealers. This commitment to quality ensures reliability and peace of mind for the user.
Troubleshooting: The installation instructions include a step to test the system before fully screwing down the pickguard. This involves plugging the guitar into an amp, turning up the volume, and tapping on the pickups with a metallic screwdriver to ensure each pickup is working. This proactive step helps identify and resolve any installation issues early.

In summary, the EMG DG-20 Pro-Series Assembly offers a professional-grade, pre-wired solution for guitarists seeking to upgrade their instrument with versatile active electronics, renowned for their clear tone, low noise, and powerful output, all within a user-friendly and maintainable package.

EMG DG-20 Specifications

General

Brand	EMG
Model	DG-20
Category	Music Equipment
Language	English

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